Guilt-Free Self-Care Tips for Introverts -

Guest post by Melissa Howard of Stop Suicide

Bottle of clear hand sanitizer with label on it that looks like the famous marquee at el arroyo with text that reads "turns out i was social distancing the whole time"

It’s important to think about your specific issues before creating a routine or plan. For instance, if you’ve been wanting to go back to school but are having trouble with the in-class aspect, take a look at some online programs and set some goals.

Here are a few self-care tips for introverts to put into practice:

Adjust your goals to work for you

Sometimes it’s necessary to make some adjustments to your plans in order to accommodate your physical or mental health, which is why online degree programs are such great options. Not only can you work on your own time when your schedule allows, you can pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from an accredited school within the comfort of your own home. Check out the various programs offered virtually, and make sure the school of your choice offers competitive tuition rates so you can lock in the best deal.

Note from Janet: make sure to check out their disability services office too! The support that the disability office at my university provided made all the difference.

Man on a bicycle cycles past wall with "NO" painted on it, a valuable skill for self-care for introverts. Pic via unsplash

Learn how to say no

Whether it’s for school, work, or family obligations, sometimes introverts have a hard time saying no without feeling guilty. Even if you have a good reason to decline, it can create discomfort or anxiety at times.

Learning how to say no when you can’t give your time or energy to someone else is important, whether it involves your professional or your personal life. It is possible to do so while remaining empathetic and kind, but it takes a little practice.

Give yourself permission to say no even when it’s hard. This is a crucial step in creating boundaries, which is important for introverted individuals.

Appreciate your own company… guilt-free

While you’re learning to set boundaries, you may find that it’s a confidence booster. Finding self-esteem through your own actions can be extremely rewarding and can help you appreciate yourself a bit more. This means you can look for new hobbies that are perfect for people who like to spend time alone, try some solo workouts, or spend time with yourself without the negative feelings that sometimes come with being alone. You might try complementary treatments like meditation and yoga–which can be beneficial for a well-rounded health regimen–or learn something new, like a foreign language. Set up a spa night at home and pamper yourself for an act of self-care that helps you feel better both physically and mentally.

Woman practices self-care for introverts sitting reading under a tree

Get outdoors

While you’re practicing new hobbies or getting in a workout, consider integrating them with some outdoor time. Getting outside can boost your mood and can help you feel more connected to the world. (Especially if you’ve been avoiding social situations recently due to the pandemic!) Take your dog on a walk through the neighborhood, plant a garden, set up a small workstation on the back porch, or gather some supplies to practice your hobby of choice at the park. Not only will this help you find a good mental/physical health balance, but it also benefits your sleep quality.

Practicing self-care sometimes requires an open mind. Start small and try a few different things that you think might work for you; if they don’t, move on to another technique. If you’re also living with chronic pain or physical mobility issues, seek support from your primary care physician before trying a new activity.

Guest post by Melissa Howard, founder of Stop Suicide, which provides info, articles, resources, how to contact helplines, and more. “Every suicide is preventable. After losing her younger brother to suicide, Melissa Howard felt compelled to create Stop Suicide. By providing helpful resources and articles on her website, she hopes to build a lifeline of information. Melissa attended school at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and currently works as an executive assistant.”

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