A Self-Care Guide for Introverts
The importance of involvement and engagement with others is often stressed when it comes to well-being, but those notions aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, experts note that those with introverted personalities can still achieve health and happiness despite their preference for solitude. If you prize your time alone above socializing but worry that it’s impeding your wellness goals, Situational Wellness Concepts is here to show introverts like you how to successfully practice self-care.
Mind Your Body
People who enjoy engagement and competition join gyms and classes to stay fit, but these settings are uncomfortable for introverts. Yet it’s simple for those who favor being alone to develop an individualized plan to meet their fitness goals. Activities like walking, running, or swimming boost cardiovascular health without requiring any level of socializing, while yoga, weightlifting, and HIIT routines are also ideal for solo workouts.
On the nutrition front, it’s less complicated to cook healthy meals on your own than for a crowd. When you’re not concerned with satisfying other people’s picky palates or dietary restrictions, you’ll prepare the nutritious foods that you enjoy most and it will be easier to stick to better eating. Tips for one-person meal planning abound, so there’s no excuse to blow your commitment to quality consumption by taking a detour through the fast-food drive-thru lane.
Nourish Your mind
Disconnecting is critical for introverts, who find constant interaction with people to be emotionally draining. When you need a mental reset, declining requests or invitations that infringe upon your downtime isn’t selfish; it’s smart. If you feel guilty saying no, understand that you are rejecting the request, not the person asking.
While relaxing with music or the TV fulfills your need to be alone, aim to balance passive activities with those that nurture your mental health. Journaling is an excellent way to check in on what’s troubling you and to identify what needs to be fixed in your life, while meditation enhances brain function and aids in controlling stress, depression, and anxiety. Even simply walking outside, listening to the sounds of nature, and breathing in fresh air is restorative, boosting your ability to problem-solve and reducing cognitive fatigue.
Push Yourself 
As human beings, whenever we stop pushing ourselves to excel, we start to feel some of the same anxiety that we’d otherwise feel in a highly stressful situation. That’s our biological warning light, reminding us to make the most of our time and pursue our dreams. So if one of your dreams is starting your own business, don’t wait until next year or the next decade to get started!
Get A Pet
Another great way you can boost your quality of life is by getting a pet. The love they offer is extensive and unconditional, and it’s fairly easy to accommodate them in your home. Just make sure you return the favor by checking online reviews and only investing in pet-related products that are high quality and safe.
Seek Extra Help
Taking the best care of yourself physically and mentally means knowing when it’s time to seek outside help for dealing with anxiety. While connecting with someone is difficult for those who prefer going it alone, licensed professionals understand the extra emotional challenges introverts face when navigating stressful situations. These experts work with you to identify issues and develop a treatment plan which might include medication for depression and anxiety.
Rest assured that when choosing this course of action, your doctor will factor in your symptoms and any pre-existing conditions, as well as other medications you’re taking. Since antidepressants don’t address every mental health concern and aren’t the right fit for all patients, taking them under the monitored direction of a professional is the best way to ensure your health and safety.
Note: Situational Wellness Concepts, does not promote or support the use of anti depressants or any other form of pharmaceutical intervention to resolve any health and wellness issues.
Improving your physical and mental health isn’t something only socially driven extroverts can accomplish. Everything from exercising to eating well to engaging in activities that foster sound mental health are all doable on your own. Don’t use your introversion as an excuse to avoid taking care of yourself; instead, see it as a catalyst to meeting your self-care needs.
Situational Wellness Concepts provides direction in addressing and improving your state of health through the research. Please email any comments or questions to Brad at contact@situationalwellness.com.
Note From The Editor:
If you would like to read more information on self-care from this contributor please visit https://selfcaring.info
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