Introverts typically will feel drained by social interactions, especially with large groups of people, and it progresses with time spent in said social exposure. Introverts have been shown to be more sensitive to dopamine than extraverts. That feel good hormone dopamine is produced in the body when we are stimulated, but if you are more sensitive to it you are likely to feel more tired, more quickly. Moreover if you feel drained enough it is likely that you will feel rather like a piece of rubbish for the next day too.
Simply acknowledging that you may get introvert hangover is actually how you begin to cure it. Next you can plan ahead, for example if you know you will be at a conference such as the upcoming A4M 27th Annual World Congress in Las Vegas December 13-15, 2019 or with a large group of people, book yourself off for the next day, if that is not possible arrange for a light day or late start.
During your time off try to do something relaxing that will help recovery and wipe your mind off of the introvert hangover; it can be anything that is meaningful and relaxing to you that will also stop you from thinking about anything such as household chores, gardening, yoga, mediation, going for a hike, a nice stroll in the park, reading, drawing, listening to music, or riding a horse.
Maybe the time off can be spent relaxing and cuddling with you partner, but maybe you need the time to be by yourself enjoying a long hot bath, or hiding under your blankets in bed, watching a feel good movie, or whatever works for you.
If you can plan your schedule well enough it may even help to plan a little time before the event as well. If you are able to lighten your load before heading into the conference you will be as fresh and ready as possible for arrival to all of the people.
While at the event try to minimise the build up by taking small breaks during the event to escape from the crowd of people. Take a few moments to yourself to go somewhere as quiet as possible, perhaps a walk up the stairs, or hiding in a bathroom stall, whatever you do use those few moments to relax and not think. Perhaps meditate in those few moments to help you enjoy the quiet, whatever works for you.
You may not be able to avoid interacting with people, ewh, but you can minimize the impact. One of the biggest fears for anyone at a big event is that they will be missed if they take a short break and it typically prevents them from going. The most important lesson you will learn if you take one of these short breaks is that you weren’t missed, and the second lesson you will learn is that many other people are doing the same thing.
