Creating a Self-Care Plan for Introverts in the Working World

If you’re an introvert, the working world can be an exhausting place. With so much emphasis on networking and “workplace culture,” it can be hard to find the time and energy to take care of yourself. But establishing a self-care plan is essential for your physical and mental health – especially if you’re an introvert. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

Stick to a Regular Schedule

When creating a self-care plan, it’s important to establish a regular schedule that allows you plenty of alone time to recharge. This means setting aside blocks of time during the day where you can focus on yourself without interruption. This could include things like going for a walk or taking some time to read a book or listen to music. You can also plan when to complete specific tasks or activities, such as grocery shopping or cleaning your house.

Plan for Alone Time

As an introvert, spending too much time socializing can be draining for you. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your self-care plan includes enough time for alone activities or hobbies that give you energy and help reenergize you after work or school. Some ideas could include taking up yoga, painting, gardening, running, or walking your dog. Find something that works best for you and stick with it.

Make Time for Socializing

Even though it may not always be easy, making an effort to socialize is still important to keep connected with friends and colleagues who understand your needs as an introvert. Consider joining clubs or organizations related to your interests so that you can meet like-minded people who will appreciate your quietness while still providing stimulating conversation and interactions when needed.

Find Activities That Give You Energy

On top of making sure there is enough alone time in your self-care plan, it's also important to find activities or hobbies that give back some of the energy you spend when socializing with other people. From reading a book, going on hikes, or just enjoying some me-time, these activities help us relax and let go of built-up tension so we can come back feeling confident and energized. Taking this time out of our days not only energizes us and makes us more confident, but it gives us the space we need to take on the tasks ahead.

Allow Yourself to Say No

As an introvert trying hard just to keep up with life's demands already, it's okay to say no occasionally when extra commitments come along without feeling guilty about it afterwards. Taking on more than what we can handle only leads us further away from our own goals and objectives in life.

Prioritize Restful Sleep

Although this might sound obvious, many introverts overlook how important sleep is for their overall well-being - both mentally and physically speaking. So make sure before anything else in your self-care plan comes into play that restful sleep is always at the top of your priority list.

Enroll in School Online

Going back to school with an online degree program can be a great way for working introverts to take care of both their minds and bodies. With the flexibility that online learning offers, introverts are provided with the opportunity to complete their learning from home at a time and pace appropriate for them. Additionally, the comfort of being in one’s environment means that studying does not have to mean a full day spent away from home surrounded by people.

Change Careers

Changing careers can be an exciting opportunity for introverts, especially when their introspective nature is taken into account. Creating a professional resume with the help of a resume builder can give the confidence to explore and reach for their goals. Experts recommend introverts focus on extolling their introspective strengths such as communication skills, active listening, and research abilities which are especially useful in the professional workplace.

By creating a self-care plan that includes activities that are calming and energizing for you, you can make sure that you're giving yourself the time and space you need to recharge. Plus, by sticking to your plan, you'll be setting a good example for other introverts in the workplace who might not know how to take care of themselves.

Written by WYA Counseling blogger Robert Schmitt.