Self-care for introverts is especially important when it comes to maintaining a healthy balance of social interaction in our lives. Unfortunately, these interactions can be challenging and unavoidable, but taking the time to practice good self-care during periods of high social activity can help us stay healthy and balanced.
What is an introvert?
An introvert is an inward-focused individual. These people seek less external stimulation and concentrate more on internal stimulation. Typically, introverts come out as reserved and quiet individuals in social situations. Some people misunderstand introverts as individuals that do not like other people or being around people.
However, introverts feel tired after social gatherings and need time to recharge in solitude. They need to practice self-care alone after social interactions. Introverts can be overwhelmed with external stimulation, such as engaging in group events, busyness, and conversations.
Living As an Introvert is Not Easy
Usually, almost everyone spends a considerable chunk of their life in school. At schools, teachers will expect you to give presentations, work in groups with classmates and answer questions in class. Most parents will also raise eyebrows when their kid spends time in their room playing alone rather than hanging out with other kids outside.
Many kids love dancing and acting or participating in other extracurricular activities, while introverts will avoid any of these. Now far from school, you are also expected to socialize and interact with people in the world in a specific way. Most employers will favor that person that talks to everyone around the company.
All these scenarios make life for an introvert hard. They barely love being active or in the spotlight but can ideally work like any other employee. Networking is also essential to advance in life, but it is always challenging for introverts.
Why are Introverts Overwhelmed Easily?
Introverts’ brains are sensitive to external stimulation. They take in more information than an extrovert would. An extrovert’s mind will narrow down and focus on one thing in all the chaos, while the introvert’s mind is more aware of all the sounds and sights. It will also take the introverts more time to process data since it takes a longer route in their minds.
Processing all this information outside is tiring and quickly overwhelms the introvert. That is why they need self-care more to rejuvenate and reenergize themselves.
How to Recharge as An Introvert
Most introverts will need time alone for self-care to recharge almost every day. Some may require only two or one hour per week to restore. As an introvert, it is crucial to understand what works perfectly for you regarding recharging. Anytime you feel worn out, recharge and reenergize via self-care.
Even though self-care may feel selfish, remember, you can’t offer your best to your kids or spouse if you feel worn out. You will function better in other areas when you care for yourself through self-care.
Ways to Practice Self-care
Turn off your lights
Visual simulation runs introverts down. Sometimes all you need to recharge and have a peaceful evening is to turn off your lights. It will ease over simulation being in a dark, quiet room.
Turn off noise
Since introverts are sensitive to simulation, noise can be a huge turn-off. Sometimes it is advisable to separate from too much noise that could feel overwhelming. You could play some relaxing background music or enjoy total silence to recharge. Some introverts prefer putting on an ocean ambiance, fireplace, or rain videos to rejuvenate themselves.
Take a quick nap
Lay down for around 20 or 30 minutes, or take a quick nap. That should recharge your energy levels as an introvert. If you are the type that never falls asleep during the day, just lie down for half an hour and think about nothing.
Read
Reading is among the favorite self-care activities you can pursue. Reading reduces stress levels, especially for introverts. Generally, introverts have lots of thoughts, and reading can turn off this internal dialog as you try to learn something new.
Find a topic you enjoy reading and get the books. It could be about travel, personal development, or even relationships. Whatever genre you choose, find a book and read it.
Set Boundaries
Introverts should set boundaries. There are times when introverts fail to protect their energy as they should. Setting boundaries will block people from draining away your energy. Set boundaries and say no to people if you feel their energy is not something you would put up with. If anyone has an issue with your no, it is their problem; you are protecting your energy.
Get fresh air
There is always something with fresh air. It clears your head, making you feel energized and refreshed. You could take a walk outside, pick a seat, and take fresh air from your balcony. Get vitamin D from the sun as you take slow deep breaths. That will help you recharge your energy.
Take time to appreciate nature around you, birds singing and rustling leaves. So whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a walk or sit outside and enjoy nature with all its beauty.
Go shopping
Even though heading to the store will have lots of stimulation, it is stimulation you can avoid engaging with. Go shopping with the main aim of clearing your head and having a good time. Ensure you go to a store you love, and you will discover how thrilling it is to shop and look at items on the shelves.
Clean
Almost every introvert loves staying at home. To them, this is the safest space. You can maximize the good feelings by making the house cozy and tidy. Remember, the environment you live in could drain or energize you.
A cluttered or messy space will drain your batteries and create visual overstimulation. A clean room will allow your brain to feel calm and relaxed. It doesn’t matter whether you like cleaning; ensure you spend some time tidying your space. It is a self-care routine for introverts that can make you recharge and enjoy your area more.
You are not an extrovert.
The world expects people to behave or live in a given way. It becomes easy to compare individuals, especially extroverts, that easily interact with the world. Remember that you are an introvert and live your life that way.
Stop comparing yourself with other people. It is okay to be reserved and different from other people. You are you and have no problem, so live your life to avoid draining your energy.
Take a warm bath
To most introverts, there is nothing as refreshing as taking a warm bath after a long way. It is among the brilliant ways to recharge and re-energize. A bathtub is better since you will enjoy a refreshing bubble bath. If you love showers, set the mood with excellent background music, and impressive body wash. Shower off your woes once you get home or accomplish a task at the end of the day.
Take a long drive
As much as introverts love staying at home, long drives could also recharge their energy. Find somewhere scenic that has low traffic and explore the area. Play excellent music from your favorite artists, and just let the ambiance of the surroundings carry your mind away.
Take a cold or warm drink.
Sometimes the best way to re-energize is to take a warm drink. Some introverts prefer a cold drink to recharge. Sip your favorite beverage from the comfort of your couch as you think about your life. This is not the time to have your phone in your hand scrolling through various social profiles. Relax and sip your drink with no technology, just you and your mug.
Have a recharging zone.
You could create a recharging station where you will recharge once you feel down or overwhelmed. That should be the place where you feel most comfortable and calm. If this is your bed, ensure you get pretty bedding, soft sheets, and admirable throw pillows.
If you use your bathroom as your self-care routine, clean it well and organize the cabinet. Get soft matching towels and rugs. Lighten up your recharging room or area and make it appear magnificent to give you more energy. If baking is your thing as an introvert, always ensure your kitchen is tidy, and organize your cabinets and drawers.
For introverts that love the outdoors, experiment on your patio or backyard. Work on the flowers in this area, and beautify it with unique and colorful pieces of art. Hang a great hammock or a comfortable chair to relax and unwind in this area. Wherever you feel like unwinding and relaxing, make it a comfortable place to recharge.
Bottom Line
Self-care is crucial, especially for introverts. This group of people requires recharging and reenergizing on their own. Try any or all of these valuable hacks to restore your energy levels. Remember that you should never compare yourself to other people and especially extroverts.
