Self-care is essential for your mind and body health regardless of your personality preference, but if you’re an introvert, you may approach it differently than your super-social counterparts.  It’s a time for you to spend doing whatever helps you recharge your batteries, organize your thoughts and build your confidence. During self-care activities, you can have conversations with yourself, heal from traumatic experiences or clear your mind for a few moments each day. Here are some suggestions for introverts who want to better their self-care habits.

Seek Medical Advice

Being introverted is not a disease or disorder but according to studies, there is often a correlation between introversion and anxiety. If you struggle with your mental or emotional health, you should talk to your primary care provider about available treatment options such as:

• Talk therapy
• Hypnosis
• Meditation
• Deep breathing

Start Setting Boundaries

As an introvert, you may need more time for self-care than your extroverted associates, and that’s okay. You shouldn’t force yourself to go out, attend parties or join crowds that make you uncomfortable. Let your friends know your limits, and learn to say “no” when you don’t feel like going along with the group’s plans.

When you are home, having a place of quiet solitude can be helpful for destressing. Find a space in your home that can be set up with a comfortable chair or cushion. This can be an ideal spot to practice meditation, which has been shown to boost happiness.

Have a Skincare Regimen

If you’re new to the idea of self-care, you may feel stressed when deciding how to fit a new practice into your life. Instead of looking for a new hobby, maybe just expand on something you already do each day. Getting ready is already time you spend with yourself, so put some extra emphasis on relaxation during this time. Try a face mask or splurge on a good-quality moisturizer. Use your skincare routine to pamper yourself, and make a daily appointment that you’ll look forward to every morning.

Begin a Fitness Routine

Exercise is excellent self-care for anyone because it supports mind and body fitness simultaneously. If you’re introverted, you may prefer to work out alone rather than join a gym or fitness class. Solo workouts are whatever you need them to be because you’re the only participant. Getting more healthy movement doesn’t have to be limited to time in the gym. If you feel like you don’t have enough time to fit in a workout every day, you can make small changes to your lifestyle that promote movement such as:

• Parking away from the building
• Taking the stairs
• Going for a walk after lunch
• Using a standing desk while working
• Buying an under-desk bike

Yoga has many benefits for both the mind and body. Physically, yoga can help to improve flexibility, strength, and posture. It can also help to reduce stress and tension, and promote relaxation. Mental benefits of yoga include improved concentration and focus, and a more positive outlook on life. Yoga can also help to reduce anxiety and depression, and promote feelings of calm and well-being. If you’re ready to get started, visit Heathyoga for high-quality yoga clothing, gear, and accessories!

Go Down a Rabbit Hole

Your introverted personality means you prefer quiet and reserved settings, but it doesn’t mean you’re not curious or adventurous. When you see or hear something interesting, you may find yourself diving deep into new concepts to learn anything and everything you can about the topic. Allowing your mind to wander and learn helps cultivate your creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Many people think self-care comes easily for introverts who value being alone. However, if you’re not deliberate with your time, you may be missing out on the true benefits of a routine self-care practice. Work with a mental health professional, start a fitness or yoga routine, take care of your skin, and keep a healthy home.