7 Things Introverts Need to Thrive

If you're an introvert, you know a few things about yourself: You'd rather be alone or with one or two other people. Being surrounded by a lot of people or attending a big party isn't exactly your cup of tea. You are often preoccupied with your inner thoughts, feelings, and emotions. 

It goes without saying that introverts have different needs than extroverts. So today, we'll look at several things introverts need to be more aware of in order to be happy. Perhaps you are an introvert and are looking to add more happiness to your life or some solidarity. Or maybe you are extroverted and introverted in your life and are interested in helping and supporting you.

Here are 7 things introverts need to thrive

1. They need time to calm down and process.

Introverts need time to process information and think about the answer to a question rather than putting them on the spot or asking them to think on our feet. Communicating the science behind this to your boss, colleagues, and friends can help you start asking for the extra processing time you need in certain situations.

Introverts need a break after big parties and networking events to recharge. They also need a recovery period after the "little" things, too. Since they deal with thoughts and events deeply, introverts may be drained a lot, for example, by a stressful day at work, shopping in a crowded mall, or a heated conversation with their significant other. Having time to relax allows introverts to fully understand what they have just experienced — and lower their level of stimulation to a more comfortable and sustainable level. But without stopping, he will suffer from irritability and even physical fatigue or exhaustion.

2. Meaningful conversation.

Most introverts tend to communicate in very different ways than extroverts. Being in group situations drains them, and virtual groups are no different—especially with the inevitable interruption and talking to each other. Introverts prefer to spend time with people they know well personally, either one-on-one or in smaller groups, so they can make deep connections and have meaningful conversations. This activates them. 

Where many introverts yearn to dive deep,whether in their interests or in their relationships. What new thing have you learned recently? How are you today different from what you were ten years ago? Not every conversation has to be deep. Introverts sometimes want to know what you did this weekend. But if they eat a diet of short talk, they'll feel like we're starving. Without those intimate, raw, big-thought moments, they'd be unhappy.

3. Control of their own social schedule.

Introverts should be able to decline invitations, block downtime, and spend time with their friends and family as they see fit. This will help them balance their energy levels, and it will be their best for the events in which they appear. If an introvert is not in control of their social schedule, they are likely to feel fatigued and tired on a regular basis.

Introverts not only need to be responsible for their schedules, but they also need to be able to turn down activities without feeling guilty or obligated to attend something they don't have the energy for. An introvert's energy is very valuable and it is important to spend it in the way that works for each individual

4. They need a space to dive deep into their hobbies and interests.

Part of being an introvert is having a rich and vibrant inner world. For introverts to truly thrive in life, they need to feed their inner world on a regular basis. This can be done with a job or as a hobby. Life is usually more satisfying for introverts if their income is tied to their interests. But in the end, introverts can thrive as long as they somehow nurture their inner world.

This may mean going to work for a paycheck, but coming home to write, draw, compose music, or do anything that brings their inner world to life. It doesn't matter how this need is met, but it often has to be met in some way if the introvert is to truly thrive. Spending time alone to focus on his/her hobbies and interests recharges them again, because while immersed in them, they enters an energizing flow state. 

According to psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, "flow" is a mental state in which a person is fully immersed in an activity and enjoys the process. The flow state comes naturally to many introverts, and without it, we wouldn't feel happy.

Read Also: 5 Effective Ways To Set Boundaries As An Introvert

5. They need quiet to reset and recharge. 

The basic difference in between introverts and extroverts is the way they charge. Extroverts are energized by being around people and enjoying social situations with larger groups. Introverts, on the other hand, need calm and alone time to recharge, and their social batteries drain quickly when they are around large groups of people. The way each of them recharges is unique.

It's essential to understand what works for you and build at this time when you know you'll need it most—especially before or after social events or a day of meetings in the office (or on Zoom). What's the one thing that helps you let go of your day, relax, and reset? What's the one thing that recharges you and gives you energy, every single time? We can all have more energy if we start to understand what we need to do in our downtime to recharge, identify when we need that time, and start building these practices into our day at the exact times we know we'll need most.

6-They need a recharge space.

There are two things you can do to make the recharging process easier. The first is having space for recharging. Not only is this space great for recharging, but it's good for any time you're feeling a little introverted, and you just need a time-out. Having a place like this in your home will help you recharge more effectively because you can design it to meet your needs and you won't have to search the house for a quiet quiet place when your energy is low.

7. They need strategies to protect their energy throughout the work day. 

You may not have the option of working from home, and if that is the case, it is essential to develop strategies that protect your energy throughout the work day. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

• Take a lunch break on your own. This can be a game changer for introverts. Knowing you'll have a full hour to recharge in the middle of the workday can make morning meetings more bearable and help you reset in the afternoon.
• Prepare introverted reactions ready. Put "Let me look at it for you" and "I'll get right back to you" in your list of responses to colleagues at all levels — including your boss. As I mentioned above, introverts need time to respond, especially to an "immediate" personal request. Use these responses to buy the time you need and avoid having to think about your feet. 
• After an intense meeting, go for a walk. A meeting full of interruptions and everyone talking to each other can be stressful for an introvert and leave you feeling overwhelmed — even if you haven't said a word! Even a five-minute solo walk afterward can boost your productivity upon your return.

Related Article: The 4 Types of Introvert: Which Are You?