How To Avoid Exhaustion As An Introvert At Work

Is the level of draining fatigue that introverts feel just an inevitable aspect of going to work?

Do we just need to accept it as part of adulthood?

Absolutely not!

While some level of tiredness after work is understandable, feeling completely wiped out day after day is unhealthy and unsustainable.

There are tangible reasons we may feel so drained, especially in office environments that don’t suit our natural tendencies. For introverts in particular, factors like office politics, constant interruptions and lack of quiet focus time can zap our energy. Empaths easily take on the emotions of those around them which can be mentally tiring. Sensitive people deal with enormous stimulus each day — noises, lights, conversations — which overloads their nervous system. Highly creative types have laser focus which requires recovery periods.

Regardless of your personality, there are things you can do to preserve your energy stores at work:

1. Take regular breaks, especially before meetings or social gatherings. Set boundaries around your time and availability.
2. Have solo lunches or take walks alone to recharge. Identify and establish quiet spaces for deep work.
3. Use your calendar strategically to balance interactive and focused tasks.
4. Say no to non-essential meetings and requests. these small acts of self care go a long way.

It’s also vital to have fulfilling activities outside work to counterbalance the demands of the office, especially for introverts. Creative pursuits, time in nature, hobbies, volunteering or just curled up with a good book are vital. Don’t just veg out in front of the TV because while relaxing, it doesn’t truly rejuvenate us.

If you really want to get to the root of an activity that energises you try this exercise. Find some photographs of yourself when you were about 5 or 6 years old. These need to happy photos that elicit fond memories.

Study these photos and ask yourself these questions:

1. How did you like to play when you were that age?
2. What do you remember about yourself as a child?
3. What qualities did you have that you might have forgotten?
4. What made you feel happy, safe & secure?
5. Who did you like to spend time with?

The idea of this is to stay in the positive memories. At that young age we knew how to be happy. We embraced our own natural rhythm. We were authentic and uninfluenced by people and situations. We liked ourselves and naturally followed our instincts.

What have you remembered about yourself? How can you integrate this into your daily life?

As life unfolds we often forget parts of our inner child but reconnecting with them can bring back our authenticity and childlike qualities.

As for work, finding work that aligns with your natural inclinations and energy levels may be the ultimate solution. But in the absence of that, implementing daily energy renewal practices enables you to show up as your best self both at work and for your family when you get home, instead of a lifeless zombie.

With some adjustments, that after-work exhaustion doesn’t have to be your new normal.

I work with introverts in tech sales to help them become visible and get promoted.

Here's a link to my diary, you can book a free 30 minute consultation if you'd like to discuss your career progression as an introvert https://tidycal.com/lesleyjtait/30-minute-meeting