Everyone unwinds in their own way. However, people who identify as introverted tend to unwind differently after a long day compared to people who identify as extroverted. Here’s how introverted people and extroverted people unwind after a long day.
In a nutshell, introverts and extroverts may be different in terms of how they recharge, but overall, they still need recharge time. While introverts lose energy spending time with people, extroverts recharge that energy doing just that; spending time with people. Here is a breakdown of how introverts and extroverts recharge.
Introverts can recharge by:
- Working out
- Sleeping
- Reading a book
- Cleaning your room
Coach, speaker, writer and introvert, Katherine MacKenzie-Smith explains further. “Introverts gain energy from time spent alone, while extroverts gain energy externally from the world around them. Knowing this, it will be pretty easy to understand and accept that - after something like a busy, stressful day - introverts are most likely going to recharge quietly and, more often than not, alone. This could be through quiet activities, such as reading, taking a long bath, analysing or thinking through the events of the day, or even going to bed early if it has been a particularly arduous one.” Introverts can often recharge by chilling on a comfy mattress, reading a book or just spending their time alone.
Extroverts can recharge by:
- Lunch dates
- Working out
- Parties
- Meeting new people
Katherine continues, “Extroverts, on the other hand, are more likely going to want to talk through their day with a loved one or go out to socialise and get their mind off it. But this isn't always the case. Everyone sits are varying degrees of the introvert/extrovert spectrum, meaning that we all require different levels of interaction and alone time, so depending on how stressful the day is and where people sit on the spectrum, will ultimately dictate - on any given day - what activities are going to help each individual to recharge. The most important thing is that we know ourselves, we know what works for us, and we remember to tune in and pay attention to what our body is craving, particularly for in times of stress or overwhelm. “ Find out more about Katherine MacKenzie-Smith by following her on Facebook and Instagram. For extroverts, sometimes walking your dog is a great way to recharge. Spending time with your fur baby can offer you some exercise, fresh air, and the chance to meet new people. Keep your essential pet supplies nearby when you need to recharge. Your pet will thank you for it, and so will you.
Introverts v. Extroverts - The Stereotypes
It’s time to uncover those stereotypes. Not every extrovert needs to attend a party to recharge, and not every introvert needs to spend hours alone in their bedroom to do the same. Sankar Gopinath explains further. “It is not at all true that an introverted person is shy and very less talkative. If he/ she feels comfortable in the presence of you, They will show the true colours. It is also known that introverted people can count their real friends with their digits. So after an exhausting day, we either try to get some lone time or spend quality time with our best friends. Extroverts can have a very interesting conversation easily with people they just met.” Find out more about Sankar by checking out his Quora.
Those In The Middle
Of course, not everyone is strictly an introvert or an extrovert. Most people would identify as ambiverts, the inbetween of introverts and extroverts. Luckily enough, ambiverts often find themselves recharging however they want to. There can be times where ambiverts would rather sit and read a book alone to help them recharge, other times they could just use a hug, and they’re set to go.
It’s important to recognise someone’s recharge time, and allow them time to regain that energy so they can continue to be themselves. You shouldn’t push someone who’s an introvert to go to a party when they don’t want to, and you shouldn’t silence an extrovert when they want to tell you about their day. Everyone has a different way of recharging, and it’s important to allow yourself and others to recharge, so you can reach your healthy self again.
