What is This “Recharge” Everyone Keeps Talking About?

If you’re an introvert, you’ve probably heard the phrase “recharge your battery” more times than you can count. But what does it actually mean to “recharge your battery?” Well, it turns out that everyone has an energy curve or cycle, and introverts are extra sensitive to this cycle. That means they need more time in their own space to recharge after spending time or engaging with others. With a bit of observation and planning, introverts can plan their days around their high and low-energy cycles for maximum efficiency and success. Here are three ways how to do just that!

Pay Attention to Your Mood Swings

The first step in understanding your energy curve is paying attention to your own mood swings throughout the day. Try keeping a journal where you track your energy levels every hour or so for a few days. Note when you feel energized and when you start feeling drained — this will give you a better idea of how long it takes for your energy levels to drop after socializing or any type of activity.

Make Time For Yourself

Once you have a better idea of how long it takes for your energy levels to drop after activities, make sure to plan plenty of downtime in your schedule so that you can recharge when needed. This could be anything from going for a walk alone, reading a book in peace and quiet, meditating, or simply taking some time out to relax while listening to music. Whatever helps you relax and restore your energy is what works best for you. Experiment, but also be aware of what you already do.

Prioritize Your Tasks

By understanding which activities help recharge your battery versus those that drain it, introverts can prioritize tasks based on their current state of mind. For example, if mornings are usually when we have the most energy, doing our most important tasks makes sense — while leaving the less important ones for later in the day when we start feeling more drained. Essentially this allows us to stay productive without overworking ourselves or burning out too quickly.

In the article “Do You Know Your Personal Energy Cycles?” — Diane E. Dreher, PH. D., shares four questions to ask yourself to help you begin exploring your energy cycle and work with it rather than against it.

• When is my “best” time of the day?
• When is my prime time when my creative energies are the highest?
• What time of day do my energies decrease?
• How can I honor my energy cycles in my daily schedule?

Recharging is essential for all types of people — introverts especially! By being aware of our natural energy curves and planning accordingly, we can ensure that we have enough restorative downtime throughout our days in order to stay productive without burning out too quickly. So take a minute (or two) today just for yourself — science says so.

#chargethebatteries #activeintroverts #knowthyself