Have you ever been in a social setting where you feel like you are “hitting a wall?” Have you ever felt that you cannot socialize any longer? “Social battery” is a metaphor for an individual’s capacity to socialize with others at one time. You do not have to be introverted or anxious to have a social battery! It is something that everyone has and it is common to take some time for yourself!
When does one run out of their social battery? This can happen in many different social settings. Whether it is at a big party or even within your small friend group, everyone needs to prioritize themselves daily, and nobody should feel guilty about doing so! You can get drained by engaging too much, being too energetic for longer periods of time, becoming easily agitated in a social gathering, or experiencing burnout. Being burnt out is something that can be avoidable by being able to listen to your body when you feel exhausted. Signs of being burned out include feeling hopeless and helpless, loss of motivation, feeling depressed, and an inability to sleep. It is something that becomes common when one’s social battery is drained but keeps on pushing to socialize. This internal cry for help is one of the many signs you should listen to when taking care of your body!
Taking time to yourself comes in many different forms that are essential to one’s mental health and overall wellness. You can journal, work out, engage yourself in a hobby, go hiking, watch a favorite movie or tv show, or read a good book. This is not only beneficial for your burnout but to getting to know yourself as a person as well. This self-care is essential to be able to become independent and have the ability to recognize when you need to remove yourself from a social setting due to your social battery running out. Having this courage and realization is important to understand yourself and what you need for your own mental health.
Setting boundaries for yourself and your body is also crucial when learning when your social battery is drained. Don’t make yourself feel overwhelmed by scheduling too many social events in one day. Even for an extrovert, this can be excessive and tiring. Saying “no” will help you balance your alone time with your social life, giving you opportunities to say “yes” to events you will enjoy and can be energized for.
Something I cannot emphasize enough… don’t feel guilty! This has been something I have struggled with before, thinking that leaving a social setting early or having a night in for myself is the wrong choice. This is an important reminder that having your social battery run out is normal. It allows you to have awareness of yourself and your body. This understanding can help you know when to check out for the night and curl up in your bed instead of forcing yourself to stay out. Make sure to take the time to check in on yourself and allow your body and mind to relax when it is needed!
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