As an Introvert, you can end up feeling like nobody understands you, and you are out there in the wild all by yourself.

The truth is, there are lots of introverts out there in the wild.  They may be fewer and farther in between because they are off "recharging," but you are not alone my friend.  That I can promise you.

Have you ever wished you had as much energy as your upbeat extroverted friends?  That you could be a social butterfly and juggle all the things and *gasp* ALL THE PEOPLE.

Wait, come back, it's just you and me here.  We aren't inviting anyone else, I promise <3.

It has taken me years to really get comfortable being an introvert, and certainly just like life, that comfort comes in cycles.

I'm here to help you find your own comfortable cozy couch, where you can curl up and recharge.  Here's five things that always help:

1. Be Aware of What You Say Yes To, and Don't Be Afraid to Say No

Your needs are just as important as that person you said yes to my friend.  Quite frankly, they may not know you're an introvert, and so they're going to keep asking you.  It can be difficult from the outside to understand if you aren't somebody that gets drained just by being around so many people.

The compulsive invite-ers ar trying to be nice, AND doing what fills their cup.  It's ok to say because that is what fills YOUR cup.

2. A Schedule With Gaps to Rest is Worthy of a Badge of Honor

Admittedly, I feel personally attacked just putting this one out there for MYSELF.  If you're also a high achiever, and especially if you have kids, or a significant other, or even if you are just a high achiever, it's so easy to just cram your schedule.   The fuller the better.  Except once you are slogging through the busiest of it and then you have nothing left in your tank.

I'm here to tell you that it's ok to leave gaps. You will actually be better for it.  Taking that time to rest and recharge your creativity will allow you to put your best work together more efficiently and come out with better results because you're working from a full 100% battery.

3. Do The Things That Recharge You

I've talked about this before on the podcast.  What recharges me may be considered crunchy, but it's just you and I here right?  I love disappearing into the mountains.  Hearing the wind through the desert, climbing up on a cliff and just sitting on the edge.  It is wildly grounding.

Some days, it looks like curling up with a great Colleen Hoover novel.  (Disclaimer: as a mom to a toddler, this is a Herculean task to find a place to hide long enough to consume any actual pages).

What refills you may look different each day, and that is perfectly ok.  I'd love to hear what recharges you.  If you are willing to share - send a DM on instagram friend.

4. Making Time for Introverted Activities, Even When You're Surrounded By Extroverts

When you consider saying yes, it's ok to offer up things that are more introvert friendly.  Think walks, movies, one on on or smaller group type activities. 

Work with your energy instead of against it.  Fill your battery so you have more charge for the things you do want to say yes to.

5. Ditching The Guilt For Not Being An Extroverted Social Butterfly

Your life matters.  You have commitments, responsibilities, passion projects that all need your time and energy.  Everyone in this world can't be an extrovert.  

As an introvert, the constant stimuli just isn't sustainable.  If I may offer up something that has helped me in the past, be mindful of your self talk.  Don't give yourself a guilt trip for who you're not, because who you are is amazing, and valuable, and worthy of love.

 I hope this helps friend, until next time!

Darcie