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As an introvert, you might be the type of person who feels drained after social interaction and recharges by spending time alone. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s essential to ensure you’re taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, illness, and a host of other problems. Root Cause Resolutions has provided some simple tips to help you stay healthy and happy.

Get Plenty of Sleep

One of the most important things you can do for your health is to get enough sleep. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but some people may need more or less.

If you find that you’re regularly falling asleep during the day or if you just don’t feel well-rested, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to ensure there isn’t an underlying problem. You’ll also want to create a nightly routine that helps you relax and fall asleep. Here are a few activities to consider before bed:

 

  • Take a bath.
  • Read a book.
  • Write in a journal.
  • Listen to calming music.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Just like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet is crucial for your overall health. Aim to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online and in books. You can also talk to a registered dietitian to get tailored advice.

When you follow a nutritious diet,  you’ll have more energy, feel better overall, and be less likely to get sick. You might also find that your skin looks healthier and that you have a better mood.

Exercise Regularly

It’s important to get some exercise every day, even if it’s just a short walk around the block. Exercise has been shown to improve mental health, so it’s doubly important for introverts who might be prone to isolation and loneliness.

If you hate going to the gym, there are plenty of other ways to get active that might be more enjoyable for you, such as:

 

  • Hiking
  • Yoga
  • Biking
  • Swimming
  • Dancing
  • Playing sports

 

If you’re currently inactive, gradually add more exercise to your routine. Choose an activity that you enjoy, so you’ll be more likely to stick with it. And remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.

Exercising too much can actually be harmful. So take it easy, have some fun, and enjoy the many benefits regular exercise has to offer. Your body will tell you when you need to take a few days off.

Further, you might be surprised at how easily you can fit exercise into your everyday routine. For example, taking quick walks on your work breaks or choosing the stairs instead of the elevator can add up over time.

Look Into Online Universities

Returning to school for an online degree can be the perfect solution for introverts. Studying online allows you to take classes at your own pace from home, which can be a more comfortable setting for introverts than traditional classrooms.

Additionally, online degrees often have less of a social component than on-campus degrees, so you’ll be able to avoid the extra socializing that can be overwhelming for introverts. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in special education, you may want to earn a master’s in special education online.

There are several excellent online degrees available that offer the same high-quality education as traditional programs but allow you to learn at a comfortable pace. Just be sure the school and program is accredited and that it offers competitive tuition rates.

Start a Journal

Journaling is one of the best activities you can do as an introvert. It can be a powerful way to process emotions and thoughts, reflect on your day-to-day experiences, and learn more about yourself. She Owns Success notes that journaling can also help you become more self-aware, make better decisions, and set goals for the future.

There’s every type of journal you can think of out there, from solid-color journals with unruled pages to themed journals with ruled pages. Take time to find one that inspires you to write each day. That said, once you start yielding the benefits of journaling, you probably won’t need any extra motivation!

Hang Out in Nature

Another way to practice self-care as an introvert is to find opportunities to take in nature. The American Psychological Association points out that there are many benefits to spending time outdoors:

Mental Health Boost

One of the most important is that it helps to improve our mental health. When we’re cooped up indoors all day, we can start to feel stir-crazy and restless. Getting outside for a walk, a hike, or just sitting in nature can help to clear our minds and make us feel more relaxed and at ease.

More Energy

Nature also has a way of restoring our energy levels. After a long day at work, it’s really nice to be able to go for a hike or spend some time sitting by a river and listening to the sound of the water. Getting outside helps to refresh us and give us new energy for the rest of the day.

Physical Health Benefits

Lastly, spending time outdoors is great for our physical health. Being active in nature can help us get exercise without even realizing it. And being around fresh air and sunshine is always good for our overall well-being.

Spend Time With People

We know this sounds like a counterintuitive tip for introverts – but hear us out! You need to spend time in solitude to foster your health and well-being as an introvert. But don’t make the mistake of isolating yourself.

 

Isolation and loneliness can have devastating impacts on our mental health. When we’re isolated, we don’t have anyone to talk to or share our thoughts and feelings with. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, and emptiness. Over time, these feelings can start to take a toll on our mental health, making us more prone to anxiety and depression.

 

Be intentional about spending time with the family members and friends you’re closest to. This doesn’t;t mean you have to go to every party or gathering you’re invited to (yikes!); just don’t close yourself off from everyone around you. Your mental health will thank you!

Wrapping Up

Self-care is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important for introverts who might be prone to isolation and loneliness. Ensuring you get enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, researching online degrees, and following the other tips above can significantly boost your mental and physical health. And remember that if you ever feel like you’re not taking care of yourself correctly or if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.

Guest article witten by Sheila Olson,  FitSheila