Have you ever had that moment where you just felt overwhelmed, tired, anxious and stressed all at the same time? As an introvert, there are times when I spend a little bit too much time living my life in an extrovert world. Here’s how I survive . . .
Listen To Your Body
Migraines. That’s how I know it’s time for me to step back and retreat from the world of extroverts. My body starts to tell me it’s had enough and it is time to go – for a bit.
It’s Okay To Say ‘NO’
That’s right. You can say NO. You don’t have to feel obligated to be at everything for everyone. If you know that you have been in full extrovert mode and you need a bit of recovery time it’s perfectly okay to say ‘NO’ the next few events. I promise the world doesn’t end and people will find a way to survive without you there. Plus there is always social media to keep you up to date as to what happened as you enjoyed the comfort and solice of your couch and TV.
Schedule Recovery Time
If you live a life that requires you to be social like I do there are times when you need to schedule in your introvert recovery time. Add it to your calendar.
I found myself being so overwhelmed with things to do, places to be and people to see that I was showing up as less than my best self. It was then I realized that my introvert side needed as much attention as my clients, friends, and family. So I began to add that attention to my schedule.
I often tell people if you see me out and about consistently you will most likely notice a bit of time after where you don’t see me at all. That my friends is recovery time.
Set Work Hours
As an entrepreneur, it can be easy to forget that you don’t need to be available at all times. I learned this the hard way when I found myself making exceptions for clients and taking calls all weekend and late into the evenings. I felt like I was never ‘off‘ and this lead to a loss of passion and motivation for what I truly love to do.
Send in the work hours! That’s how I regained my sanity and my control when it came to my time and my business. No matter what my physical location my business is still just that – a business. So having set hours when I will accept appointments, requests and inquiries is something I am not only allowed to do but should do for both myself and my clients.
Set Boundaries
I have a bubble. I have space around me both physically and emotionally that I protect at all times and at all costs. It’s my safe zone. It’s where I feel the most comfortable and at times it is the only place where I can get back to me. To protect that space, I’ve learned I need to set boundaries.
It may sound harsh at times and trust me it wasn’t easy for me to realize I wasn’t being mean by doing it. Setting boundaries is simply another form of self-care. A way to take care of you so that you are at your best to take care of others.
If you are an introvert, you get it. Sometimes physical space is just as important as time away from the crowds. Boundaries can be something as simple as limiting how many people you allow into your circle, being aware when you need to get away or feeling confident in voicing your need for space.
Those who truly care about your well-being will not be offended and will most times look to help you in setting and keeping your boundaries protected.
Plan Ahead
Okay, so I know there will be times in life when you can’t control everything. Trust me. I’ve been there. That’s when out my control issues to good use and plan ahead. In times when I know I’ll be faced with extrovert situations, I take the time to plan and give myself time to prepare.
For example, I always arrive early for events. This gives me extra time to get in the right head space, scope out the venue and feel comfortable with my surroundings. A lot of my introvert anxiety comes from the unknown and having that extra bit of time before everyone arrives can take away a bit of that stress.
Now it’s your turn!
What are your tips to survive life as an introvert in an extrovert world?
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique – build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
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