Self-Care Ideas for Introverts and Extroverts
I’m sure you’ve heard the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” at some point in your life. There’s a false assumption that introverts are shy, meek people while extroverts are outgoing and fun. In reality, introversion and extroversion are just identifying where people receive their energy from and how they feel restored. Introverts gain their energy from having alone time and they often feel drained after hanging out with other people. On the flip side, extroverts feel energized when they spend time with others. Neither type is better than the other, they’re simply different. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, taking care of yourself (mentally, emotionally, and physically) should be a priority. Here are some self-care ideas for both types of people:
Self-Care Ideas for Introverts:
Listen to a podcast. Put your headphones in and listen to the words of someone you admire. There are so many great podcasts out there but a few of my favorite are Happier, The Feel Good Effect, and The Self-Love Fix.
Take a day off social media. Anyone can benefit from this, but especially introverts who feel especially drained from others.
Take yourself on a solo date or a solo weekend trip. Treat yourself to some time alone by doing what YOU want to do. Some fun solo date activities could include going to your local bookstore and finding a good book, getting your favorite coffee and pastry from a cafe, or going to see a movie that you’ve been eyeing. If you want a more restorative weekend, you could plan a solo trip somewhere. I’m actually planning my own solo weekend trip where I’ll be renting a tiny home Airbnb and unplugging. I won’t even be bringing my laptop! *Gasps*
Get lost in a good book. Find a comfy spot in your home or out in nature and settle down with a book that takes your mind to new places. Need a book recommendation? You can’t go wrong with Everything is Figureoutable, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, or You are a Badass.
Spend time on a hobby you love but that you’ve been neglecting. When is the last time you practiced calligraphy, or painting, or knitting? Whatever your hobby is that lights you up, spend some time getting back to it.
Garden or take care of plants. Gardening or nurturing indoor plants can be relaxing and therapeutic. Plus, plants don’t talk ;)
Spend time with your best friend. It’s true that introverts receive their energy from having enough alone time, but they also value one-on-one time with their close friends and family. Grabbing lunch, having coffee, or even just chatting over the phone with your best friend can feel extremely restorative.
Watch your favorite tv show or movie. A lot of the times, we have to compromise on what we want to watch to make sure that our partner or kids also want to watch what we have in mind. Today, I encourage you to watch what you want to watch with zero guilt.
Go for a long walk in nature. If you have a doggo you can take with you and if you can leave your phone behind, even better!
Say no. Lastly, say no to anything you don’t feel like doing. The last thing you need when trying to take care of yourself is another obligation.
Self-Care Ideas for Extroverts:
Join a book club. Reading can be fun, informative, and relaxing but having people to discuss the book with can be even more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends.
Have a game night with friends. Round up your buddies and play a board game like Cards Against Humanity or play a video game that everyone can play like Jackbox.
Volunteer for a cause you care about. Volunteering is a great way to do something good for the world and for yourself.
Talk on the phone with a friend or a loved one. If you can’t see someone in person, talking to them on the phone or on Zoom is the next best thing and can make you feel closer to them.
Go on a road trip or weekend trip somewhere. Pack up your stuff and see who wants to join you on a fun trip. You can go to one of your favorite places or somewhere completely new!
Cook dinner with your partner. What’s more fun than cooking alone? Definitely cooking with your boo. If you don’t have a partner, make dinner with a friend or family member.
Attend a group meditation session. Even though you won’t be talking to anyone during the meditation session, you may feel a sense of community and camaraderie knowing that there are other humans sitting right next to you, on the same path as you. You can chat with others before the session begins about your thoughts and excitement and you can talk afterward about what your experience was like.
Hike in nature with your buds. Not only will you get exercise, but you will get good quality time with your friends when hiking in nature.
Host a movie/tv show night. Many Americans around the country love hosting Bachelor/Bachelorette nights where they gather their group of friends, eat appetizers and drink wine, and watch the newest episode of the show. You could do this with any tv show or movie, but I highly recommend doing it with The Bachelor/Bachelorette ;)
Go to an exercise class. Exercising in an environment where there’s other people cheering you on and holding you accountable can make working out way more fun. You could go to a Crossfit, yoga, kickboxing, Taekwondo, or OrangeTheory class just to name a few.
Even if you identify as an introvert, you may want to try out some of the self-care ideas for extroverts, and vice versa. Each person is highly unique and individual and you will benefit from doing the self-care that works for you. I hope that some of this ideas inspire you to take care of yourself in new ways!
Your gal,
Kayla
