What is social isolation- Shutting Out the World to Recharge!

Do you sometimes wish you could just shut the world out? Do you ever think you’d be perfectly happy if you lived alone on a remote island?

For me, the urge is often to delete all my social media, disappear, and simply isolate myself. And almost always, when this feeling starts creeping in, it's because my social battery is completely exhausted. It’s a signal that I need to stop grinding, stop taking on more work, and ground myself a little bit. I need to slow down.

I once read a post from an influencer that deeply resonated with me: "I am currently in no capacity to be there for anyone in the moment—whether physically, financially, or emotionally. I am out!" We all go through times like that, where we feel utterly depleted. And that is perfectly okay.

I am a self-proclaimed empath, and based on the research I’ve done on empathy, I feel it suits me well. I constantly feel like some of the energy I am carrying is not even mine, and I use social isolation to center and recharge my internal batteries.

I literally isolate myself from people: I disconnect, become a homebody, and don’t go out for drinks. I put my phone on silent and I intentionally prioritize time with myself and with my kids.

The simple moments become pure joy: A hug from my youngest son—let me tell you, that hug is therapeutic. The endless stories my daughter shares about her little world with her friends, school, and teachers on a rainy day, as we sit on the sofa with blankets, just listening to her tales—that is pure joy. The laughter we share with my eldest, who has cerebral palsy, is truly magic.

When I shut out the world, I focus on what makes me feel alive: my kids, writing, and music.

What is social isolation?

Social isolation is a very common human reaction and a natural coping mechanism, where someone will intentionally just avoid being with people, like going to parties and gathering where they will be a large number of people. I had an uncle growing who didn't like going to funerals because they were depressing to him, so to conserve his energy he would avoid going to funerals. As you can see, he was avoiding to feel uncomfortable or pain, but that is a part of the human experience. And some isolate when they are having depression episodes, so there are many reasons why people isolate themselves socially.

Here are some of the key reasons why people do this, especially during difficult times:

1. Self-Preservation and Overload

When you are going through a difficult period, your emotional resources are depleted.

• Conserving Energy: Engaging with the outside world (socializing, working, making decisions) takes mental and emotional energy. Withdrawing is a way your mind attempts to conserve the limited energy you have left to deal with the primary source of stress or pain.

• Reducing Stimulation: Stress, grief, or pain can make you feel highly sensitive or emotionally raw. Shutting out the world is a method of reducing external stimuli (noise, demands, other people's needs) that might feel overwhelming or irritating when you are already struggling internally.

2. Processing and Reflection

Difficult times often require intense internal work—figuring out how you feel, what happened, and what to do next.

• Need for Solitude: Isolation provides the quiet space needed for deep thought, reflection, and emotional processing. It allows you to sort through complex feelings without the distraction or pressure of social interactions.

• Emotional Regulation: You might need time alone to experience and process intense emotions (like sadness, anger, or fear) without feeling the need to perform or put on a brave face for others.

3. Fear of Judgment or Burdening Others

A common reason for withdrawal is concern over how others will perceive your struggle.

• Feeling Vulnerable: Sharing your pain makes you vulnerable to judgment, misunderstanding, or unwanted advice. Isolation can feel like a safer, private refuge.

• The "Burden" Mindset: You might fear that your troubles are too heavy or messy for others, leading you to believe you are burdening your friends or family by sharing. Withdrawing removes that perceived obligation.

4. Feeling Misunderstood

Sometimes, when you try to explain your situation, and people don't fully grasp the depth of your pain, it can be more frustrating than helpful.

• Emotional Disconnect: If you don't feel truly seen or understood by those around you, withdrawing can feel like a way to protect yourself from the pain of feeling alone even when in company.

What to Keep in Mind:

While this is a natural coping mechanism, it's helpful to be mindful of the difference between healthy solitude (time to recharge and process) and harmful isolation (which can deepen feelings of depression or loneliness).