When your energy runs low

Notice it early

Energy usually runs down gradually. You find yourself nodding without hearing, or scanning for the exit. That's useful information, not a problem.

A short reset now is better than pushing on until you're completely spent.

A ninety-second reset

Step away for a minute or two. You don't need to explain yourself to anyone.

• Go outside, or to a quieter corridor, and breathe slowly for a minute.
• Get a glass of water and drink it somewhere quiet.
• Look at something far away: the sky, the street, the end of the room.
• Check you've done what you came for. One good conversation counts.

Choose your next move

After a reset, decide on one small next step. Talk to one more person, revisit someone you liked, or go home.

All three are fine. The point of the event was never to stay until the end.

Leaving early

Find the host if it's easy, thank them, and go. At larger events, you don't need to say goodbye to everyone.