Life is busy. There’s work, family obligations and taking care of other people. But us introverts must remember to take care of ourselves as well, before we burn out. When we do practice self-care, we’re able to do more because we’re recharged.
Here are 13 ways introverts can practice self-care. Choose at least two or three of these tips to practice each day. If you need to, schedule time in your calendar and stick to it.
1. Find alone time
If you are burnt out and exhausted, you are not going to be showing up at your best and you won’t be able to take care or even help anyone else. Prevent burn out before it even happens by having daily alone time.
2. Create boundaries
Boundaries are important to maintain, even if they create conflict. It’s easy to say yes to everyone all the time because there will be less conflict. Well, less conflict with others. Ironically, saying yes all the time could create more internal conflict. Start small. If you have set backs, remember that tomorrow is a new day to start fresh. Over time, people will learn to respect your boundaries.
3. Learn how to say no
It is possible to say no without feeling guilty. Remind yourself that your needs are just as important as everyone else’s needs. Introvert energy is precious and needs to be managed. Here are a few scripts that you can use:
- “Let me think about it.”
- “I can’t today, how about [insert date or time]”
- “I really appreciate the thought, but I have another commitment to keep.”
4. Go for a nature walk
I don’t know what it is, but I always feel more relaxed after a nature walk, especially if there is a river along the trail. I love walking in general, but walking around my neighbourhood isn’t as relaxing as being out in nature.
5. Take a break from social media
You decide how much of a break you want to take. It could be the same time each day, it could be for one day a week – whatever you want. What will you fill your time with?
6. Read a book
Books have always been my refuge, my escape. I have two favourite genres – science fiction (where you can discover completely new and different worlds) and mysteries (where there is something waiting to be solved). One key element for me is character development and wanting to see what happens in their lives.
7. Stop wishing you were an extrovert
Both introverts and extroverts have their own unique strengths. But wishing your personality was different will leave you unhappy. Learn what your strengths are and figure out ways on how to use them more in your life.
8. Spend time with a friend
It’s important to know that we’re not alone and that other people care about us. If you’re thinking of someone, send a quick text “Just thinking of you” or “Let’s get together for a coffee [insert date]”.
9. Dance!
Movement is a great way to express yourself without words. It’s also a terrific form of exercise and helps to release “happy” endorphins.
10. Meditate
My mind often races and sometimes it is hard to make it stop thinking! When that happens, I find a quiet place in my house wherever I can. Then, I focus on my breathing – inhale, hold, exhale. A few moments are all it takes to just calm myself down.
11. Write in your journal
It helps to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Not sure what to write? Start with anything you are worrying about or anything that is preoccupying your thoughts. Then, always end with three things that you are grateful for that day. This method helps to release your worries and ends on a positive note.
12. Focus on a hobby
Hobbies allow you to enter a state of “flow” where you are so focused on what you are doing that you lose all sense of time. They allow you to explore different interests and passions that you have. Most hobbies also have clubs, which are a nice way to connect with other people who have similar interests.
13. Explore!
It could be going to a museum, a zoo or even exploring a new town. Exploring allows you to do something new and adds a sense of adventure to your life. Exploring also gives you something to talk about when you are conversing with other people.
What are some self-care tips that you have for other introverts?
Until my next blog post, here’s wishing you lots of joy and happiness!
With love,
