The Art of Decompressing: How Introverts Recharge
10 simple ways to recharge your inner self.
As introverts, recharging our inner batteries after social interactions is an important part of our wellbeing and most of us will have been doing this forever without even realising it.
There are many ways to refill your inner tank. Whether you have a default action or you have a number of activities you enjoy…they are all good for your soul.
You feel better after taking some time out, the brain fog lifts, your energy levels begin to rise and your mood improves.
Nothing to See Here
As a creative introvert, when I personally need to recharge I don’t do anything creative! I retreat. It’s as though there is no more room left in my head to create anything. I need to clear the outside intrusion, step back from the social overwhelm and just be. Simply exist. My go to activities are watching television, spending time in nature and reading.
Watching television means I can zone out. It doesn’t matter if I’m interested in what’s going on on screen, it just distracts my mind. It gives my mind the space to slow down and rest from being on alert.
Being in nature, on the other hand, is a mindful activity. It helps me to be in the moment. To notice what’s around me. In the garden, in the park or just walking along. What can I see? Hear? Smell?
My perfect place would be on the beach. Just being. Lost in the great vastness of the ocean and the wonder of life.
The ocean speaks to my soul as if calling me home.
Gaynor Marshall
Reading is somewhere in the middle, for me. I need to concentrate to follow what I’m reading but I’m not on show. I’m not responsible for anything that may happen in the story. I am merely a spectator.
None of these activities need me to emotionally participate, this allows me to fill up my tank and recharge my inner batteries.
10 Ways to Decompress
Below is a list of ten simple ways that we can all practice self care. Easy things to try when the world gets too much and overwhelm creeps over you like a thick fog.
Solitude: After a long day of social interaction, having alone time to process your thoughts and feelings provides an opportunity to reflect and unwind.
Reading: Reading allows you to escape into different worlds. It takes you beyond your physical self and lets you observe rather than interact with the outside world.
Creative Outlets: Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument can be incredibly therapeutic, especially when done simply for your own enjoyment.
Nature: Engaging with nature and wildlife boosts our feeling of wellbeing, can inspire our sense of wonder and even aid recovery from illness. A walk in the woods, sitting by a lake, or simply enjoying the beauty of a garden can have a calming and rejuvenating effect.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices and meditation can help calm minds and reduce stress. These techniques help us to stay centred and in touch with our inner selves.
Napping: A short power nap can do wonders for energy levels. Taking a break during the day to recharge can help us stay focused and alert.
Digital Detox: In our hyper-connected world, we often need a break from the constant digital chatter. Turning off notifications and spending time away from screens can be an essential part of the decompression process.
Journaling: Keeping a journal can be a way of clearing the inner chatter and the mind monkeys. Writing your thoughts and feelings down can provide a sense of clarity and closure.
Hobbies: Whether it's gardening, gaming, or birdwatching, hobbies can provide a sense of fulfilment and relaxation.
Yoga and Exercise: Physical activity is an essential way to release built-up tension and stress. Yoga, in particular, combines physical movement with mindfulness, offering a holistic approach to relaxation.
We Are All Different
I hope you found this list helpful. Maybe you’ve been inspired to try something new. Or maybe you have a tried and trusted method for centring yourself when you need.
I’d love to hear how you fill up your tank. Is it a conscious thing you practice or have you found that you do certain activities instinctively?
Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
Until next time…
Gaynor xx
I love the ideas you have here. Some I do already, but there are some I definitely want to do more of, like yoga. I'm forever saying I want to put even just 10 minutes aside each day for yoga, time to commit to that I think! ☺