Being an introvert in an extrovert’s world is exhausting. I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself completely drained after just a short period of my day around people. So how do you find peace?
If you are an introvert, then you already know how draining life can be. Whether you visit the grocery store just to pick up a few items or find yourself at a social gathering, when you are a more introverted person, outings can come at a cost.
However, while ‘peopling’ can be exhausting, life would be meaningless without our favorite people. Because being an introvert doesn’t equate to being anti-social, although it can feel like that sometimes. So, how do we strike a balance? Well, I am glad you asked. Thankfully, there is a way to have your cake and eat it too, so to speak.
If you are struggling with feeling drained, here are some pro tips.
1. Ground yourself.
Grounding is so important, not only for introverts but for everyone. However, it’s especially important for introverts. If you find that you are feeling overstimulated, or drained, go to a quiet place alone. Sit and count your breaths. Or, you can walk outside and count your breaths. Another great grounding technique is to run your hands under cold water and then switch to warm. These techniques pull you out of your head so you can find peace.
2. Make time for just you.
No matter what you have going on- find some time for yourself. For example, let’s say it’s the weekend, and you have a birthday party to go to, and then a dinner out with friends. You know you are going to be around people all day, and you are anticipating being drained. What do you do?
Split your day up, and in between and after outings, carve out some time for just you. As an example, you could meditate before going, then after the party, go on a short walk outside, and then after dinner, wind down on the couch for thirty minutes.
3. Have a ‘wind-down routine.’
Speaking of winding down, each day, you should have a routine that includes winding down. Even if that means lighting a candle to burn while you shower off and prepare to lay down for bed, find a simple habit or ritual that signals to your brain that you are winding down.
4. Move your body.
An exercise is a wonderful tool, and it doesn’t have to mean that you spend hours at the gym. A simple 30-minute walk or 20 minutes of yoga can work wonders on your state of mind.
5. Connect with someone you love.
Call a friend, or family member and tell them you love them. While introverts are typically withdrawn or to themselves, that doesn’t mean that bonding isn’t important or cherished. We just need some time to regroup and time to ourselves.
6. Unleash your creativity.
Creativity is a wonderful mood booster, and it helps to give you a place to channel all of your pent-up energy. And you don’t have to be an artist. Simply color with crayons, cook some dinner or spend some time crafting. It’s such a simple way to find peace in the chaos.