Introverts live in a world designed for extroverts. This often means we need our own introvert life tips to help create our best and happiest lives.
With that in mind, here are 6 essential introvert life tips!
Set boundaries around your space
Introverts need to recharge. The busier the work environment is, the more essential the off hours become.
As a result, it’s a good idea to establish some clear boundaries of when you’re available and when you’re not. You’re allowed to not be attached to your phone and email (unless, of course, you’re being paid to be attached to your phone and email).
This also includes what extra work you’re willing to take on, such as covering for a co-worker or adding a project to your plate without taking something off.
You may have less leeway when it comes to tasks your boss asks you to do, but you don’t have to do your co-worker a favor if it really doesn’t work for you.
And if your boss asks you to do something that isn’t really a part of your job description or puts too much on your plate, it’s okay to politely push back and set a boundary.
You can say something like, “Thanks for thinking of me, but that’s not really a strength of mine.” And if you can counter with what you can do, all the better.
If you’ve got too much to tackle, you can say, “I’d be happy to help, but with A, B, and, C on my plate, I don’t know how I can get to everything. Which of these is your top priory?”
For more on setting boundaries, check out this post.
Give yourself plenty of downtime to recharge
This is going to be at the top of pretty much any list that discusses introvert needs.
In order for introverts to truly thrive and be successful, we need downtime to recharge.
It’s not a luxury.
In order to have the energy necessary to be active members of our work, communities, and families, we need time alone.
Without enough downtime, introverts often feel rundown, strung out, and lost in a fog. This can result in an introvert hangover.
To avoid those negative situations, it’s important to make sure you get enough time to recharge.
Get yourself an understanding support system
In order to truly thrive, it’s important that every introvert has a support system that understands their introverted needs and tendencies.
In this case, we may be talking about family, friends, or both.
These people don’t have to be other introverts. They can be extroverts who have taken an interest in understanding and supporting us.
Regardless, in order to be our best, we need people who will respect our need for quiet and space, and who won’t guilt us or drag us out into the world when we’re tired or run down.
In fact, we need people who will do more than just respect our space and downtime. We need people who will help us protect it. We need people who won’t just leave us alone, but also make sure others stay away as well.
Get used to carrying headphones with you
Just because you’re out in the world doesn’t mean you always have the energy to interact with people.
Perhaps you’re commuting home after a long day and don’t want to make small talk with the people on the train. Or maybe you want to take your lunch break in peace without having your co-worker talk your ear off.
Headphones can be a great way to protect some of your peace and energy if you have to be in an open or busy environment.
Headphones are a universal Do Not Disturb sign. Even if you’re not listening to music, having headphones in your ears makes you look much less approachable.
Naturally, not everyone honors this sign, but you’re likely to cut down on majority of unwanted interactions.
And if someone does approach you and you really don’t want to be bothered, you can always pretend you can’t hear over the music. 😉
Build an introvert sanctuary
If you’ve spent any time on this blog before, you probably know how big a believer I am in the power of introvert sanctuaries.
If you’re new, an introvert sanctuary is basically a very cozy and comfortable place for you to look forward to recharging in.
Building an introvert sanctuary can be as involved or simple as you want it to be.
It’s also something you can do slowly, piece by piece over time. So you can totally start small and still improve your introvert life.
If you don’t have an introvert sanctuary, getting one started will likely give you a big pay off. And once you get going, you can continue to add to it.
And if you do have an introvert sanctuary, always be on the lookout for small additions and changes to make.
In fact, you may want to make it a point to check in with your sanctuary a few times a year.
If you work with others, take your lunch/break outside
Getting away from others can help you get a mini recharge in and give you the energy you need to get through the rest of your day.
Make it a point to take your lunches and breaks away from your workspace and (ideally) away from anyone who may need or want something from you.
Even if you have an office, it’s not always enough to close the door in this situation. If you’re in your office, people know where to find you, and they may not realize you’re on your lunch break.
You should also avoid working through lunch at all costs–no matter how much you think you have to do.
You’re likely to be more productive and get more done if you take the time to recharge than if you try to push through when you’re running on fumes.
Looking for more tips on how to manage your introverted life?
If you want more tips and tricks on how to manage your introvert life and build plenty of healthy introvert habits, check out the Introvert Life Guide!
This guide was designed to help you build the introvert life of your dreams. And it’s full of plenty of tips, tricks, and ideas to help you create an introvert life that’s uniquely yours!
It will also help you embrace your introverted nature and build a life to help you thrive!
For more introvert life tips, check out the other introvert posts!
Sound off: What introvert life tips have been essential for you? Tell us about it in the comments!