I firmly believe that every introvert needs a go-to recharge destination. A place you can daydream about when you’re out and your batteries start to drain, or a place you can go to without a second thought when you just need a break.
I like to call this place an Introvert Sanctuary.
Today we’re going to take a look at why every introvert should have an introvert sanctuary and how to create one that meets your own individual needs.
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Why introverts should create a sanctuary
The world is not made for introverts. It’s loud and busy, and often requires introverts to expel more energy than they have.
Because of that, I think it’s incredibly important that every introvert have a landing pad that’s calm, quiet, and made for recharging.
I think creating an inviting space like this had many introverted benefits. Here are the two that I find stand out the most for me.
First, it gives you a quiet place to go when you need to recharge. You don’t have to go looking for a place to escape people. It’s ready and waiting for you.
Of course, I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ve found that when I’m out and getting run down, I feel an added stress when I don’t have a place to go and recharge. If I have a place I can envision going to, it makes it easier to get to the end of whatever I’m doing.
Second, I’ve found that when I have a space to go to, I actually make it a point to use it more! It helps me prioritize downtown and recharge when I need it.
This helps me be a better, happier version of myself.
How to do it
Pick a location
Work with what you’ve got. It’s ideal if you can make a whole room your own, but that may not always be feasible.
Most introverts go with their bedrooms. These work great as they’re typically designated private areas. If you share a room with someone, you might want to declare a corner or small section of the room for yourself.
(Pro tip: Tension rods and curtains make for quick, inexpensive room separators that can help you create a little isolation for yourself even if you don’t have a door to close.)
If there’s a guest room or extra room in your house that’s lacking a specific full-time purpose, you may want to make this over for yourself.
And if you live alone or with someone else who’s on your own introverted level, you can go ahead and make your entire home your sanctuary.
Set Boundaries
Once you pick a location, talk to anyone you live with about your plans and expectations for this space and why you think this space will be helpful to you (and, by extension, to everyone).
To get the most out of your introvert sanctuary, it’s important that everyone you live with know what you need to use that space for and why. Of course, these needs may vary from person to person.
Perhaps you want it known that when you’re in your sanctuary, disruptions should be minimal. Or maybe you’d welcome some company, as long as it’s quiet company.
Whatever you need to get out of this space, make it know from the start. Your sanctuary can’t be a sanctuary if other’s try to take your peace from you.
Get comfortable
You need to be completely comfortable in your space, so the first priority is getting yourself a comfy place to lounge.
This can mean your bed, a couch, or another piece of furniture you already have and love.
Or it can also mean purchasing something like a bean bag chair, a memory foam floor mattress, or small recliner.
You may also want to add a ton of blankets and pillows or a diffuser with essential oils to make your space as cozy as possible.
Whatever your idea of comfort is, that’s what you want to add to this space.
Quiet and/or soothing sounds
Quiet is typically an important element for an introvert to recharge. This can be in the form of total silence or quieter, soothing sounds.
It’s particularly helpful if you can shut out any outside noise. This is easy if you’ve got a door to shut, but if not, there are ways around this.
In this case, you can try plugging in your headphones and either listening to some chill music or some white noise.
If you go the music route, you can build a playlist of soothing songs yourself, or use pre-made mood playlists on sites like Spotify, Amazon, etc.
Or you can use a white noise app or website. If you using an app, do a search for white noise apps in your phones app store and pick your favorite. If you want to try a website, MyNoise and Ambient Mixer are two of my favorites.
These tips can also help if you have a door to shut but can still hear more of the outside than you’d like. Or you may want to consider using getting yourself a sound machine to block out that noise.
Low lighting
Introverts tend to be more sensitive to sensory stimulation than extroverts, but this is often exacerbated when we need to recharge.
This is why quiet often helps, and it’s why keeping the lighting low is also a good idea.
Consider abandoning overhead lights for some cozier softer lighting. This can be achieved by grabbing a regular lamp and using a softer light bulb, or by using softer light options. Fairy lights and salt rock lamps are my personal favorites.
Your favorite things
And lastly, fill your sanctuary with your favorite things. This may be a book, a TV with Netflix, your computer, a picture that relaxes you, etc.
Whatever you will enjoy seeing and having in your sanctuary, put it there.
And don’t be afraid to let this space change and grow as you do.
Looking for more in-depth tips on how to create an introvert sanctuary and living space?
If you want to dig a little deeper into this topic, 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 and tricks to help you create the best and most comforting introverted living spaces.
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’s one thing you NEED to include in your introvert sanctuary? Tell us about it in the comments!