Don’t Just Survive, Thrive: A Guide to Achieving Fulfillment as an Introvert 

Guest post by Julie Morris

In a world that celebrates extroverted traits, navigating life as an introvert can be challenging. However, it’s essential to remember that being an introvert is not a weakness but a different approach to life. Understanding your introverted tendencies and how they affect you can help establish a self-care plan that suits your needs. This article shared by Be As One will provide tips and strategies for creating a comprehensive self-care plan for introverts.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Introverts often thrive on consistency and predictability. A routine can provide comfort and control over your environment, reducing stress and anxiety. This routine could include waking up at the same time every day, sticking to a regular meal schedule, or setting aside specific times for work and relaxation. Remember, your routine should serve you rather than the other way around. Be flexible and adjust your schedule as needed to ensure it supports your well-being.

Allocate Ample Time for Solitude to Rejuvenate

As an introvert, solitude is not just preferred—it’s essential. Introverts recharge their energy by spending time alone, so incorporate ample alone time into your daily routine. Whether reading a book, walking in nature, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts, these moments of solitude can help rejuvenate your mind and body.

Ensure You Set Aside Moments for Social Interactions

While introverts treasure their alone time, it doesn’t mean they should isolate themselves completely. Humans are social creatures and meaningful connections with others are crucial for our mental health. Try to find a balance between your need for solitude and social interactions. You might prefer one-on-one conversations or small gatherings rather than large parties. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity, regarding relationships.

Engage in Energizing Activities

Find activities that energize and inspire you. These could be hobbies, exercise, creative pursuits, or anything else that brings you joy and boosts your energy levels. Engaging in such activities helps you relax and allows you to spend time in a way that aligns with your introverted nature.

Craft an Impressive and Professional Resume

Stepping onto a fresh career path can be equally exciting and overwhelming. One of your first steps in this journey should be crafting an impressive and professional resume that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and potential. A well-constructed resume can open doors to opportunities and be a powerful tool in your job search. If you need help figuring out where to start, seeking guidance on how to write a resume can be incredibly beneficial. From choosing the right format and writing

Allow Yourself the Right to Decline

As an introvert, you might feel pressured to say “yes” to every invitation or request, often leading to overcommitment and burnout. It’s important to realize that it’s okay to say no.’ Prioritize your mental health and well-being above societal expectations or obligations. Permitting yourself to decline can be liberating and contribute significantly to your self-care.

Make Restorative Sleep a Priority

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining our physical and mental health. As an introvert, you may find your mind buzzing with thoughts at the end of the day, making it difficult to fall asleep. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, create a peaceful sleep environment, and prioritize getting enough restful sleep.

Self-care for introverts involves understanding and honoring their unique needs and preferences. By establishing a consistent routine, prioritizing solitude, balancing social interactions, engaging in energizing activities, crafting a professional resume, allowing yourself to say ‘no,’ and prioritizing sleep, you can create a self-care plan that truly serves you. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. What matters most is finding what works best for you.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

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The ultimate secret garden (posted on location)

I had to add this secret garden at Wellesley College, in the same areas as the others, noted in the previous post. This one is up a small hill from the path, under small and large fir trees. They frame tiny and beautiful waterfall, spilling from the rocks.

When I saw it, I knew I had to share it while on location. Nature meets technology and it’s a peaceable kingdom for a change.

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wellesley college secret garden waterfall2

Where is your secret garden? What is it like? What do you like to do there?

Click to Tweet & Share: The ultimate secret garden (posted on location) http://wp.me/p2D9hg-vE

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How I run away from home … for lunch! The secret gardens of Wellesley College

Sometimes you just want to run away from home. It’s not that home’s so bad. In fact, home is great! But the warm autumn weather beckons, tinged with a crisp breeze, and it carries you away to beautiful places.

In my quest to get to the local CVS during lunch to pick up a pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, the pristine day led me to nearby Wellesley College and one of my favorite places, behind the Botany Building where my mom used to work, in the secret gardens.

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I made a mental note that I must bring a notebook with me the next time I come here and plant myself in one of these little outdoor rooms and scribble away.

My favorite author and writing muse, Louisa May Alcott, wrote of her longing for a room of her own. Finally nearing her teens, her parents gave her one with a door leading out to the garden where she could “run away from home” whenever she liked.

Louisa May Alcott in her own room, illustration by Flora Smith from The Story of Louisa May Alcott by Joan Howard
Louisa May Alcott in her own room, illustration by Flora Smith from The Story of Louisa May Alcott by Joan Howard

Louisa also loved writing in apple trees, crunching on crisp, juicy apples:

"I write best up in the apple tree"; illustration by Flora Smith.
“I write best up in the apple tree”; illustration by Flora Smith.

So I thought of Louisa in her apple tree when I saw this pine:

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I loved this little “room” created by fir bushes, complete with a little door:

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The view outside the room was equally lovely:

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A grape arbor with flat stones for a bench:

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A stone bench dedicated to a loved one as a place to remember loved ones:

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All this just a short walk from my office. Does “home” get any better than this?

Made me think of a song by Judy Collins:

And if I hadn’t taken that detour to the college, I wouldn’t have noticed that a new Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins store has opened in Wellesley Square. I was able to get my pound of coffee for less money, and use the savings to get my favorite iced mocha with cream and sugar. 🙂

I can’t wait for the next time when I can “run away from home.” And I’ll be sure and take a notebook next time.

Do you have any secret gardens near your office or home?

Where do you like to steal away for the loveliness of quiet and solitude?

Click to Tweet & Share: How I run away from home … for lunch! The secret gardens of Wellesley College http://wp.me/p2D9hg-vc

Would you like to learn along with Susan how to live your life
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