Self-Care Tips for Introverts

Being an introvert in an extroverted world can be literally exhausting. After hitting a major energy slump, I’m changing how I manage my energy these days.

I’m exhausted lately. Like, all the caffeine in the world cannot keep me going. In part I know this is because of my wonky sleep schedule as of late. 5:30AM alarms are not my friend.

But last weekend, despite sleeping in, I couldn’t shake the lethargic feeling. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just sleepiness I was feeling. I’m an introvert and my energy was legit depleted from the week.

First things first, let’s talk about introverts.

There’s this misconception that introvert and shy are the same thing. I’m here to tell ya that they’re not.

The difference between an introvert and an extrovert is where you draw your energy from. Introverts recharge by being alone and other people deplete their energy. Extroverts gain energy by being around people.

I always joke that people exhaust me. But it’s the truth… I crave alone time and have a short threshold for small talk with strangers. Networking events give me serious social anxiety. But I’m also not anti-social by any means.

People are often surprised to hear I’m introverted. I’m not shy, per say. Super awkward, uh yes, but not shy. After any event that requires me to be “on” I have to recharge. I need that alone time.

I live in an extroverted world, teaching yoga and leading wellness events. While I love everything I do, it requires a shit ton of energy. And all the caffeine in the world can’t help me recharge.

via mindbodygreen

► I’m saying no. A LOT.

And I don’t feel like an asshole while doing it. As much as I would love to attend ALL the events and meet up with ALL the people, I can’t. First of all, I’d never have the time to blog, answer emails and do homework. Second, it would deplete my energy.

I’d rather use that energy towards teaching and Holistic Happening events. I want to be nothing less than my best, most energized self in those venues.

Sometimes that means saying no to a coffee date or fitness event.

► I’m prioritizing social outings that don’t suck my energy.

Not all social situations are created equal. Getting dinner with my BFFs from sleep-away camp? Not a problem. I’ve known these girls since I was twelve and it doesn’t leave me feeling drained. The same is true after spending time with Jeremy and my parents.

But attending a birthday dinner for a friend where I won’t know anyone else? Not only is that a high social anxiety situation, but it’s also gonna leave me hella depleted. Which means when I get home I’ll be a useless blob on the couch watching HGTV.

Do I feel like an asshole skipping out on my friend’s birthday dinner? Yeah, I’m not a total jerk! But I also know it’s sometimes necessary.

► I’m keeping my schedule more “open”.

Previously, I was cramming coffee dates and photoshoots into every free nook and cranny in my schedule. Don’t get me wrong, these are all things I enjoy. I wasn’t accounting for the downtime I needed throughout the week to recharge.

Instead of trying to fill every free second on the days I don’t have internship, I’m realizing that it’s more beneficial in the long run to use that time for things like blogging and homework, which also allow me to recharge.

► I schedule a night “off”.

I’m learning to embrace laziness. Being lazy is not easy for me — and if you’re a Type A overachiever I bet you feel the same way.

Sometimes I need a night off where I can relax and watch Top Model guilt-free.

In college I used to feel sorry for myself when I didn’t have plans on a Friday night. Now I’m so freaking grateful to put on my pajamas, veg out and snuggle up with a good book in bed.

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YOUR TURN: Are you an introvert? How do you manage your energy?

First things first, let’s talk about introverts.