Refueling Your Social Battery: What Can You Do?
UPDATE: Colleen contributed to the article How to Recharge Your Social Battery, by Robby Salvern for UpJourney.
Social energy is the fuel that helps us connect with the world around us and feel engaged and fulfilled. It expands when we are physically, emotionally, and creatively rested and inspired. But if we’re unaware of where, when, and how it flows, our energy can easily drain away—leaving us feeling frustrated, drained, or stuck in our heads. Fortunately, there are some simple things we can do to recharge our social batteries and get back into the flow of life. Here are a few tips:
1. Permit yourself to disengage.
This might seem like a silly thing to say, but it’s true. You can’t be everywhere at once. And if you don’t give yourself the time to recharge your social battery, you won’t have any left for work, family, or friends. So take some time out of your day to do something that makes you feel good about yourself.
2. Involve yourself in physical exercise.
Exercise releases endorphins that make us happy. Endorphins are hormones produced naturally in the brain that reduce pain and increase pleasure. Exercise helps release these chemicals into the bloodstream, which travel throughout the body. This means that even after you stop exercising, your body produces them. So, not only does exercise boost your mood, but it also keeps your mood elevated long after you finish. Constantly attending social events is physically and mentally draining and can lead to depression. You can maintain a positive outlook on life by participating in regular physical activity.
3. Implement relaxation techniques.
Relaxation techniques help relieve stress and anxiety. They include meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, or listening to music. These activities allow us to focus on ourselves instead of focusing on others. The time you dedicate to relaxation will help you recharge your social battery.
4. Take advantage of aromatherapy.
Applying scented oils to the skin has been around since ancient times. It is a simple and natural way to improve your mood and help you relax. The use of specific oils can also help you sleep better at night. Many blends are designed specifically for relaxation and stress relief, such as lavender, chamomile, jasmine, rosemary, peppermint, and others. If you need a break from being constantly surrounded by people, get away and try an aromatherapy bath. Your body and mind will thank you!
5. Take a break from technology.
We all feel drained after spending too much time on our phones, laptops, and other devices. It can be hard to stay connected with friends and family while also caring for ourselves. Taking a break from technology is one way to recharge your social battery and come back feeling refreshed and ready.
6. Get enough sleep.
Sleep deprivation leads to fatigue and irritability and affects our ability to think clearly. Lack of sleep can cause problems with memory, concentration, decision-making, and judgment. When you are tired, you tend to become more negative and less able to cope with stressful situations. Getting adequate rest allows your brain to function properly and gives you the energy to deal with everyday challenges and embrace those social activities.
7. Spend time outdoors.
Nature has a way of calming the soul. Spending time outside in nature helps you connect with the world around you. It also provides a sense of peace and tranquility. Being outside in nature enables you to reconnect with your inner self and recharges your social battery.
Get Support From A New Heights Mental Health Counselor
Getting support from a New Heights mental health counselor can effectively recharge your social battery. A professional therapist can help you identify the sources of your social energy and how to best recharge it. They can help you recognize when your energy is low and provide strategies for restoring it. A New Heights counselor will work with you in a safe, non-judgmental environment to explore the underlying causes of your fatigue.
Other Mental Health Services Offered At New Heights Counseling
New Heights Counselor offers therapy for many issues. We assist those who struggle with anger management, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, abuse, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, confidence, body image, eating disorders, and many more. We want you to feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts and feelings with us so that we can better understand your needs and help you find healing and wholeness.
Our services are for children, adolescents, and adults, and we offer in-person sessions at our Fort Walton Beach, FL location and online therapy for the state of Florida. The office is on the 2nd floor of WorkSpace Suites at 1992 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 1057, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Get directions here on Google Maps or visit our office location page.
Appointment Schedule (Last appointment – 4 PM)
Sunday Closed
Monday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Evenings/Weekends by Appointment
Additional Resources:
- What is a social battery? – Medical News Today
- Recharge Your Personal Battery with These Activities – Erica Cirino for Healthline
- Welcome Video New Heights Counseling Founder & Clinical Director Colleen Wenner
About the Author:
Colleen Wenner is the founder and clinical director of New Heights Counseling, where she provides counseling services for individuals struggling with mental health issues. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Colleen is a certified supervisor in Florida and an EMDR trauma-certified practitioner and consultant in training. Colleen is committed to providing excellent client care and services the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Destin, and surrounding communities.
Colleen has consistently advocated for mental health wellness and has dedicated her entire life to promoting awareness among the public. She has been featured on various podcasts such as Practice of the Practice (The #1 Podcast for counselors in private practice), Shrink Think Podcast, and The Salty Christan Podcast, to name a few. She has contributed to several Yahoo Best Life, Unfinished Man, AskMen, UpJourney, WebMD, PsychCentral, and Emotional Intelligence Magazine articles. Colleen uses compassionate and authentic communication to help clients understand themselves better and feel more confident about their ability to improve their lives.