How to Recharge Yourself as an Introvert

Last Updated: June 6, 2022 References

Everyone has had days they just need to recharge. Work, school, friends, family, and home life can drain an introvert. As an introvert, there are many ways you can recharge. As introverts are recharged by solitude, most of these will involve being alone. For introverts, to be alone with your thoughts can be as restorative as sleeping, or as nourishing as eating.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Recharging in the Short-Term

1
Lie down. You can lie down fully dressed if you choose. Sometimes we just need to lie down.
- Sometimes it's relaxing to switch off the lights, hit the bed and just lie there, looking into the dark space around you. The essence of barely seeing anything around you, and having no one see you at that moment will really allow you to reflect on the day (or not reflect), and think and feel anything that naturally comes to you.
- Make a point of relaxing your face while lying there. Let your muscles relax at that time. Your expression doesn't matter. Your actions don't matter.
- Let your mind wander and reflect. Many introverts find introspection relaxing.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD
  Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert
  Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.}
2
Read a book, listen to a favorite song, watch a TV show, or spend time with your loved ones. After a draining activity, doing one of these things may be just what you need.
- Although introverts need alone time, they can be refreshed by time with those close to them.
Advertisement
3
Experience nature. Nature is an eminent stress-relief "pill"!
- In busy modern life, introverts can be drained by constant socialization and complicated schedules. Don't be afraid to step outside for a break in nature.
- Go to one of your favorite trails or someplace new.
- Even a short walk by yourself through your neighborhood can be refreshing.
4
Engage in your interests. Engaging in your passions is refreshing to many. Your passions can also help you make friends and socialize more.
5
Find ways to express yourself. Introverts may not be very comfortable expressing everything that they think and feel instantly and directly to people, in person. However, suppressing all that can get stressful! Here are some ways you can express yourself even when you're alone. If you know how to express yourself and get things out of you, this will help you connect with others in a more refreshing way.
- Write it down somewhere. One way to let out your thoughts and feelings is through a personal diary of your own. Some introverts may enjoy other forms of writing, including poetry or various forms of prose.
- If you feel like sharing something with someone, chat with them. You're more likely to be yourself and express yourself that way.
  - If you can't chat with people in-person or dislike chatting in-person, consider chatting with your friends, or even strangers online. However, don't get so used to chatting online that you don't feel comfortable chatting in person.
- Draw or paint. Don't be afraid to let your creativity go rein-free.
- Play an instrument.
- Don't be afraid to express yourself. You can keep your expression to yourself if desired.
6
Remember there's no "right" way to recharge. Some introverts find enjoyment from music while others may recharge by spending time with family. Even if it seems silly, don't be afraid to recharge in ways that seem childish.
- Although introverts usually don't recharge by socialization, even introverts can get lonely. A bit of socialization may sometimes be what you need.
- You could always make a digital mood chart for yourself! Open the "notes" app on your phone and write out the upcoming dates as numbers. Next to each date, include a plus sign if you had a positive day, a negative sign if you had a bad day, and an equal sign if you had a neutral day. This can help you figure out where your energy and emotions are at.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tara Bradford
  Life & Mindset Coach
  Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Adjusting Your Lifestyle

If you find yourself constantly drained by your life, you may need to make some adjustments. Here are a few possible ways you can adjust your lifestyle to meet your needs.

1
Discover your interests. Engaging in your interests is a great way to recharge yourself. Don't be afraid to try new things.
- Introverts often enjoy activities such as photography, art, music, and writing if you need ideas. Check out How to Find a Hobby for help.
- Interests can also lead to socialization opportunities and may foster friendships.
2
Take care of your body. If you aren't taking care of your body, you may feel groggy and generally unwell. Make sure you eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, maintain good hygiene, and take care of your other bodily needs.
3
Socialize. Don't avoid people completely. As much an introvert feels more comfortable in solitude, who wants to feel lonely? It's essential to connect with others and socialize frequently. Date, go out with friends, laugh together. Engage in activities you all like. This is also important in energizing your soul, instead of formulating in your mind that you are introverted so you shouldn't like spending time with others. Let the energy that your soul gains form solitude spread out to people. You might love the connection!
- If you can't find people sharing your interests in-person, you can join online forums/websites to find like-minded individuals. You can find online communities of authors, readers, vocalists, and many many more.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Nicolette Tura, MA
  Authentic Living Expert
  Expert Interview. 23 January 2020.}
- Pay attention to your energy levels before and after you speak with certain people. Try to spend time with people who are energizing instead of draining.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tara Bradford
  Life & Mindset Coach
  Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.}
- Try to figure out what kinds of situations are draining or energizing, too. For instance, a 1-on-1 chat might be energizing while speaking in front of a group could be draining.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tara Bradford
  Life & Mindset Coach
  Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.}
4
Don't overbook yourself. If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by the number of activities in your life, consider cutting out some time to allow yourself to recharge your batteries.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert
Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.}
- If you can't (or don't want to) cut events out completely, you can try adjusting your schedule (if possible) to allow yourself alone time in between events that drain you.
- Don't be afraid to say "no".^{[7]
  X
  Research source} Sometimes you need time to yourself.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD
  Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert
  Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.}
- If someone keeps inviting you to an event, you may need to be direct and tell them that you still like them though you can't hang out all the time.
5
Accommodate high-sensitivity. A high percentage of introverts are highly sensitive people (HSPs).^{[9]
X
Research source} HSPs feel the sensory and emotional worlds more intensely than average.^{[10]
X
Research source} If this describes you, you may be becoming overwhelmed. Try accommodating your sensitivity by:
- Wear earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones or remove the source of noise if loud sounds are overwhelming.
- Try telling those close to you to give you a warning if you can't handle people touching you unexpectedly.
- Removing (or blocking) the emotional and sensory triggers.
- If some of your close people make you feel uncomfortable by their habit to be sarcastic, make fun of everything and so on, talk to them about your sensitivity.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Nicolette Tura, MA
  Authentic Living Expert
  Expert Interview. 23 January 2020.}
- Accept this part of yourself. Know that there is nothing wrong with being sensitive and that your sensory and emotional pain is valid.
6
Love your introversion. A common thing that drains the energy and vibes out of an introvert is the idea that introversion is a flaw.^{[12]
X
Research source} Accept it and it'll gift you and the world a new perception and creativity. The more you consider it a flaw, and try to copy the extroverted traits of your extroverted friends, the more fake and stressed out you'll be. Accept yourself, and love the people around you. Rejuvenate yourself once in a while. Work towards balance and things will fall in place.