Being connected is non-negotiable for your health and longevity.
Without social interaction for prolonged periods of time, your health could take a hit equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But what if you genuinely get drained from social interactions? That can’t be good for you either.
According to Perpetua Neo, doctor of clinical psychology, the quality and quantity of socialising differ from person to person. However, underlying factors determine how fast your social battery runs out and how quickly you recover.
If you think your social battery needs some help staying energised, here are some things you need to know.
1. You don’t know your social pace
You overstay your welcome and don’t know when to cut interaction short. Your social pace is your attention span in social interactions. Some people can focus on something for a few minutes while others can go longer on the same task.
Figure out your social pace for friends, tasks, colleagues, and family, whether in person or over the phone. The power nap is there for a reason. Get in touch with how you feel during social interactions which will enable you to figure out your social pace.
2. You are socially connected every time
Social connections include those social media comments you take the time to post, replying to colleagues and face-to-face interactions. If you are available every time to everyone you will not have quality interactions. Tune your phone and digital devices to minimise unnecessary interaction until you have the space for it.
3. You listen or solve too much
Some people are conversation black holes. But only if you let them. It is good to be the kind of person others feel comfortable with to share, but it has to have a limit. There is emotional labour involved in listening and solving things, and when done frequently can take a toll.
Figure out your boundaries and consider the possibility of telling some people to leave you (tf) alone.
4. You secretly don’t like your hangout partners
Some people grow on you like wall flowers, while others grow on you like mould. Perhaps you did not set boundaries with them because you didn’t think they’d be in your life for long. Or maybe you avoid conflict/confrontation or feel bad for someone so you tolerate them.
No matter the circumstances, if you don’t the common people you interact with, it will drain you. Consider declining unpleasant behaviour and patterns.
5. You want to upload every interaction on your socials
Social media stokes the fires of our friendships and networks in enjoyable ways. In some instances, we rely heavily on it to prolong the fun, fellowship, and celebrations, and save for nostalgia.
Yet it can be exhausting to document and upload everything. Moreover, some of this activity interferes with sleep time, and real-time interactions, leaving us feeling drained.
Takeaway
Protect your social battery like you take care of your phone battery life. Starting with figuring out where you lie on the introvert-extrovert spectrum, the tips above can help you maintain and sustain healthy social interaction.
