Caring For Yourself As An Introvert

Is caring for your mental health different for an introvert than it is for an extrovert? For some, it might be. No matter who you are, it’s important to learn how to best care for yourself. So, what can you do?

Here are four ways to care for yourself and your mental health as an introvert:

Set Boundaries

Learning how to set boundaries is a crucial skill not just for introverts but for everyone.

However, introverts may need to set specific boundaries that allow them the time they need for self-care and preservation. Know that it isn’t selfish to need alone time.

The word “boundary” can be scary, especially if setting boundaries is something that you struggle with, but it doesn’t have to be. Say that, for example, someone wants you to hang out, and you need time alone after spending a great deal of time around others throughout the week.

Instead of simply turning them down, perhaps what you can do is ask to schedule time to hang out at a later date. You don’t necessarily need to say why; you can just say that you aren’t free and ask what days work for them moving forward.

You can also set boundaries that are more firm or direct as needed. Taking care of your needs and giving yourself the space and time that allows you to be your best self matters, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Think About What Self-Care Means To You

Self-care will look different for everyone, including every person that happens to be an introvert.

For you, it might mean turning your phone on silent and taking a walk for a few hours. For someone else, it might be something entirely different. Look at what gets you into the right mindset and puts you at peace, and let yourself be guided by that.

Additionally, just as self-care looks different from person to person, self-care might require something new each day.

There are consistent routines you may have, such as personal hygiene routines, exercise, time alone to meditate, and so on, but it’s also helpful to check in with yourself periodically and ask, “What do I need right now?” This is especially true if you’re overwhelmed or aren’t feeling your best.

Strike A Balance

Make sure you’re striking a balance between spending time with loved ones and spending time on your own. Even for introverts, social support is vital, and being introverted doesn’t mean that someone wants to be alone all of the time.

Introverts crave social connection like anyone else. If you need more alone time, think of how you can add more into your day or week to strike a balance, and if the opposite is true, reach out to the people that you love and schedule some time to spend with them in a way that doesn’t sacrifice your needs.

Reach Out For Help When You Need It

Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, we all need help from time to time. No one should have to do it all on their own, whether that relates to life overall or a specific need related to mental health.

A therapist or counselor can make a great addition to your support system, and finding the right match can make a world of difference.

Whether you have a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, are facing concerns in your relationships, are dealing with life stressors, or if you need support with regard to anything else that’s on your mind, seeking therapy or counseling can be highly beneficial.

Finding Support

Finding a mental health professional to see doesn’t need to be an intimidating task.

There are a variety of ways to find a mental health provider like a therapist or counselor. You can ask your doctor for a referral, search the web, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, utilize resources such as an employee assistance program, or use a website like Mind Diagnostics to help you find a provider who is licensed to practice in your area.

All that you have to do is type in your zip code, and you will see a range of providers with various specialties. Then, you can click on each provider’s profile until you see someone that looks like a good match.

No matter how you choose to reach out, be proud of yourself for taking the first step toward getting the support that you need.