6 Tips for Managing Stress for Those of You Who Have an Introvert Personality Type

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JAKARTA - Personality traits, such as introversion and extroversion, can affect how a person experiences and manages stress levels.

"Introverts may bottle up their stress to the point that people around them don't know they're stressed," said Heidi McBain, a licensed online therapist in Texas, quoted by Psych Central, Wednesday, August 7.

As an introvert, you may have to try harder to seek help, McBain said. Because you may not naturally share your emotions and thoughts with others.

Often, avoiding certain situations is how introverts deal with stress. If you don't, it can lead to overwhelm.

Stress management is very important and possible if you're an introvert. You can start by identifying your biggest sources of stress. What else? Read on for more information.

Try Meditation

Meditation can be a great tool for introverts because it allows them time to be still and alone. Meditation can help you manage stress and anxiety. Meditation helps the brain stay focused on the present, which can be a great stress reliever for introverts who tend to overthink. With time and practice, meditation can also improve emotional regulation and reduce the negative effects of stress physically and mentally.

Consider to start a journal

“Having an outlet for stress is also really important, whether it’s exercise or journaling or something else,” McBain suggests.

When you’re stressed as an introvert, talking to someone else is often not your first choice. You tend to keep things to yourself and overthink things. Journaling can provide a place and time to express your feelings and process your thoughts privately.

Saving time and space for self-care can help.

“Creating time and space for self-care is especially important for introverts when they’re dealing with stress,” McBain says. Alone time gives introverts a way to unwind after a long day of interacting with others.

Alone time isn’t always possible, especially if you don’t live alone. Instead, try creating a calming space where you can be alone at the end of the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. For example:

• take a shower or bath
• listen to music on earphones while cooking
• take your pet for a walk

Consider practicing meditation or reading a book to calm your mind during these times.

Try to balance your social life while setting boundaries.

You may feel like you have to keep up with your extroverted friends when it comes to socializing and talking. There’s no need to put that pressure on yourself. Connecting with others is important, but you also need to respect boundaries.

Grabbing a cup of coffee with a few friends once or twice a week can help you feel supported. However, try not to feel guilty about saying no to a weekend trip with a large group or skipping a few weeks of social contact. Setting boundaries may be the best stress management tool for introverts.

Consider therapy

“Therapy can be a great place to talk about stress in a safe environment,” McBain suggests.

Sometimes, someone outside your social circle can provide the objective perspective and support you need.

Consider your strengths

It’s natural to feel uncomfortable or even lost at work or school if your natural tendency is not to network or speak up during meetings. However, your ability to actively listen and think through answers can be one of your greatest strengths. Try to be compassionate with yourself. This can start by not putting yourself down.