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Being an introvert can pose additional struggles when facing the need to refresh and recharge. Knowing the proper introvert self-care acts that make you feel rejuvenated is essential for caring for yourself as an introvert.
Life as an introvert can be incredibly draining.
Social interactions, while they might be enjoyable to those around us, can leave us worn out with an empty tank. Unfortunately, these interactions are unavoidable for the most part – introvert or not.
That’s why it is so incredibly important to have some introvert self-care ideas in your toolkit for when you are feeling drained and worn out.
What is an Introvert?
An introvert is someone who is more inward-focused. Unlike extroverts, introverts may seek less external stimulation and, instead, focus more on internal stimulation.
Often, introversion presents itself as being quiet or reserved in social situations.
It’s often misunderstood that introverts don’t like people. Rather, it is just that introverts feel tired after social interactions and need to recharge with some solitude.
Where extroverts might feel more energized after a big party or social gathering, an introvert may find the event draining and feel the need to spend some time alone and practice introvert self-care to recharge afterward.
Introverts also are often overwhelmed by too much external stimulation such as conversations, busyness, and the hustle-bustle of group events.
If you are wondering if YOU are an introvert, check out the signs of an introvert and see if you align with the description.
My Personal Experience with Introversion
For as long as I can remember, I have been fairly introverted. Even as a small child, playdates and sleepovers were not something I desired to do.
It wasn’t a lack of love for my friends, I just simply would rather have my time and space to myself.
Fast forward to high school, everyone thrives on big group gatherings, parties, and huge friend groups.
This is when the true signs of being an introvert kicked in.
After days spent with large groups of people, I felt a deep sense of exhaustion that couldn’t be resolved by any amount of caffeine or sleep. I was deeply tired after social interactions.
To this day, even around family and friends, I tend to be the “quiet one”. I dislike having all the eyes on me, being asked questions about myself, and being the focus of attention.
Seeing other people (extroverts) thrive off of this just furthered my understanding that I was an introvert.
My introversion has also presented itself as being hyperaware of myself, my body, my voice, and my actions.
For example, I can laugh a certain way and then overthink it for days after, convincing myself it was “weird” or “wrong”. (This hyper self-awareness and intense reflection are both signs of introversion.)
Often, people will pester me, bombard me with questions, ask me why I’m “so quiet”, or interpret my internal reservation as rudeness.
I’ve been told that this introversion is perceived as both rudeness and self-centeredness – neither of which is true.
As a fellow introvert, I understand how defeating this can feel when, in reality, we’re just trying to do our best in an uncomfortable social situation for us.
Boundaries are Essential
For many people, they mean no harm when they say things to you or question your introversion.
They just simply do not understand.
If the relationship is important to you, maybe take some time to consider explaining it to them.
Give insight into your emotions and how you feel in these situations. Consider asking them to learn about introversion.
If they still don’t understand or are not willing to stop their behaviors, boundaries are a must.
Unfortunately, introverts face a lot of misunderstandings and unfair judgments. These can really hurt.
Just know that it is not your fault, you are not doing anything wrong, and it is not your responsibility to make others feel good.
Boundaries do wonders for your inner peace and sanity as an introvert.
Solo Self-Care is a MUST
Self-care as an introvert is INSANELY important.
We will dive into this a bit more below but just know that prioritizing self-care and taking time to reenergize yourself is important for all – but especially beneficial as an introvert.
Please be sure you are being kind, gentle, and taking care of yourself and your needs.
Why is Self-Care So Important for Introverts?
Being an introvert can be exhausting.
For the reasons we discussed above and more, as an introvert, sometimes just existing can feel draining. A trip to the grocery store may feel routine for those around you but, as an introvert, it feels uncomfortable and exhausting.
I understand you completely. You are not broken.
All this means is that you need to prioritize self-care a bit more.
Additionally, introvert self-care may look a bit different from extrovert self-care (more on this later). The main thing to keep in mind is that self-care is essential – for all people, but especially if you are feeling drained as an introvert.
When we as introverts take time consistently and routinely to rest, recharge, and care for ourselves, we do better in our daily lives. We have more energy and are able to give more focus to the things we want to.
The frequency of self-care as an introvert is highly personal.
Some do it every day, some do it once a week, and some need it multiple times a day. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer. Do what makes you feel the best… and only you can know that.
How Does Introvert Self-Care Differ from Other Forms?
Self-care is essential for all, but certain types of self-care are best for introverts.
Introvert self-care may look a bit different from other forms of self-care, simply because of what recharges us.
Where others may feel recharged by spending time with others, introverts tend to need solitude and alone time to recharge.
Because of this, many of the introvert self-care activities include personal reflection, quiet time, time alone, or peaceful, relaxing moments.
While a social gathering may be self-care for an extrovert, it may be the exact thing that drains an introvert.
We are all different and unique – neither is wrong, but it’s important to know what you need as a form of self-care.
Your self-care schedule is highly personal as well. Your needs may differ from day to day.
If you have a particularly busy or social schedule, you may require nightly self-care breaks. On the other hand, if you have a week filled with alone time, self-care may feel less pressing.
Whatever your situation and needs may be, it’s important to listen to your mind, body, and soul. Do what feels right. Self-care is never selfish, it’s essential.
30 Introvert Self-Care Ideas
Here are 30 of the best, most effective self-care ideas for introverts. Feel free to take inspiration from what you like and leave whatever you don’t. Make this list your own and cater it to your desires and needs!
1. Have Quiet Time
As an introvert, do not underestimate the power of simple silence.
Introverts tend to be hypersensitive to outside stimulation. This means that environments with lots of sounds can be incredibly stimulating and overwhelming.
Introverts thrive in their own company, making quiet time one of the best (yet widely overlooked) acts of self-care for introverts. This is essential to our well-being and mental health.
However, learning true quiet time may take a bit of practice.
Even if you are in a mostly quiet environment, learning how to truly quiet everything around you (unavoidable sounds, thoughts, etc.) takes practice. Learning how to practice mindfulness or meditation is a skill that will greatly benefit you and your self-care.
2. Get Lost in a Book
As we know, life as an introvert can be extra overwhelming and exhausting. Because of this, getting lost in a book can be even more magical.
By reading a really good book, you can fully immerse yourself in the story and live through the characters. (Any fellow bookworms know this feeling well.)
Getting lost in a book can be an effective way to take a mental break from your own life.
In those moments, you can escape to an entirely different world all from the comfort of your own bed – alone. Reading for self-care can be really valuable for recharging your internal battery and reducing stress.
3. Watch the Sunset
Reconnecting with the earth and nature can be a great way to recharge.
By appreciating the world around you without the presence of others, you can take a moment of silence and experience true solo peace.
There are many benefits to watching the sunset, including an increased sense of gratitude, improved mood, fresh inspiration, and decreased stress.
If you are going to watch the sunset, I highly recommend pushing yourself to be fully present in the moment – no phones, no distractions, no interruptions.
The whole point of doing introvert self-care is so that you can recharge alone. Resist the urge to bring along a phone or anything else that can pull you from your me-time.
4. Go for a Drive
I do some of my best thinking when I go for a relaxing, solo drive.
There is something so calming about driving, taking in the sights, playing some good music, and just being by yourself.
When I take a self-care drive, I never have an end destination in mind, I just like to give myself permission to be fully present in the moment and see where it takes me.
5. Take a Nap
Let’s face it – living life as an introvert can be pretty dang exhausting.
Sometimes the best act of self-care is a simple nap. You don’t have to overcomplicate it. Lay down and recharge your mind and body with a cozy nap.
Even if you can’t fall asleep, take a moment to lie down and let your mind rest. Give yourself full permission to lay there and just BE.
6. Cuddle with a Pet
Pets feel like the perfect companion for an introvert. They don’t require too much social energy, yet they give you the love and companionship you desire.
Get cozy and spend some quality time with a furry friend. My cuddle days with my puppy are my FAVORITE way to practice self-care as an introvert.
7. Take Yourself Out to Lunch
Going out to lunch, even by yourself, requires a BIT of social energy.
If you feel completely drained, maybe opt to order in or make yourself a nice lunch at home.
But if you have the desire to go out, treat yourself to some time alone on a lunch date. Go to your favorite place, order your favorite meal, and enjoy your own company.
8. Listen to a Podcast
I’ve found that listening to a Podcast gives me a sense of social interaction and fulfills that need without feeling overwhelming or draining.
If you find a really good Podcast that you can connect to, it literally starts to feel like a conversation with friends.
Whatever you choose to listen to, give yourself some time to immerse yourself in the conversation of the Podcast.
9. Take a Walk
Speaking of Podcasts, my favorite time to listen to them is on a walk. But that’s not the only reason I love walks for some introvert self-care time.
Getting outside and moving my body just feels so good.
Walks have been proven to have both physical and mental benefits (such as a healthy heart, increased circulation, stress relief, and mental clarity), making it the perfect way to practice self-care by yourself.
10. Practice Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries can be very complicated and uncomfortable. As an act of self-care, plan or practice how you will set boundaries for yourself.
Boundaries themselves are a form of self-care and, honestly, self-preservation.
Without any boundaries, our relationships suffer (and so does our own mental health). Since boundaries are the guidelines for how we expect to be treated and establish our expectations of others, we need to establish them to ensure healthy relationships.
As an introvert specifically, boundaries surrounding your time, effort, and emotional engagement are critical.
Additionally, introverts tend to be very sensitive and empathetic.
Setting boundaries for how much you will take on someone else’s emotions is key to not getting too weighed down by others’ problems.
Consider making a list of all the boundaries you need to set, with whom you need to set them, and how you will do it.
Then, when you feel up to it, practice setting them for real.
11. Have a Pajama Day
Pajama days are a great form of self-care for ANYONE. Let’s be real – they’re just plain fun!
Ignite and embrace your inner child and stay in your PJs ALL DAY LONG. Be lazy, lounge, and take time to recharge your inner batteries.
12. Tidy Your Space
Some of the emotions that come up a lot as an introvert are stress, overwhelm, and a lack of control.
In social situations that feel particularly draining, we – as introverts – tend to feel a lot of these emotions quite strongly. This is what leads us to feel burnt out and in need of introvert self-care.
As a way to combat these feelings of stress, overwhelm, and a loss of control, it can be helpful to feel some control over other things in your life.
Tidying your space up is a healthy way to exercise control over your surroundings and environment.
If you want some inspiration, I have a whole list of 25 things you can organize quickly when you are feeling this overwhelm.
The feeling of order we feel by tidying (and living in a tidy space) can help minimize the feeling of being overwhelmed elsewhere in our life.
13. Go Shopping Alone
Much like taking yourself out to lunch, going on a solo shopping spree also requires a bit of social energy. If that feels like too much today, opt for online shopping or shopping a store that you know is typically less busy.
14. List the Great Parts of Being Alone
Consider making a list of all the reasons you love to spend time with yourself. As an intovert, time alone is precious and sacred. Identify why that is. What are some of your favorite parts of hanging out with yourself?
RELATED POST: 21 Perks of Being Single
This list can help foster some self-love and remind yourself of all the amazing things about you.
Being an introvert isn’t so bad when you have great company at your party of one. 😉
15. Meditate
Meditation has TONS of benefits and is a great way to recharge your mental batteries after feeling worn out and overworked.
Often, as an introvert, when we experience this deep exhaustion and social burnout, we also experience heightened anxiety, mental distress, irritability, and sleep disruption. Luckily, meditation can help us overcome ALL of this.
Not to mention, meditation is a great activity that positions you in a quiet and relaxing space – something that is essential for introvert self-care.
Try out a meditation app or utilize free YouTube meditations as an act of self-care next time you’re feeling the effects of introvert burnout.
16. Talk to a Fellow Introvert
No one quite understands the emotions and struggles of an introvert like another introvert.
I am lucky enough to have a few fellow introverts close to me. My mom and sister both have introverted tendencies so, when I am experiencing social burnout, they are a great resource.
Just talking through your emotions can help you feel better.
If you have a fellow introvert in your life, give them a call (with their permission, of course – gotta respect those boundaries 😉 ) and talk it out.
17. Stretch
Stretching is a great way to get back in touch with yourself and your body. By feeling the gentle movements of stretching, you can recenter yourself in your own body and in the present moment.
Stretching also has other benefits that are great for your mental health – stress relief, increased endorphins, reduced tension, and improved mental focus… and it just feels good!
And the best part is, stretching can be done entirely solo – it’s an introverts dream! 😉
Feel free to turn on a stretching YouTube video, follow a stretching routine, or just do whatever feels good to your body.
18. Bake Something Delicious
Baking is one of my favorite ways to practice self-care.
I find baking super relaxing and helps take my mind off of any other stress in my life. You can’t exactly focus on life stressors when you’re measuring baking soda.
Not only that, but after you’re done baking, you get to enjoy some homemade deliciousness. It’s a win/win.
My favorite stress-relief baked goods are banana bread and some good old chocolate chip cookies. I bake something at least once a week. The process is fun and the result is delicious.
19. Turn Your Phone Off
Phones are great for many things. Keeping in touch has never been easier. This has a lot of upsides.
But, there are a lot of downsides too.
With the ability to constantly be in contact, it’s easy to feel like you are always reachable and always “on call” for social interaction. Someone texts you and suddenly it feels like a responsibility of yours to respond in a timely manner.
News Flash: You actually do not have to reply right away.
With the exception of something severe or urgent, text messages can wait. Feeling like you are always reachable can be super draining for introverts. It’s almost as though there is no break to a never-ending cycle of human interaction.
As introverts, we need that break.
Turn your phone off for a bit. Whether it’s a day or an hour, turn your phone all the way off. Put it away. Do something just for you.
This may feel really uncomfortable at first, especially if you are a people-pleaser like me.
But, trust me. The break is necessary and the messages can wait for when (or IF) you are ready to respond.
20. Take a Self-Care Shower
Showering is not only an essential part of physical care, it can actually be a pretty powerful form of mental self-care too.
Showers make for a great introvert self-care option because you are likely separated from all others. No physical connection, no texts, no emails, no phone calls. It is just you.
To be honest, building a self-care shower routine is something I recommend to everybody.
Showers are something we all do routinely – I hope.
So learning how to turn it into a self-care experience can really benefit you. By doing this, you are pretty much setting yourself up for routine self-care at least a few times a week.
It’s a great way to turn an ordinary “chore” into a self-care experience. Kill two germs with one soap. (Do you get my pun? Was that bad? I’m sorry. Haha!)
21. Write Yourself a Love Letter
Learning to appreciate yourself is a gift that I think all are worthy of having.
As an introvert, we are often misunderstood. It can feel that we are living a life surrounded by extroverts (here’s a secret – many people are just faking it… they may feel just as uncomfortable as you).
When we feel like this, we can start to question ourselves.
Why do I not have that many friends? Is there something wrong with me? Why do I not have fun at things that are “supposed” to be fun?
These are all questions I’ve asked myself.
After a while, all of these thoughts can take a toll on our self-perception. We may even begin to think there’s something wrong or broken about us. (There’s not.)
Writing a love letter to yourself can be a great exercise to remind you of all your incredible qualities. This can help boost your self-esteem, confidence, and be a wonderful practice of self-love.
22. Journal
You can do your self-love letter as part of a journal exercise, but it doesn’t have to be limited to just that.
Journaling is an excellent form of personal self-care for introverts. Our journals can help us express our emotions that might feel misunderstood elsewhere.
RELATED POST: 50 Therapeutic Journal Prompts for Mental Health
Overall, journals are great tools for getting to know ourselves better and working through tough emotions.
Introvert burnout is no different. Journaling can help you recharge and clear your mind after a period of overwhelm or emotional drainage.
23. Binge Watch TV
Sometimes vegging out in front of the TV is the best way to recharge. That’s just a fact of life. I don’t make the rules.
Find a good show or movie, grab a snack, put on comfy clothes, and just relax. Don’t think about any of the stressors in life. Just be by yourself and enjoy the downtime.
24. Color
Coloring is often written off as a childish activity, but it is an incredible exercise for adults too.
Did you know that coloring actually has the ability to relax the amygdala, the fear center of the brain?
Coloring literally calms your body and helps minimize or silence restless thoughts.
Coloring also improves sleep and allows you to practice mental focus.
All around, coloring is a great option to relax your mind and body. It can be done in complete solitude, silence, and peace, making it the perfect self-care option for an introvert.
25. Do a Puzzle
Similarly, doing a puzzle of any sort can help keep your brain activated, while relaxed. While there is no data specifically on puzzles for introverts, there are links between jigsaw puzzles and decreased anxiety.
Puzzles (of any sort – jigsaw, Suduko, Wordsearch, etc.) are great for occupying your mind and allowing you to spend some time by yourself, focused on something other than life stressors.
26. Cook a Homecooked Dinner
Homecooked dinner for one? Yes, please!
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Have a solo date night at home.
Cook yourself your favorite meal, set the table nicely, and enjoy a night to yourself. Alone time is sacred, especially for introverts. Say ‘no’ to all other distractions and take the night for yourself.
27. Plan a Solo Weekend Getaway
What better way to refresh as an introvert than to take an entire weekend to yourself? Solo weekend getaways are incredibly underrated (in my correct opinion 😉 ).
If you’re able to, choose a weekend that you are free and book yourself a room or AirBNB somewhere.
This doesn’t have to be extravagant… it can even be in a nearby town. Plan a weekend getaway for yourself that you will enjoy.
If you cannot get away completely, you can plan an at-home getaway too! This can be just as fun and refreshing – as long as you PROMISE no housework or chores creep their way into your relaxing weekend.
28. Have a Spa Day at Home
Spa days don’t have to be expensive and, even more, they really don’t have to include anyone but you.
As an introvert, going for a spa day is something that others enjoy but that feels incredibly draining to me.
I know they are supposed to be relaxing, but forced interactions and being touched by someone else does NOT scream “relax” to me. It’s actually quite the opposite.
Instead, to make this self-care a bit more introvert-friendly, you can have a spa day entirely by yourself.
Host an at-home spa day and treat yourself to all the luxurious spa treatments without forced social interaction.
29. Listen to Relaxing Music
Music can be an incredible tool for helping us unwind and relax.
A study done by the University of Nevada Reno found that music has the ability to alter your brain function as much as medication. As you can see, the music you listen to is a powerful force in curating your mental state.
Listening to music that is specific for self-care can help you calm and relax.
There are actually playlists created just for those moments when you need a self-care break for yourself.
Consider turning one on some relaxing tunes and concentrating on just listening and feeling the music. Allow it to help you destress.
30. Schedule a Future Self-Care Routine
So you’re here, reading this article today, and are dedicated to practicing some introvert self-care right now. That is incredible.
But, when looking at your life as a whole, it’s important to continue this practice regularly.
Just one self-care day every once in a while is likely not enough to keep you feeling your best.
I highly recommend making a self-care routine or a self-care plan.
Whether it’s once a week, once a day, or something else, having a solid routine in place to ensure you are consistently caring for yourself is essential – especially as an introvert.
I personally utilize a self-care planner that is separate from my everyday planner.
I’ve found that this helps keep me accountable and ensures I schedule time for myself. When I don’t keep up on my self-care, as an introvert, I feel myself get burnt out very quickly.
Having a self-care planner is one of many ways to do this, but it is the way I’ve found works best for me.
Here are some of my favorite self-care planning tools:
- The Self-Care Planner by Simply Self (Amazon)
- Pocket Self-Care Checklist (Etsy)
- Self-Care Planner by Anthropologie (Anthropologie)
- Daily Wellness Planer (Erin Condren)
- The Self-Care Planner (Walmart)
- My Printable Self-Care Bundle (AuthenticallyDel)
All of these are great tools, but they are not the ONLY tools.
Shop around, do your research, or maybe even consider making your own self-care planner in an empty notebook.
What matters most is that you develop a plan personal to you that you can stick with. Consistency is key.
How will you practice self-care as an introvert?
We are all such unique beings. Even though we share our introverted tendencies, we are still our own individuals with personal preferences, schedules, and lives.
I want to know how YOU plan to care for yourself as an introvert.
How will YOU recharge? What introvert self-care ideas on this list appealed to you the most?
Let me know down below!
Happy Self-Care, my fellow introverts! Sending hugs and love from afar (just as we introverts like it, right?)
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