Melissa Howard
Author
As an introvert living in an extroverted world, life can often feel stressful and overwhelming. Introverts need regular time alone to rest, re-energize, and process their thoughts. Unfortunately, many introverts have a hard time finding the balance between their social commitments and their need for alone time. Work obligations and busy family schedules can fill your days and leave little room for yourself.
Don’t push self-care aside! You’ll function your best in work and life if you dedicate time to regular self-care. Let’s explore a few impactful ways to prioritize your physical and mental health so you can feel recharged and ready for anything. Today I will share my thoughts on what does an introvert’s self-care look like.
Work with an Online Fitness Coach
Most introverts prefer to work out alone. The good news is that you don’t have to go to the gym or join a fitness class to enjoy all the benefits of a good workout. Shape.com explains that working out alone can even boost your fitness game by helping you tune into your body and get more out of your fitness sessions.
If you could use some guidance along your fitness journey, consider working with an online fitness coach like Eszter from Wellness with Eszter. Online coaching is a great way for introverts to access professional advice from the comfort of home!
Dress for Confidence
While many introverts feel comfortable in social situations, some struggle with social anxiety. Social anxiety often stems from a fear of being judged or negatively evaluated in social situations. If you could use an extra confidence boost when you leave the house, consider playing around with new looks until you find a personal style that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Any good wardrobe starts with a few high-quality basics. Treat yourself to some new tops, bras, and leggings that make you feel confident and put together. For example, these high-waisted postpartum leggings from Kindred Bravely are great for new moms who want to feel stylish without sacrificing comfort!
Get Some Fresh Air
When you’re feeling overstimulated and exhausted from socializing, it can be tempting to hole up inside and shut out the world. But leaving the house to spend some alone time outside may be a better way to recharge. Introvert, Dear explains that nature can offer a number of benefits for introverts:
- It offers space and stillness for processing thoughts and feelings.
- Studies show that spending time in nature can ease stress and lower blood pressure.
- Being outside encourages us to unplug and be present with our surroundings.
- Nature inspires introverts to pursue creative outlets for stress.
- Getting outside is a great way to get your body moving.
Develop a Strategy for Coping with Stress
If you’re introverted, certain situations that seem easy for others to navigate can be incredibly stressful. Think unsolicited phone calls, group projects, impromptu meetings, networking events, work parties, or even something as simple as making small talk with a cashier at the grocery store. Keeping your stress levels under control in these situations is important for supporting your long-term health. Try to come up with a few stress coping strategies that you can pull out when you feel your anxiety increasing. For example, mindfulness-based stress reduction strategies can help you gain control over your thoughts and emotions during times of stress.
Embrace Your Introversion
Has anyone ever told you that you need to come out of your shell? People can make you feel like you’re doing something wrong because you’d rather spend time alone than with others. But encouraging someone to fight their introverted nature is like telling someone not to be themself! Try to ignore people who tell you that you have to be extroverted to succeed. Fighting against your own introversion will only cause a lot of unnecessary stress and frustration.
Instead, make introversion your superpower! Lean into the beneficial qualities that accompany introversion—good observation skills, listening skills, and critical thinking skills to name a few. Studies have shown that introverts are highly successful and make fantastic business leaders. Stop viewing introversion as a defect or a problem to fix. Find ways to own it and accept yourself for who you are!
Free Yourself from Guilt
Letting go of guilt goes hand in hand with the last point. There’s nothing wrong with wanting alone time. Don’t feel guilty for turning down invites so you can recharge! Feeling shame or guilt about your introversion is unhealthy and will only worsen feelings of stress and anxiety. If you’re worried about letting people down, think carefully about how you would feel if someone chose to stay home instead of hanging out with you. If you wouldn’t think twice about it, chances are they won’t either.
Set Boundaries
Once you feel comfortable turning people down to focus on yourself, you’ll have an easier time establishing boundaries in your work and personal life. Setting boundaries will give you more space to focus on your own needs and practice self-care.
Think about situations that drain your energy and devise solutions to protect your downtime. For example, filling your weekends with social activities might leave you feeling exhausted on Monday morning. If you need a free weekend to fully recharge, don’t be afraid to say “no” to a friend or family member. Although leaving your comfort zone once in a while is healthy, you shouldn’t feel obligated to live outside your comfort zone all the time.
Because introverts tend to be more sensitive to external stimuli, they often have to work a little harder to stay relaxed and stress-free. Practicing self-care is essential for managing feelings of overwhelm and finding a balance in your life. Look for ways to take care of your mind and body while honoring the part of yourself that values your alone time.
I hope you’ve found these thoughts about the introvert’s self-care useful.
Do you live a sedentary lifestyle? Eszter, an ACE Certified Fitness Instructor and Weight-Loss Coach, can help you get in shape and overcome weight-loss struggles. Book a free call today so we can get started!
