10 Ways to Recharge as an Introvert

As essential as being social is, introverts can really struggle to recuperate from these interactions, whether it be with friends, family, or even at work. Being an introvert means that people often feel drained or exhausted following a period of spending time with others.

Most introverts are able to recharge themselves by taking advantage of alone time and reflecting inwardly. What is done during this time period directly affects how much recharging is accomplished, though.

For an introvert feeling burnout, spending time on social media is not likely to have the desired impact due to hyperstimulation and second-hand interaction with others. Instead, focusing on activities or behaviors that allow deep rest and relaxation is key to achieving the feeling of social readiness again.

The question of “How long does it take to fully recharge?” is going to depend on a person by person basis. Below are ten of the best ways to get recharged as an introvert.

1. Get Some Exercise

Moving the body is one of the most beneficial ways to recharge the mind. As counterintuitive as it seems, some people report feeling more energized following a workout.

The release of endorphins can increase mood and decrease fatigue. Following a significant social interaction, the feeling of being extremely tired is normal for introverts to experience.

The elected exercise can be as simple as taking a stroll in a local neighborhood or as vigorous as a spin class. Either way, physical activity is a great way to feel refreshed and energized once again.

2. Read A Book

Reading is beneficial for quite a few reasons, but for introverts especially, it provides a form of entertainment that doesn’t require anyone else.

Diving into a good book allows introverted people to forget about the real world for a short period of time and enjoy hearing stories or learning new things.

Introverts tend to be the type of people that prefer observing and listening, so this is truly the perfect relaxation-inducing activity for them.

3. Explore Nature

Getting outside and spending time immersed in nature is just plain good for the soul. Sunshine provides vitamin D which directly impacts mood and reduces fatigue.

Even if the weather isn’t perfectly sunny, the fresh air and time outside of the home is still an added plus. Most of the day is spent using intense focus or concentration.

When humans are outside in nature, there is a significantly decreased need to be focused. There is far less stimuli to zap the brain's energy. Additionally, the color green has been shown to induce a feeling of calm and lower heart rate.

4. Hands-On Activities

Activities that focus on the use of hands prioritizes the body over the mind. With activities like painting, pottery, or gardening, there is no need to think deeply about what is happening.

Some introverts prefer movement over sitting still, so this is an ideal recharging activity for them. Remember, there is no need to be an expert at the craft or to have any prior knowledge of how to do it.

For activities like pottery, there are plenty of beginners kits available to get started with. This can introduce the hobby without a heavy investment or having to leave the house. Ultimately, simply moving the body and being productive is enough to induce a mental reset.

5. Meditate

Mediation is an art that requires consistent practice, but once it’s been mastered, it is an incredible tool for relaxation. When introverts meditate, their goal is to experience a sense of emotional regulation and comfort.

Meditation focuses on the acknowledgement of feelings without taking them on. After a social event, introverts may feel anxious about something they said, worried about what others thought of them, or exhausted from all of the talking. By focusing inward and getting rid of distractions, these feelings can simply float on by. Removing the power from these detrimental emotions is one of the magical benefits of true meditation.

For those that have not practiced meditation before, there are many incredible books to check out that can act as a guide for beginners. Amazon offers a great one titled Practicing Mindfulness. There are also plenty of excellent guided meditations on YouTube and apps like Calm as well.

6. Organize The Home

Increased periods of interaction and conversing with others can really put a damper on an introvert's sense of control. There is no better way to take back that control than to organize the space inside the home.

Not only is cleanliness shown to decrease stress levels, it also increases positive mood. Most of the cleaning that is done around the home is automated as well.

Once again, getting outside of the mind and focusing on bodily movements is great for recharging purposes.

7. Make A Homemade Meal

Cooking from scratch is ideal for getting outside of the mind and diving headfirst into a productive and relaxing activity. Between looking up a recipe, grocery shopping for ingredients, and getting everything set up, cooking can take up quite a bit of time.

Fortunately, all of these activities can be completed without the help of anyone else. For even less exertion, apps like Instacart can deliver the groceries directly to the front door, without stepping foot in a store.

Following a specific recipe is a fun way to get creative, try new things, and the final product is a reward in and of itself.

8. Spend Time With Pets

The emotional support provided by furry friends is next to none. Not only does spending time with pets require zero conversing, it can help lower stress levels and re-establish a relaxed and content mood.

Another great aspect of pets is that they never judge. Introverts can feel especially drained from hypervigilance or fear of judgment in social settings.

Many introverts also take on people pleasing behaviors, which can end up zapping the social battery even quicker than normal. Spending the day in pajamas or not moving off the couch for hours at a time are behaviors that pets will never make introverts feel bad for.

9. Take A Long Shower or Bath

Decompressing during a bath or shower is another activity that can induce a feeling of calm and allow thinking time that is perfect for self-reflection or even meditation. Most behaviors during bathing are automated, meaning there is far less energy being used to complete each step.

With this lack of mental requirements, introverts can either zone out completely or spend time thinking about things that make them happy. For some, this could be planning out the week ahead.

For others, it might be practicing breathwork or talking through a problem. Either way, this is a great time to simply be.

10. Do Some Self Care

In a society that is focused heavily on extroversion, hard work, and long hours, the need for self care is heightened for introverts.

Face masks, making tea, watching a comedian's bit, or doing yoga are just a few of the numerous ways to indulge in self care. Taking care of both the body and mind is an essential way to recover.

It is inevitable that introverted people will be forced out of their comfort zone at times but being able to shift inward and prioritize activities that boost mood and lower fatigue is vital to avoid burnout.