Why Introverts Need Alone Time
It’s likely no surprise to hear that introverted people tend to spend more time alone than extroverted people do. The reasoning behind this is actually quite intricate, though. It is not as simple as choosing to be alone on a more frequent basis, and it can actually result from a wide variety of needs.
Introverts rely on alone time to recharge their social batteries, self-reflect, and process the experiences they have with others. Without proper amounts of alone time, introverts can begin to experience irritability, fatigue, poor sleep, and trouble concentrating.
The mental stimulation that takes place during an extroverted experience can dramatically affect an introverted mind.
Even though some introverts look forward to time with peers and getting out of the house, they will inevitably need to soak up some alone time to get back to a comfortable level of energy. Below are seven of the most crucial reasons introverts require a fair amount of alone time.
Their Social Battery Is Limited
Although extroverted people might be more expressive when it comes to their excitement to be around others in social settings, introverts actually tend to feel happy in these scenarios too.
That being said, they do have a smaller capacity to do so. As a result, introverted people have a social battery that is more so limited than those who exhibit extroverted traits.
It all comes back to the topic of stimulation. Introverted people reach their stimulation capacity sooner, meaning they need to leave the situation at an earlier time. This could mean leaving a party after an hour, turning down a second night of going out on the weekend, or setting a time limit for dinner.
These boundaries are essential to maintain to ensure enough alone time is acquired to replenish the social battery.
They Need Time To Process
One of the many qualities that introverts often possess is being an empath. This results in the internalization of others’ words and feelings, which can require some serious processing time to sort through.
When people around introverts experience heightened emotions of any kind, they might begin to take them on. This ties back to the sensitive, intuitive abilities of introverted people.
Although this is a fantastic trait to have because it can help make other people feel seen and at ease, it can be highly stimulating and exhausting for introverts.
Alone time allows for the processing and storing of the information gathered during the social experience.
They Can Experience Burn Out
Although it is certainly possible to push past limits and exert more social strength, the risk of the end result becoming burnout is high.
Burnout occurs when emotional exhaustion kicks in, and there is nothing left to give as far as energy goes. This has the ability to bleed into other areas of life like work, romantic relationships, and family.
Because of this, introverts need to get a sufficient amount of alone time to avoid that burnt-out feeling. This contributes to keeping the delicate balance between social exertion and quality time with oneself.
Self-Care Is Essential
There is no better time to indulge oneself in self-care than during alone time.
One of the most beneficial ways to take care of the body and mind is by regularly practicing self-care techniques.
Some of the most effective and relaxing ways to accomplish this are by engaging in activities like reading, taking a bubble bath, doing a face mask, or even meditating.
Regardless of the method of choice, taking some alone time and devoting it to self-care is one of the best ways to recharge an introvert's battery.
It Helps Them Function Properly
Finding balance is the key to optimum function, especially when it comes to work and personal relationships.
Too much alone time can result in a feeling of loneliness and isolation, whereas too little alone time can cause overstimulation and burnout.
Although it can be difficult at first, introverts can find an ideal balance for themselves with practice. Because this is such an individual choice, it can be hard to say how much alone time is the right amount. Doing frequent check in’s and monitoring feelings of stimulation can help guide this decision.
When introverts experience a balance between alone time and social stimulation, they are likely to function properly in all capacities. This helps reduce the stress that can come from struggling at work or at home and can help promote an overall feeling of peace.
They Have To Prioritize Themselves
Part of being an introvert is taking on responsibility for how other people feel. As discussed previously, introverted people tend to be empathetic to the point of fault. When a person continues to put others before themselves for long periods of time, they may begin to suffer both physically and mentally.
A great example of this is someone that continues to say yes to a friend that needs company. Maybe the friend is experiencing hard times and, as such, is asking for company regularly. Even though the introverted friend feels that they need a night to themselves, they continue to say yes in order to make the other person feel supported.
At some point, they will begin to sleep less, become irritable, and could begin to build resentment. Not to mention they may miss daily habits that help keep them balanced.
For example, a nightly skincare routine or reading a chapter of their book. Habits and consistency are important for recharging the batteries of introverts. Prioritizing oneself and making sure to say no when alone time is needed is key to reducing the risk of developing these negative feelings.
They Might Begin To Feel Stressed
Anyone that has ever remained in a situation past the point of feeling the urge to leave probably understands how uncomfortable this feeling can be.
Many introverts also take on people-pleasing traits, which could keep them in social situations longer than they’d like. When this happens, a feeling of stress may begin to bubble up under the surface. Stress is a negative reaction within the body and deserves to be addressed.
The best way introverts can either prevent or handle this stress is by taking the alone time needed to get back to a baseline.
Activities like yoga, walking, or breathwork can significantly reduce any social related stress. Making sure to do this in solitude is important for proper recharging purposes.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that alone time does not necessarily have to be at home.
Getting outside and taking in nature is a great way to reap even further benefits of solitude. Any activity that involves very little stimulation is going to serve the intended purpose.
Whether it's cooking a healthy meal, working on a journal entry, or taking a hot bubble bath, alone time is guaranteed to help replenish the zapped energy and prepare introverts for their next social situation.