Life can really suck sometimes. Whether you’re going through it at work or having trouble in your intimate relationships, there’s always some hardship to...
You know that feeling when your social battery is completely drained and you just want to huddle away for a little while? So do I!
As introverts, our more extroverted peers often misunderstand our need for solitude and stillness. While they may sometimes be right to assume we simply don’t want to interact with people (which is completely fine), the issue most times, stems from us having it up to our eyeballs with social interactions!
I don’t know about you, but just thinking of the many (many) family gatherings I have to wade through each year is exhausting! And it’s not because I think I’m better than anyone else, or anything along those lines. I just enjoy being by myself, and if you’re reading this you probably feel the same.
So what do you do when you’ve met your social interaction quota? When you need to de-stress after extensive social interactions?
Well, you have a few options…
Here are 8 stress relief ideas for introverts.
Journaling
This is a hill I am willing to die on! Journaling overall is a beautiful practice. I mean, there’s something so intimate about being able to be honest with yourself and expressing it through writing. Writing down your feelings is a great way to relieve tension and is especially effective for combating or dealing with negative emotions.
Sometimes you just need a vent for all your built-up stress and angst, and I guarantee you journalling is the way to do so. The good thing is, all you need is a journal, a pen, and a few prompts to get you started!
Meditation
Meditation, to me, feels like hitting the reset button on my mind. By taking 5-10 minutes a day to just breathe and channel your focus onto one thing, it’ll be easier to quiet the noise of your everyday life and really bring yourself into the present moment.
I usually schedule 15-20 minutes to meditate daily, and it does wonders for my psyche! Besides the medical benefits as seen here, meditation overall is a rejuvenating mindfulness practice that’ll help keep you on your A-game…
Nature Walk
Picture yourself on a day when everything has gone wrong, your stress levels are high and you just feel like pulling your hair out. Then imagine a peaceful stroll through your local park or a mini hike along that trail you’ve been curious about. I don’t know about you but this sounds heavenly!
Nature generally has a positive effect on our serotonin levels, so taking a walk is a simple but powerful method to relieve stress. And the bonus is, you probably won’t have to interact with anyone…
Aromatherapy
An equally gentle and rejuvenating practice, Aromatherapy is one of those rare activities where art and science intersect. Whether you’re diffusing essential oils, adding them to your bath, or simply inhaling them straight from the bottle, Aromatherapy is the perfect, natural remedy for stress.
The process has been scientifically proven to calm the nervous system and reduce tension, while simultaneously promoting relaxation. And I can say from experience that it’s as effective as it is satisfying!
Bubble baths
There’s something undeniably soothing about sinking into a warm bath filled with bubbles!! Not only will your inner child thank you, but the warm water also helps relieve muscle tension. Taking the time to pamper yourself and indulge in a little self-care sends a message to your subconscious that you’re in a safe space and helps to counteract the feelings of stress and overwhelm.
A solo book date
Listen, the girlies that get it REALLY get it! For me, personally, there is very little a good book can’t fix. I love getting lost in other people’s stories and, avid reader or not, book-tok does get it right sometimes..
Treating yourself to a cute solo book date is a good idea to relieve stress because it provides that outer-body experience that can only come from reading. Also, you get to spend some time alone with yourself and replenish your social energy.
