How Introverts Can Practice Self-Care
Being an introvert comes with lots of great benefits. Introverts are independent for the
most part. They’re not clingy and are inclined to be polite and considerate to others. And
because introverts spend a lot of time on their own, they’re usually quite clever and
creative. Introverts take their time beginning a project but they’re careful and deliberate
in executing it, which makes them great leaders. And introverts are really good at
blocking out distractions so they can excel at solitary endeavors like writing and painting.
But introverts need to be alone to recharge after being in social situations. Many people
are often surprised when they find out someone is an introvert after seeing them socially.
But that’s because introverts are pretty good at being sociable. They don't dislike being
around people, they just need time to regroup afterward. That’s why it’s important for
introverts to learn to practice self-care.
Richard Ramirez is a Freelance Christian graphic designer at Art by Richie. Here’s some
advice on ways for introverts to re-set with self-care.
Exercise for Relaxation
Exercise releases endorphins. These are the chemicals your body produces when you
exercise that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. When you exercise, you’re
alone with your own thoughts, creating a form of stress-reliving meditation.
Exercise can be anything from a power walk, laps in the pool, or a workout at the gym.
And exercise can also be yoga stretches or deliberate, and stress-relieving Tai Chi moves
in a quiet place in your home. Whatever form of exercise you choose, make sure it’s
something you enjoy, so it becomes a form of self-care and not a chore. Even taking the
stairs instead of the elevator or a walk on your lunch break will help if you do it
regularly.
Journaling
Keeping a journal for writing down your feelings can quiet your mind by giving all your
negative or overactive thoughts a place to go other than running through your brain. It’s a
safe place to just vent and let go of the anxiety that pent-up thoughts can create.
A lot of people use journals expressly designed to help introverts work through their
anxieties. Or try prompts to get you started. They’re written to get your brain on a path
that can lead you to creative journaling, which can be fun in addition to stress-relieving.
De-Stressing With Food
Some foods are really good at relieving stress, while others can increase it. We all know
that caffeine can give us the jitters, but we don’t always know what foods contain
caffeine. Even decaf coffee contains caffeine, just as green tea does. Chocolate, chewing
gum and energy drinks all contain caffeine, so it’s best to avoid those when you’re trying
to get calm.
Salmon, chamomile, yogurt, blueberries, and eggs are all good stress-reliving foods.
These foods support brain health and may make those times when introverts really need
to focus a boost of energy.
A Change of Career
There are certain workplace environments that introverts can find overwhelming, like
spaces with a lot of people and sensory stimulation. After a while, this can become
physically and emotionally draining.
If you find that your current job is overwhelming you, it may be time to find a new one.
Research companies and organizations that are more suitable to you and that suit your
skills, experience, and career goals.
You’ll need to brush up on your resume first, though. Here’s a possible solution if you’re
not comfortable writing one. Use an online resume-building template. With it, you can
create a professional resume that’s also eye-catching. You can choose your own style and
even upload your own designs and images.
There are plenty of ways to recharge yourself and find peace when you’re feeling
overwhelmed, like exercise and journaling, and eating right. And you can make long-
term decisions to make your life less stressful, such as creating a resume to find a more
suitable job. Whatever steps you take, make sure to make self-care a part of your
everyday routine. As an introvert, you, more than anyone else, need to make self-care a
priority.
