Introvert Burnout: Yes, It Exists and This is How to Deal With It

If you’re an introvert, you know just how tiring it can be to socialize every day. You’ll eventually suffer an introvert burnout and need to fix it.

If you’re not an introvert, you have no idea how exhausting it can be to be around people day in and day out. To you, it probably doesn’t make sense. But understanding introverts and how they can easily suffer from an introvert burnout might be good for you.

And for all of you introverts out there, I get it. You may not even know what an introvert burnout is, but I guarantee you’ve dealt with it before.

 

What is an introvert burnout?

Firstly, we need to understand what an introvert is before we can determine what a burnout for them is. Introverts are individuals who gain their energy from being alone.

On the flip side, they also get really, really tired when they’re around people all the time.

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That excessive exhaustion from socializing is what an introvert burnout is. They get so exhausted that it’s just too much for them. Some people have breakdowns and others just get very, very cranky.

 

Why introverts need to be careful not to burnout too often

Most people don’t really realize they’re introverted until later in life. You have tons of fun when you’re with friends but how come you always want to go home and just sleep?

When you do realize you’re actually just introverted, you have to be more careful about how often you go out because burning out all the time is bad.

You get in a really tired, negative mindset and if you’re not careful, you can say mean things to the people around you. You don’t really mean it, your energy is just zapped and you’re extra irritable.

 

How to deal with an introvert burnout

If you’re an introvert who, for some reason, is forced to socialize regularly, you need to make sure you know how to deal with it properly.

Whether your job requires you to be around people or family commitments do, here’s how to deal with introvert burnout.

 

#1 Make sure people close to you know you need alone time. 

Your close friends and family should already realize this about you but if they don’t, tell them.

If they’re extroverts, they just don’t understand how hard it can be to socialize for long periods of time.

Recommended: Why Introverts (INFJs) Remove People from their Lives with the “Door Slam.”

Make sure they understand how it affects you so they’ll understand why you need to be alone. If they don’t know why you want to be alone, they could take it offensively that you’re always rushing off away from them.

 

#2 Schedule some alone time each week.

 Life can get really, really busy from time to time. With work and possibly school and friends, you need to make sure you’re nurturing your introverted side. You need that alone time.

If you don’t get it regularly, it needs to be a part of your schedule.

Take a couple hours at least two nights a week to just chill. Watch your favorite shows, read a book, go on a run, and do whatever it is that makes you feel good when you’re alone so you can recharge.

 

#3 Find ways to introvert while other people are around.

 This can be really hard to do but if you can make it work, it’ll be a lifesaver. Personally, I can manage to recharge and introvert myself even when I’m surrounded by other people.

I do this my going on my phone. I know it might not be the best or healthiest way to escape, but it does allow me to feel alone and recharge slightly when I’m surrounded.

 

#4 Escape to the bathroom or outside. 

Even getting a few minutes to yourself can help avoid an introvert burnout.

When you start feeling overwhelmed, just head to the bathroom or steal a few minutes to yourself outside. No matter what, getting alone and being by yourself will help you calm down and feel better.

Recommended: 5 Signs you are an Ambivert: Someone Who Is Both Introverted & Extroverted

 

#5 Set up a calming routine. 

If you can’t get away, find a little routine that helps you calm down. Whether it’s looking at your phone or taking a few deep breaths or repeating a certain mantra in your head, it’ll be useful.

If you can calm yourself quickly with the same little routine, it’ll help you deal with that introvert burnout in a classier way. You’ll avoid spoiling your mood and potentially being mean to people you care about.

 

#6 Prepare for social events appropriately. 

If you know you’re going to be socializing with a lot of people, you need to mentally prepare. And that also means you need to be spending some quality alone time prior to the event.

Not only will this help you deal with it if you know it’s coming, but it’ll also help you recharge and be rested before going so you don’t have to burnout in the first place.

 

#7 Ask someone for space. 

If you’re feeling bombarded by one especially outgoing person in general, just ask for some space. Tell them you’re an introvert and sometimes you just need to be alone.

They might not get it, but it’ll be better than you getting upset with them and being angry because you’re exhausted.

 

#8 Seek support from friends who understand.

 You have introverted friends. It’s very unlikely that you’re surrounded by all extroverts who can’t understand you.

Just get some support from them. Tell them you’re feeling a little over exerted socially and they’ll make sure you get some time alone.

 

#9 Avoid situations you know will be bad for you. 

If you know a concert is going to make you more miserable than happy, don’t go. It might seem like a good idea but when you know something will be bad for you, just avoid it.

Recommended: 6 Things Introverts Absolutely Hate!

Sometimes you have to go to events and socialize and when that’s the case, just keep your stay short. 

 

#10 Use your alone time wisely.

 Sometimes, being alone doesn’t necessarily feel like being alone. You need to make sure you have private, alone time so you can recharge.

You may think that just because there’s nobody around you that it means you’re alone.

However, being in communication with people via texting, snapchat, or messenger apps is still socializing. It can still make you tired and it shouldn’t count toward your recharge time.

 

If you’ve ever experienced an introvert burnout, you know that it just really sucks. In order to avoid it and even deal with it if you do have to experience it, follow these tips.