Why Do Introverts Need To Recharge? (8 Energizing Reasons)

Nov 28, 2022

Have you ever wondered about that friend who needs more alone time than others?

Do they disappear for days and make no contact while you wonder if you did something to offend him? 

If this person emerges from their self-imposed retreat, looking refreshed, friendly, and behaving as if there was no lapse of contact between you, you are dealing with an introvert. 

If you are the introvert in question, then it’s possible that you feel quite misunderstood by the extraverts around you.

Loud, nosy people may act as if they are entitled to your time.

You might even be criticized for your inability to connect to others or be told you are antisocial.

The bottom line is that there is nothing abnormal about introversion and that you are not miffed at humanity but rather simply taking time out to recharge your batteries. 

An extravert might do this through socializing, taking day trips with family, or dancing at a party.

An introvert comes back to life after taking time to rest, reflect on their life or enjoy an intense period of creativity.

Here are eight prominent reasons introverts need to spend time alone and recharge.

8 Interesting Reasons Why An Introvert Might Need to Recharge

1. Introverts need to recharge, because they feel painfully self-conscious around other people

Some introverts, not all of them, experience social anxiety and are physically and emotionally drained by others.

Many feel shame that they cannot connect to others in the same way an extravert can.

They may even be shamed by others who see them as bad communicators.

Introverts are simply reserved and respect the impact of spoken words.

They prefer to think about what they will say before they say it.

It is more accurate to describe them as “precise communicators” rather than bad communicators.

2. Introverts need to recharge, because they need time to decompress from socializing

Some introverts can be shy and sensitive. They might feel the smallest remark to be a criticism.

This can result in hours of rumination after a social event, with their minds spinning in circles, trying to make sense of what others are saying and thinking of them.

Rumination can be part of an anxiety disorder.

It happens when a person can’t stop thinking about a failure or embarrassment.

It can be a symptom of depression and is considered a maladaptive reaction to being in a situation one can’t control.

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Once an introvert is alone, they can feel like they are in control of their environment again.

Other people's agendas can feel very intrusive to an introvert and in the way of his or her own plans and peace of mind.

3. Introverts need to recharge, because they are tired from pretending to be like others

The energy they spend pretending to relate to others to whom they can’t relate exhausts them.

Some covert introverts can play along with the crowd and wear a “mask of civility,” but this is a lot of effort that can sap a person’s energy.

An introvert may need time alone to remember who they are and indulge in activities that reinforce their real identity and true purpose in life.

4. Introverts need to recharge, because they need privacy to express pent-up feelings

Introverts are often fiercely intelligent, creative, and sensitive people.

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Many have been hurt by others earlier in life and told that how they feel is invalid or that experiencing their feelings is somehow wrong.

Often shy and reserved in public, they may need to recharge by crying or expressing pent-up frustration or rage in private. 

This relieves them from any social tensions they might be feeling.

5. Introverts need to recharge from overthinking

Many introverts are overthinkers and need space to fulfill their compulsion to repeatedly run the same things over in their minds.

The Berkeley Well-Being Institute defines overthinking as the process of experiencing repetitive, unproductive thought.

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Introverts need time alone to stop their easily traumatized psyches from spiraling into obsessive thinking.

Once triggered, their thoughts go in circles, with one wild thought leading to another, leading to false conclusions and needless worry about things that have never happened, or might not ever happen.

6. Introverts just really enjoy their own company

Introverts simply find their own company to be the most enjoyable.

They are not obligated to explain to anyone why they have more of a need to spend time with themselves.

It is simply part of their essential nature to go off and have fun alone for a while.

Some introverts spend their alone time chilling and watching television, and others use it to reflect, meditate and get their beauty sleep.

As philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once said, “If you're lonely when you're alone, you're in bad company.”

7. Introverts recharge by striving for a personal goal

Introverts may relish their time alone because it gives them the time they need to accomplish a personal goal.

This could be anything from practicing a musical instrument to working out to lose weight or learning a new language.

It is important to note that introverts don’t find their sense of self-worth from what others think of them.

It is what they think of themselves that matters most, and many spend their time on some form of self-improvement, trying to beat their personal best.

8. The Introvert’s need to recharge may be caused by genetics

A 2005 study published in Cognitive Brain Research found that dopamine genetics may predict neural responses in extraverts.

The study linked the personality trait of extraversion to the presence of an A1 allele on the D2 receptor gene. 

Introverts do not possess the A1 allele on the D2 receptor gene, so they are easily overstimulated by too much information.

Social gatherings, sports participation, and public speaking increase anxiety in an introvert, whereas the extravert can’t get enough.

To seek solace from what is very real physical and mental angst, the introvert will retreat from the crowd.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that some people need a little more private time to themselves to recharge their batteries.

Suppose anyone demonstrates that tendency toward preferring their own company; it should not be taken personally.

It’s not about ignoring you.

On the other hand, if you are an introvert who needs a lot of alone time, then you should not let anyone else make you feel bad for taking this necessary measure to keep well.

A scientific study has found that introversion may be hereditary proof that introverts need time alone to stay well!

INFJ Male

INFJ Male

As a psychologist with a Master's degree in Clinical & Health Psychology, and as an INFJ male, highly sensitive human being, the author aims to blend the objective, subjective, mind, body and spirit for a holistic view on true well-being
for INFJs, Introverts, Highly Sensitive People and Empaths!

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