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ometimes social interactions can be so exhausting that you’d rather cozy up in solitude, far away from the hustle and bustle of people. This affects both introverts and extroverts as even the bubbliest of individuals can hit a point where they crave precious “me-time” to recharge and prepare for the next social adventure. If you find yourself in this situation, hang around as we share practical ways to deal with social exhaustion.
What is social exhaustion?
Social exhaustion, often called social burnout, is the state of feeling utterly drained after prolonged social interactions. It’s like your internal battery has reached a critical low as a result of interactions, and you desperately need a recharge which automatically comes when you’re by yourself. Contrary to the myth that only introverts experience this, even extroverts can also long for some quality alone time. Everybody needs solitude.
Why do I crave to be alone?
Identifying your triggers is a crucial step in effectively dealing with social exhaustion. We all crave meaningful, authentic connections with our friends and acquaintances. However, when social interactions consistently lack depth and genuine conversation, it can be a major trigger for social exhaustion.
Another reason may be constant interruption when communicating with people. This can be incredibly frustrating and energy-draining. It gives you the impression that your thoughts and opinions don’t matter. Also, you might find yourself in situations where you feel socially awkward or struggle to find the right words. Maybe it’s because you’re in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by new people, or facing social pressure. The effort to navigate such situations can be mentally taxing, contributing to more social burnout.
How to deal with social exhaustion
- Set boundaries: Establishing boundaries is the first step to overcoming social exhaustion. You don’t necessarily have to cut everyone out. Begin with small steps, like taking solo lunch breaks at work, saying no to a friend’s party to watch your favorite series alone, designating Sundays for personal time, and exploring activities like journaling, to recharge your inner self.
- Just walk away: When social exhaustion becomes overwhelming, it’s perfectly okay to step away from the chaos. Seek solace in a peaceful, quiet environment to regain your composure. Take time to breathe deeply, meditate, or just sit still in silence. If music, books, or movies are your safe space, kindly overindulge.
- Use people blockers: At work or a family gathering where physically leaving isn’t an option, consider using “people blockers” to block the crowd from getting into your space. Headphones or a “do not disturb” sign are effective tools to keep people out and create a personal oasis.
- Communicate with loved ones: Effective communication is key. Letting your loved ones know why you need moments of solitude or withdrawal is necessary to prevent misunderstandings and strengthen your connections. Draw support from them and let them help you with ideas on how to enjoy your solo time. They are your loved ones and should know you better.
- Ditch the guilt trap: If they can’t fathom your need for solitude, don’t let guilt entrap you. Prioritize your mental well-being without hesitation.
- Try new things: Sometimes, our hobbies lose their spark due to overindulgence. So discover new passions and explore new interests. Doing this will bring a diverse list of self-care activities and hobbies at your disposal.
Featured image: Svetlana Larshina/iStock
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