What Is a Social Battery (and How Do You Recharge It)?

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Learn how your “social battery” drains—and what you can do about it
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Everyone has a certain amount of energy for approaching social gatherings, busy workplaces, and other social engagements. This personal energy reserve is more commonly known as a “social battery”—and when it starts to run low, it can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Read on to learn exactly what a social battery is, why it drains, and how you can stay on top of your own energy levels. We’ll even cover some tips and tricks on how to recharge your social battery, so you can feel even more ready to face the day.

Things You Should Know

  • A social battery is a figure of speech for how much energy you have to socialize and interact with other people.
  • Your social battery might feel drained if you’re naturally introverted, or if you’re spending extra time in busy environments around people you don’t know well.
  • Recharge your social battery by prioritizing events that matter to you and setting clear boundaries about what you can and cannot attend.
Section 1 of 4:

What is a social battery?

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  1. Just like a phone battery drains after being used too much, a social battery can drain when a person uses up too much of their social energy. [1] The size of a person’s social battery completely depends on the individual; some people might be able to experience plenty of social engagement without getting drained, while others might feel drained right away.
    • Having a “low social battery” isn’t an official mental health diagnosis—it’s just a term that helps people better express their personal energy levels.
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Section 2 of 4:

Why Your Social Battery Drains

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  1. You’re introverted . Introverted and extroverted are common personality labels: introverted people feel more energized when they get to spend time by themselves, while extroverted individuals feel more energized when spending time around others. [2] Since introverts really value their “me-time,” it’s easy for them to feel drained from social interactions.
    • This isn’t to say that only introverts can have a low social battery. However, extroverts naturally feel more energized by the world around them, so they typically have a larger pool of energy to draw from.
    • Wondering if you could be introverted? Check out wikiHow’s Introvert or Extrovert quiz to find out.
  2. Spending time with close friends and loved ones doesn’t tend to be as draining as socializing with acquaintances, colleagues, and the like. When you’re frequently forced to interact with people you don’t know well, like co-workers or distant relatives, it can start to take a toll on your social battery. [3]
    • The context of the social interaction can play a part in how draining it is. Spending time with a client professionally, for instance, is more draining than a casual hangout with a good friend.
  3. The attitudes and emotions surrounding a social interaction deeply influence its effect on you. For example, an argument with your parents might be more draining than a casual chat with a co-worker. Generally, the more positive a social interaction is, the less draining it will be.
    • Power imbalances can also play a part in how draining an interaction can be. A member of a marginalized community, for instance, might feel drained after their concerns and struggles are downplayed by someone who doesn’t share their background.
  4. It’s easy to feel drained when you’re frequently surrounded by lots of people. Big parties, work meetings, and even family gatherings can be common offenders. [4] Keep in mind that louder, more energetic crowds might be a little more draining than quiet ones, just as long-lasting events may be more socially exhausting than shorter ones.
  5. Stress can take a toll on your body in a variety of ways, both mentally and physically. When you feel stressed, you may also experience a lot of physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Stress can also affect your mental well-being and contribute to issues with anxiety, a lack of motivation, and feelings of being overwhelmed. [5]
    • When put together, stress can create a perfect storm for a low social battery.
  6. Certain mental health struggles can make you feel drained and low-energy, like depression. [6] Anxiety disorders can also contribute to feelings of tiredness, intense worry, and nervousness—all of which can leave you feeling drained. [7]
    • Being neurodivergent can also impact your social battery, especially if you’re interacting with neurotypical individuals.
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Section 3 of 4:

Signs Your Social Battery Is Low

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  1. From meetings and gatherings to hangouts and small get-togethers, you just don’t feel up to going out and socializing. [8]
  2. When you’re surrounded by other people (e.g., at work, in class, etc.), all you can think about is going home and getting a break from your current social environment.
  3. Rather than interact and socialize with others, you’d much rather do a quiet and independent activity, like reading a book, doing a puzzle, or listening to some of your favorite music.
  4. When your low social battery turns into burnout, you may experience symptoms like: [9]
    • Fatigue
    • Sleeping issues
    • Crankiness
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Difficulty focusing
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Recharge Your Social Battery

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  1. Use a calendar or planner to organize your upcoming schedule. What activities and other social obligations are on the horizon? Mark them down on your calendar so you can stay on top of what’s happening and when. [10]
    • Tracking your routine and schedule makes it easier to identify your most draining obligations.
  2. Take steps to care for your physical health and well-being —getting a solid 7-8 hours of sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet , and getting exercise are all great places to start. It’s also important to make time for activities that allow you to chill out and recharge, like: [11]
  3. Take a look at the upcoming events in your schedule and label them as “really important,” “pretty important,” or “not that important.” Make an effort to spend your energy on the activities that are “really important” (and some of the “pretty important” ones, if you can manage it). [12]
    • For example, a work meeting would qualify as “really important,” while getting drinks with your colleagues after work would be “not that important.”
  4. Before attending a draining event, brainstorm ways to excuse yourself or wander off so you can recharge. [13]
    • At a party, you might excuse yourself and go to the bathroom.
    • During a stressful workday, you might go for a short walk outside.
    • During a group project, you might volunteer to work on part of the assignment by yourself.
  5. What activities put you in your happy place? Knowing what uplifts you—and, most importantly, making time for those activities—can be a great way to recharge and take care of your mental well-being. You might:
    • Draw or creatively write
    • Cook dinner for yourself
    • Play your favorite board game or video game [14]
  6. Try to set clear boundaries for when your social battery is low. Don’t be afraid to decline invitations for activities that require more social energy than what you have to offer. If you do choose to attend events that drain your social battery, set time limits for when you arrive and leave. [15]
    • Saying “no” doesn’t have to be rude, harsh, or uncomfortable. It can be as simple as “Thanks so much for the invite! I’ve had a really tiring week, though, so I’ll have to decline. I hope you have a great time!”
  7. If mental health issues like anxiety or depression are contributing to your low social battery, sharing your concerns and stressors with a therapist can be a really big solace. A mental health professional can help you come up with a treatment plan, and teach you strategies to help you cope from day to day. [16]
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      Tips

      • You might find that certain people (e.g., close friends, roommates, etc.) can help you feel energized rather than drained. Make it a priority to spend some quality time with those individuals, rather than people who leech your social battery. [17]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/understanding-social-batteries
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/introvert-vs-extrovert
      3. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/social-exhaustion-avoiding-introvert-burnout#avoiding-burnout
      4. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/social-exhaustion-avoiding-introvert-burnout#avoiding-burnout
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
      6. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/depression/depression-and-fatigue
      7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
      8. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/social-exhaustion-avoiding-introvert-burnout#signs
      9. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/social-exhaustion-avoiding-introvert-burnout#signs
      1. ↑ https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/wellbeing/news/list/2021/10/03/social-battery
      2. ↑ https://takeaction4mh.com/wp-content/uploads/docs/TakeAction4MH-SelfCareTips.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sweet-emotion/202207/are-you-dealing-social-burnout
      4. ↑ https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/understanding-social-batteries
      5. ↑ https://takeaction4mh.com/wp-content/uploads/docs/TakeAction4MH-SelfCareTips.pdf
      6. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/social-exhaustion-avoiding-introvert-burnout#avoiding-burnout
      7. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/mental-health-wellness/seek-help.aspx
      8. ↑ https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/wellbeing/news/list/2021/10/03/social-battery

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