Debra WatersSleep, diet, or lack of exercise can sap our reserves — but did you know that our personality can affect vitality too?
Have you ever looked in awe at friends who are the life and soul of a party or who thrive in stressful situations? Aside from physical factors like tiredness or illness, research shows another reason why some of us feel drained more quickly than others: our personality.
One study examining five major personality traits found that people who “see themselves as introverted” are more vulnerable to fatigue. This can also be linked to our Myers-Briggs personality type, with polls showing that introverts are significantly more likely to feel worn out or tired than extroverts.
“Knowing whether you’re an introvert or extrovert is life-changing for many people, as it helps you change your approach to life and set important boundaries around your health,” says energy mindset mentor Haulwen Nicholas (magicalmojocoach.com).
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WHY MODERN LIFE CAN BE DRAINING
Modern society often doesn’t favour introverts. Prioritising downtime can even be seen as a weakness, and everyone is expected to socialise and interact constantly.
“Extroversion is predominantly promoted, and the environment is often noisy and encourages constant social interaction,” says Haulwen.
“This can be very taxing for introverts, who may face criticism for being too quiet or not socialising enough, even though these activities can be exhausting for them.”
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THE POWER OF PERSONALITY
Our personalities are nuanced. Haulwen explains:
• Introverts can enjoy socialising with a single person they connect with or speak to a large crowd.
• The difference is in how they feel afterward: introverts often feel drained and need rest, while extroverts leave interactions feeling energised.
• Introverts find small talk exhausting; extroverts find it invigorating.
Some people may fall into both camps:
• Ambiverts – have both introverted and extroverted qualities.
• Omniverts – may be reserved or outgoing depending on the situation or mood.
Understanding your personality can help identify activities that energise or deplete you. You can train yourself to gradually expand your comfort zones, but overextension could lead to burnout.