“Social battery” has become a perfect metaphor to describe the fatigue we feel after exposing ourselves to too many social stimuli, when we feel lonely. But beyond the memes, health psychologist at the Center for Health Psychology Luz María Peña explains that there is nothing to worry about and that it is “a signal from our body telling us that we need space to recover or rebalance our social and personal demands.”
For Peña, whether we have a greater or less social battery does not depend on each individual’s personality or social ability, but is explained by multiple internal and external factors.
“On the one hand, there may be a level of emotional demand that interactions require: for example, conversations in which we have to care a lot about what we say, manage conflicts or support others emotionally, tend to tire us out more,” says the psychologist.
“Other factors such as general stress, lack of rest, overstimulation or feelings of inauthenticity also come into play; when we act in a very controlled way or do not feel free to be ourselves, the effort put into this reaction requires a greater expenditure of energy.”
“On the contrary, spaces where we feel safe, understood and without judgment tend to erode or even recharge our social battery less, because they generate calm, communication and enjoyment, even though the interaction may be longer or involve several people,” says the expert.
These reasons lead us to find real strategies to take care of our social battery:
- Look for nurturing interactions: The expert estimates that with this feeling of fulfillment, “being with someone who brings us serenity or makes us laugh can be refreshing, as can seeking out activities that don’t involve interaction, depending on how we’re feeling.” That’s why it’s important to know what types of relationships energize us and which exhaust us.
- Alternative moments of solitude: “At certain times, we may need silence, and other times, connecting with people who make us feel safe can help,” says Peña, who is committed to finding that balance.
- Paying attention to physical and mental comfort: This is another key because it “directly affects the ability to communicate,” as the expert confirms.
- Refocusing on the idea of socialization: The psychologist highlights the value of “approaching spaces that truly contribute and are fun, rather than being guided by obligation or social pressure.”
“The most important thing is to listen to our body and the emotional signals it gives us. If we feel satiated, stopping and looking for places to rest may be necessary to regulate ourselves, although this does not mean isolating ourselves,” Peña recommends.
The psychologist also points out the importance of differentiating “whether the fatigue is emotional and that’s why we need to stop, or a simple push can help us break the ice of isolation if we know that connection will benefit us later.” “The healthiest thing is the habit of listening to yourself,” he concludes.