An introvert is someone who prefers to be alone and take care of themselves rather than be with other people. Many individuals mistakenly think that introverts are timid. But in contrast, introverts are individuals who aren’t afraid of human interaction; they just prefer solitude instead. They tend to avoid prolonged social engagement as it feels draining to them.
Many believe that happiness depends on the number of friends one has or that a person who dislikes social engagement must be unhappy or fearful. For introverts, this is absolutely untrue. Even though they prefer alone time, introverts connect with others when they feel appropriate.
Many introverts themselves sometimes misinterpret introversion as shyness and make futile attempts to change it to fit in with their peers. If you are such a person, you might have noticed that this doesn’t work and instead drains your energy completely.
But if you feel that your introversion is negatively affecting your life, we have several tips for you that you can utilize to lead a better life.
Here are some tips to help our fellow introverts:
- Process Your Emotions after Every Big Event
After every substantial social interaction, such as an event, party, or dinner, you should sit down alone and process your emotions. This will help you positively handle the overwhelming number of interactions you have had.
After attending an event or visiting a place that seemed draining, take some time to recharge yourself before going to the next event. If you feel drained like that every day, take some time out each day to process its happenings.
- Reflect Upon Your Emotions after a Long Day
Self-reflection is inevitable for introverts; do not avoid it because of your busy schedule. Instead, sit down and think about the day after coming home. This is a simple yet beneficial way for introverts to avoid drowning in the emotions they feel after having a long day.
Be it a brief bus ride or a 15-minute break at work, take that time for yourself and unwind.
Unlike extroverts, self-reflection need not be forced or instructed upon introverts. Most of them do it from a very young age, all by themselves, to keep their emotions in check. However, for someone still discovering themselves, a little bit of guidance like this might be helpful.
- Be with People Who Understand Your Silence
Silence is a vital aspect of every introvert’s life. They need quiet to keep them going. Though hanging out with friends is fun, introverts do not feel the same all the time.
You might have a lot of friends but try to stick around with people who respect when you need time alone and respect your personal space.
Sitting alone in silence could be one of the most valuable things any introvert could ask from their companions.
Find someone who understands your silence, or try to make your friends/partner understand how much it means to you. This could also be an excellent way to set clear boundaries with the people in your life.
- Cancel Plans If You Don’t “Feel” Like Going
Constant appointments are not something introverts can handle. Constant plans can lead to your mental health getting affected, preventing you from performing your regular activities.
Don’t be afraid to cancel plans with your friends if you think your social battery needs to be recharged. Unlike extroverts and ambiverts, introverts’ mood does not lighten up or change positively upon socializing. Sometimes it could even be damaging to your physical health, resulting in you falling ill and suffering from intense tiredness and oversleeping. So, be firm about saying no the next time whenever you don’t want to go out.
- Think and Function Independently
Introverts tend to have their own sense of purpose and way of thinking that others may be unable to relate to. This might not be something that can be utilized in workplaces, but as an introvert, this is something you should properly convey to the people in your personal life. For your mental and emotional well-being, being able to listen to your intuitions and thoughts as much as possible is extremely important.
