Introverts don’t mind socialising, but we have to do it on our own time — and we definitely need time to recharge afterward.
If you’re someone who prefers spending time alone and feels a bit overwhelmed after too much time with other people, chances are, you’ve experienced an introvert hangover. Here’s how you know you’re in need of a recharge — away from other human beings!
1. Your need to be alone is intense.
After a period of socialising, you might feel an intense need to be alone. This isn’t just a preference, but a deep-seated urge to retreat from all human contact for a while. You’re just desperate for a quiet room or a peaceful outdoor space where you can be by yourself.
2. You struggle to concentrate.
Your usually sharp mind feels foggy and unfocused, and simple tasks that you normally breeze through become challenging. Reading a book, writing an email, or even following the plot of a TV show might require more effort than usual. Your brain just doesn’t want to do its job.
3. You feel more sensitive to external stimuli.
Sounds seem louder, lights appear brighter, and even mild scents become overwhelming. Your senses feel heightened to an uncomfortable degree, making the world around you feel a bit too intense. You’re tempted to just wrap yourself up in a blanket and go to bed for a while.
4. You’re physically exhausted.
Despite not having done any strenuous physical activity, you feel physically drained. Your body might feel heavy, and you might experience an overwhelming urge to sleep, even if you’ve had plenty of rest. Yep, you’re having an introvert hangover.
5. You’re incredibly irritable for no real reason.
Small things that wouldn’t usually bother you start to grate on your nerves. You start snapping at loved ones or feeling annoyed by minor inconveniences, and your patience wears thin more quickly than usual. You’ve had your fill of people, that’s what it is.
6. You struggle with verbal communication.
Forming coherent sentences becomes a struggle, oddly enough. You fumble for words, lose your train of thought mid-sentence, or prefer to communicate through non-verbal means like texting rather than talking. You just need something more low-key if you’re going to talk at all.
7. You avoid social media altogether.
The thought of scrolling through social media feeds feels overwhelming because even virtual social interaction seems too much to handle. You start avoiding your phone or computer to escape the constant stream of social information. You’ll go back once you’re feeling a bit better.
8. You crave your familiar comforts.
You might have a strong desire for things that bring you comfort — your favourite snack, a well-loved book, or a familiar TV show. These provide a sense of security and require no social energy, which is why they’re so inviting.
9. You feel extremely emotionally drained.
You might feel emotionally empty, as if your capacity for empathy and emotional engagement has been temporarily depleted. Connecting with other people’s feelings or even identifying your own emotions might even feel tough when you really need a break.
10. You feel more introspective and inwardly focused.
Source: Unsplash When you’re in the midst of an introvert hangover, you might start reflecting deeply on recent interactions or experiences. Of course, you have to be careful because it might border on overthinking if you start to analyse social situations in minute detail.
11. You have unexplainable and unpleasant physical side effects.
Source: Unsplash Some people experience physical manifestations of their introvert hangover. This might include headaches, muscle tension, or even mild nausea. Your body is reacting to the stress of overstimulation. What you need is a good massage in a quiet room. Doesn’t that sound nice?
12. You want low-engagement activities.
Source: Unsplash You’re drawn to activities that require little mental effort or social engagement. This might include watching nature documentaries, doing a jigsaw puzzle, or engaging in a repetitive craft like knitting — stuff you can do passively without getting too invested.
13. You don’t want to make any decisions for a long time.
Source: Unsplash Decision-making becomes particularly taxing. Even small choices, like what to eat for dinner, might feel overwhelming. You prefer to stick to routines and avoid situations that require multiple decisions.
14. Time feels all distorted.
Source: Unsplash You might lose track of time easily, especially if you’re able to retreat to a quiet space. Hours can pass without you realising it as you decompress from social interaction. You’re fine with that — you know you’ll be more “in the world” once you get your balance back.
15. You start to dread social events that are a long way in the future.
Source: Unsplash While recovering from one social interaction, the thought of upcoming social engagements might fill you with dread. You might even want to cancel plans or feel anxious about future social obligations. Don’t worry, when the time comes, you should be back on your feet.
