People with limited social battery do these 12 things regularly to stay sane

Is being around people just too much for you?

Perhaps once upon a time, you enjoyed socializing. But lately, your mood sours when you’re forced to participate, or you find yourself searching for excuses to get out of something. On the other hand, maybe you’ve always had a low tolerance for socialization and a high likelihood of depleting your social battery.

Whichever it is, right now the mere thought of being around people makes you feel anxious, tired, or stressed out. But because of your job, family, or other commitments, you can’t avoid it. You’ve got to mingle.

Running on an empty social battery is no fun and can lead to social burnout, loneliness, and feeling disconnected from others.

Because you can’t avoid it, let’s tackle how to replenish it by exploring these 12 healthy habits of people who have a limited social battery.

1. They don’t engage in small talk if they don’t want to.

Two men outdoors in an urban setting. The man in the foreground is wearing sunglasses, a white shirt, and a blue tie, smiling at the other man, who is out of focus. A bridge and buildings are visible in the background.

Here’s a secret: you don’t have to engage in small talk if you don’t want to. People with a limited social battery simply don’t waste their time on it.

Instead, they politely steer conversations toward topics that genuinely interest them. Engaging in worthwhile conversations is like giving their social battery a boost of meaningful energy.

Chances are the person they’re talking to doesn’t enjoy small talk either. After all, how many interesting things can one truly say about the weather?

So go ahead and skip the small talk if you’re not feeling it. Your energy is better spent on stuff that sparks your interest.

2. They get outside in nature.

A person with curly hair smiles softly while posing outdoors. They are wearing a blue knit sweater, with their hands gently touching their face. Green foliage in the background gives the photo a serene, nature-like atmosphere.

People with a limited social battery know that an easy way to refill it is by simply going outside.

So step away from your desk or get off your couch or your bed, and step outside. Take a stroll around the block. Feel the sun on your skin as you soak up some vitamin D. Breathe in some fresh air.

Spending time in nature gives your social battery a mini energy boost. That cool breath of fresh air sends a jolt to your lungs and senses. As you walk, endorphins are released, and your mind becomes clearer.

Being out in nature just has a way of lifting our spirits and making us feel more alive.

So, lace up those shoes, grab your shades, and let nature work its magic on your social energy.

3. They don’t waste energy doomscrolling.

Who hasn’t been caught in the loop of doomscrolling? It’s like a car accident that you just can’t look away from.

But when you’re constantly scrolling through a nonstop loop of negative news and posts, you’re putting a strain on your social battery and mental health. Endlessly doomscrolling is like falling into a pit of negativity.

The reason we feel so powerless to escape it is that our brains are wired to pay attention to negative things—it’s a survival instinct. Plus, the constant updates and the need to stay informed can make it even tougher to pull away.

This relentless dose of negativity can wear you out mentally and socially. That’s why people with limited social energy don’t do it.

Now is the time to hit pause on the stream of doom and gloom. When you limit your exposure to negative news and give yourself a break, you protect your social energy and let positivity shine through.

The next time you hear of a calamity and you’re tempted to go down the rabbit hole to learn more about it, exercise a little restraint to protect your energy and your mental health.

4. They prioritize socializing with close friends.

Two women standing outdoors at sunset in a natural setting. The woman on the right, wearing a black shirt and brimmed hat, rests her arm affectionately on the shoulder of the woman on the left, who is wearing a tank top. Both gaze into the distance with serene expressions.

Hanging out with a group of close friends can actually help to charge a depleted social battery.

For some of us, what saps our social reserves is not so much the socialization but rather the size of the group we’re with. The group might be so large that we struggle to understand and manage its social dynamics.

We do far better in a more intimate, small-group setting—one where we can hear the other person talking, focus on what they’re saying, and enjoy the relaxed, calm atmosphere.

People with limited social energy prioritize spending quality time with friends they feel comfortable around. They reach out to the close friends that “get them” when their social energy is running low. They enjoy their company the way they enjoy their favorite cozy sweater, and they feel relaxed and rejuvenated as a result.

5. They get absorbed in creative projects.

A person with curly red hair, wearing an orange shirt and dark apron, is focused on shaping a clay pot on a pottery wheel. Shelves of pottery and art supplies are visible in the background.

Engaging in a creative project, such as sewing, knitting, painting, or even coloring, is like giving your social battery a colorful boost.

These activities let you immerse yourself in something you enjoy, something that’s all about you and your creative flair.

In your creative zone, your worries take a back seat, and your energy gets a fresh charge. That’s why it’s a go-to for people who struggle with socializing.

When your social battery feels depleted, step into a world of imagination where you’re the artist. Grab your art supplies or a ball of yarn, and let your creativity run wild.

6. They take a break from technology.

A person with short hair and glasses is sitting on a couch with their legs up, reading a book. They are wearing a white T-shirt and shorts, and they appear relaxed in a bright room with large windows.

Unplugging from technology gives our social battery a much-needed vacation. We’re often glued to our screens. Without realizing it, our social energy is quietly being siphoned away even if we think we’re not socializing.

You see, the internet is filled with social interactions. As you’re mindlessly scrolling through comments, posts, or profiles, it’s not just draining your phone battery.

That’s why people who manage their social energy wisely take a break from gadgets, whether it’s their phone, tablet, or computer. It’s like giving their social battery a much needed power nap.

7. They listen to music.

An older man with a beard and white hair is smiling while wearing headphones. He holds one hand up to his ear, appearing to enjoy listening to music. He is dressed in a collared shirt and sweater, with a blurred background.

People with limited social energy hit play on their favorite tunes and recharge their battery by singing or dancing along.

Listening to music can instantly lift your spirits and boost your energy. Whether you’re into soothing melodies or upbeat songs, your favorite music will never fail to make you feel energized and refreshed.

So put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the good vibes flow.

8. They move their bodies.

A man in a dark jacket and jeans walks a Golden Retriever on a frosty field. The sky is clear, and the background features a line of trees and a rolling landscape.

When you work up a sweat, your body releases hormones called endorphins—they’re like natural mood boosters. And they’re released whether you’re taking a brisk walk, going for a bike ride, or playing a game of tag.

Physical activity recharges your energy and improves your mood.

And guess what?

It acts fast.

If you need fast relief and a boost to your social energy reserves, a quick workout session should do the trick. You can double its impact by exercising outside. The fresh air and sunshine will give your social battery a major jolt in a short amount of time.

9. They have a play-ready environment (and they use it often).

A man with a beard is sitting on a couch, holding a video game controller. He is wearing a gray sweater and green headphones, smiling while engaged in playing a game. The background is dark, enhancing the focus on him.

Play isn’t just for kids. Anyone can benefit from a play space, but people with limited social reserves particularly thrive in it.

Creating a play-ready space is like giving your social battery a cozy hideout.

It’s like a special recharge station. All the things that make you smile and unwind are kept there, like your favorite games, books, or art supplies.

10. They sleep!

A person sleeping peacefully in bed, wrapped in white sheets, with a slight smile on their face. A soft pillow supports their head, and the room appears dimly lit, creating a calm and cozy atmosphere.

People with a lower social battery tire quicker. Their energy is used up by all those daily micro-interactions that the rest of us take for granted.

So they go to bed earlier or take a nap during the day. They seek ways to improve either the quality or the quantity of their sleep.

Sleep recharges the body and mind. When you’re asleep, your body and mind do the required repair work that leaves you feeling refreshed.

But when you’re not getting enough sleep, your body and mind are unable to recover, leaving you performing below par.

If your social battery is empty and you need fast relief, try taking a quick nap. It’s should power up your charge enough to get you through the rest of the day’s interactions.

11. They slow down and breathe.

A man with a beard wearing a denim shirt and a backpack stands outdoors near the sea, stretching with his hands behind his head and eyes closed, appearing relaxed and content. The background features a cloudy sky and distant water.

Deep breathing exercises help reset the mind. They’re especially useful for those times when you need a quick boost to your social battery, but you can’t take a nap or a jog around the block.

Deep breathing sends a signal to your body that it’s all good—almost as if you’re giving yourself a calming pep talk.

Not only does practicing deep breathing help stop moments of acute stress in their tracks, but it also helps manage turbulent emotions. It’s no wonder it’s such a firm favorite for people who are easily drained by social interactions.