If you are an introvert, you know that there are times when you’ve had your fill of social interaction and you need to remove yourself so you can take time out to relax and recharge. It’s hard for extroverts to understand this phenomenon, but it is very real. It’s not that we’re being lazy or are disinterested or are trying to get away from you. It’s a necessity for us to take this time to keep our relationships healthy. We do it for you as much as we do it for ourselves. So what is it that makes introverts need recharging time?
There actually is science behind it. Basically, introverts respond differently from extroverts to the release of the brain chemical dopamine. That’s the brain’s feel-good juice. We introverts are way more sensitive to it, so when it’s released, our cup gets filled very quickly. We are rapidly overstimulated by it and will essentially shut down if we let it go too long and don’t do something to restore the balance.
So when does dopamine get released? Think about it like a rewards program. Let’s say you and a couple friends are having a girls night out. What would the universal rewards look like? Time with people you love; a fun atmosphere; your favorite foods; the gorgeous guy at the bar strolling over to your table to ask your single friend for her number…anything that will signal the brain that you’re having a great time. For each “reward”, dopamine is released. The extrovert gobbles this up and can’t seem to get enough. This is what they thrive on and since they aren’t sensitive to it, their excitement and energy increases as the night goes on and more rewards are earned, so they are ready to party all night. Introverts experience one or two rewards and we’ve hit our full mark. We start to get tired and stop contributing to the conversation because our energy is drained. Most times we can stick it out, thinking we’ll ruin the mood if we don’t stay until everyone is ready to leave, but there are occasions where we just can’t muster the strength to push through our exhaustion, so we apologize profusely and retreat to our safe space.
Of course we feel guilty for bailing and yes, we get upset that our friends are going to keep having fun without us, but we can’t neglect our well being just to feel “normal”. If we ignore the warning signs that exhaustion is setting in, we can suffer from a long list of symptoms that could possibly lead to us becoming ill. The most common are irritability, anxiety and even anger. When we feel smothered and stressed to the point of shutting down, we can develop high blood pressure, experience migraine headaches, stomach pains, back pains, loss of appetite, and having trouble sleeping. It’s the body’s way of screaming that we need to take care of ourselves! It is so important that we don’t ignore this for the sake of everyone involved. Really, who wants to hang out with someone who’s going to be snarky, snappy, and grumpy the whole night?
To all of my fellow introverts: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY TAKING THE TIME YOU NEED TO RECHARGE!! Take a long hot bath; pamper yourself with beauty products; breathe in the healing power of aromatherapy candles; relax with a good book; indulge in your favorite snacks. It’s OK! You need this! Keep reminding yourself of how important this is.
Remember, these aren’t just fun things for you, but they can be crucial to you getting the recharge you need to keep you on top of game. Give them a try! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
What are some things that you do to recharge? Share them with me! I’m curious to see how much I have in common with you!
I learned something new today. I had no idea that introverts and extroverts react to the release of dopamine in different ways. It makes perfect sense. I like to recharge when I’m alone by writing and reading new things. Great post!
So happy to finally know there is actually science behind my “weirdness”, lol! And I didn’t know about these subscription boxes…I need them both! Thanks for the info!!!
It’s so nice to hear a fellow introvert “give permission” for recharging. So many times, I believe introverts feel guilty for their need to isolate and recharge. I used to, and sometimes still do, but you’re right – for our type of personality, it is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, we can become so tired and depressed it interrupts our ability to even work. Great post!
Great post and one I can definitely relate to. I enjoyed the scientific slant and explanation of what happens with dopamine. Great tips too. Thanks for sharing!
I can relate to this! I am an introvert but my boyfriend is an extrovert, so we can bump heads sometimes. I can use some of this information to explain how I’m feeling to him. I’ve been spending more time on self care lately and it truly does help.
I’m an introvert and take the time to recharge by reading every night before I go to sleep while lighting a candle. Love this post!