An introvert is often thought of as a quiet, reserved, and thoughtful individual. They do not seek special attention or social engagements, as these events can leave introverts feeling socially exhausted and drained. Introverts are the opposite of extroverts. Extroverts are often described as the life of a party. They seek interaction and conversations. They are not ones to miss a social gathering, and they thrive in the frenzy of a busy environment.
Traits of an Introvert
- You prefer time to yourself. Solitude brings you relief as you enjoy the feeling of doing an activity by yourself rather than finding it a burden. For introverts, to be alone with your thoughts is as restorative as sleeping and as nourishing as eating.
- Social settings drain you. While your friends may prefer to be out, you like staying at home. Introverts know when their social batteries are maxed out.
- You have a close circle of friends – not to say that this is a bad thing. A study shows that high quality relationships are critical for an introvert’s happiness.
- You are curious. Introverts tend to have an active inner thought process, which often leads to moments of self-reflection.
If you believe that these criteria sound similar to yourself and apply to your regular habits, then you are most likely also an introvert! This is nothing to be concerned about. As an introvert myself, I found it quite frustrating to display these tendencies and have always wanted to be more of an extrovert. However, once I learned the multitude of self-care options for introverts, I was immediately intrigued to properly understand how I can manage my introverted personality.
The Power of Self-Care for Introverts
Understanding your personality type thoroughly can help you discover and explore a myriad of self-care activities that are best suited for you.
Physical – A few physical methods of self-care could be to attempt a new exercise such as laughing yoga as there are a plethora of videos on YouTube walking you through this. One minute of laughter can boost your immune system for a whole day!
Intellectual – Explore your mind! This may be one of the easiest ways to destress while learning more about yourself. Introverts can feel energized by revising a new subject or adopting a new skill. So, try taking an online class to satisfy the need for making progress.
Emotional – Sometimes, even talking to a best friend can be taxing for introverts. To relax and alleviate stress, simply imagine that you are your best friend, what advice would you give yourself in this situation?
Whether you identify as an introvert or extrovert, the most important thing is maximizing opportunities for self-care and allowing yourself to recharge. We all deserve to rest, relax, and invigorate ourselves through the medium that best appeals to us.
If you are taking time for yourself as an introvert, you are already creating your own self-care routine.