Everyone responds differently to social situations. Some people enjoy being around their friends all the time, while others need time to recharge alone after socializing. If you identify with the latter group, then you may be an introvert.
Being an Introvert
People who are introverts often do enjoy being social, but they usually need time alone afterward to decompress and recharge. Being an introvert can be great for a variety of reasons, but it can also be challenging. Introverts who live in a situation that requires constant social interaction, such as a college dorm, may get drained and find it incredibly difficult to regain their energy and take care of their mental health.
How Introverts Can Care for Themselves
Individuals who are introverted can sometimes feel overwhelmed after constant or repeated social interaction. For those who identify with this, here are some things to consider doing when feeling overwhelmed:
Get Some Fresh Air
Getting outside can provide a quick break and fresh air can be a great way to reset. Connecting with nature is great for emotional well-being. If an introvert is feeling overwhelmed, going outside could be a quick and easy way to decompress.
Breathe Deeply
In overwhelming situations, it’s often easy to stop taking deep breaths. Shallow breaths aren’t great for the body. Taking some time to focus on deep breathing can be a great way for introverts to recenter.
Be Honest
While there are lots of things introverts can do to cope with social situations, it’s also important to be honest. There may be times when they hit their limit and need to be transparent with those they’re with about their needs. Continuing to engage in social activity when an introvert has reached a point of social exhaustion can harm their relationships and mental health.
Social Anxiety
If you’re experiencing extreme anxiety in social situations rather than simply feeling a need to recharge before you can engage again, there may be something else going on. Consider reaching out to our staff at Avalon Malibu and getting evaluated. There may be other things that could be causing you to feel this way, such as social anxiety. In that case, treatment can help.
Being an introvert has both pros and cons. If you’re often having anxiety during social situations, it may be best to speak with a mental health professional. Our team at Avalon Malibu is always here to answer your questions and help you decide if our services are right for you. You can give us a call at (844) 857-5992 and you’ll be connected with a member of our staff. It’s never too late to start investing in your mental health and taking care of your emotional well-being.
