This past weekend I attended multiple social events with family, friends, and my faith community.  From Friday evening until Sunday evening, it felt as if I was either at an event, going to an event, or leaving one.  Last night, I had a difficult time unwinding after such a busy weekend.  Several months ago, after a similar weekend left my head spinning from too many social activities, I did an internet search of the words “social hangover”.  I discovered that there is such a thing.  In an article on Inc.com, Jessica Stillman (2016) described a social hangover this way: “After too much time cooped up with too many people, your head starts to buzz, your brain sort of hurts.”  I believe this is an accurate portrayal of how I was feeling last night.

Sometimes this social hangover can be referred to as an “introvert hangover.”  While I do identify myself as an introvert, I would more accurately describe myself as a social introvert.  I enjoy people and being around them but I need consistent time to be alone and “process.” It turns out that for most of us, introvert or extrovert, find that some time alone is helpful.  Kevin Cashman (2008) states “For most leaders, the most innovative ideas and creative solutions usually arise, not during traditional work hours, but during the quiet, inner moments while swimming, running, walking, gardening, or meditating” (p. 157).

Do you ever experience a “social hangover”? If so, how do you recover?

Do you find that your most creative and innovative ideas come in social settings or in relative solitude?

Cashman, K. (2008). Leadership from the inside out: becoming a leader for life. 2nd ed., rev. and expanded. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Stillman, J. (August 25, 2016).  Feeling Rough After an Event? You Might Have an “Introvert Hangover”. Retrieved from http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/feeling-rough-after-an-event-you-might-have-an-introvert-hangover.html