Self-Care for Introverts: Your Road to a Healthy Body and Mind

Quick Note: This is a guest post on self care for introverts.

Introverts, by definition, are more interested in spending time alone than with others. That can make it difficult for them to make use of the typical self-care tips that are usually geared towards extroverts. If that sounds like you, don’t worry. Here are some tips you can follow to take the best care of yourself without giving up your comfort zone.

Be Sure to Eat Well

Eating well doesn’t mean that you have to go on a strict diet. Instead, you can make some of the improvements suggested by Heart.org by including more fruits, vegetables, and lean animal proteins. You should consume less processed foods as well as foods that are high in sugar and salt. It’s also suggested that you avoid trans fats altogether. While making the effort to eat as healthily as possible, you may still need the added support of a multivitamin. This will fill in gaps in your nutrition and aid in maintaining good gut health as well as your energy levels and the appearance of your skin. When choosing a multivitamin, do your research and compare brands to ensure you’re getting a good-quality supplement.

Don’t Skimp on Health Coverage

Part of keeping yourself in good health is making sure you attend your scheduled doctor’s visits. According to Self.com, apart from the times when you have worrisome symptoms, you should make annual appointments with your primary care physician, OB/GYN, and dentist. If you see an eye doctor or mental health professional, it’s recommended that you see them as often as is necessary. To make sure you have affordable access to your doctors, it’s important to keep your health coverage current. Health coverage is especially important for seniors as they usually have even more specific needs when it comes to maintaining great health. If you’re enrolled in Medicare, then consider Medicare Advantage plans, which companies like Anthem offer. Many of these plans cover additional care like vision and dental, and they also cover prescriptions and preventative care.

Boost Your Exercise Program

Being physically active can make a huge difference in your body as well as your mind. According to Shape.com, after just one hour of exercise, you’ll feel calmer and you would have given your immune system a boost. After a month of consistent exercise, you’ll likely see a positive change in your brainpower and you’ll be stronger. As an introvert, you can still get the exercise you need without too much interaction with others.

Some of the exercise programs you can try are swimming, running, and cycling. If you’re up to it and your budget allows, consider getting a personal trainer who can guide you through an exercise routine that is tailored for you. Another idea is to use a fitness tracker or smartwatch to monitor your progress. These gadgets can track distance traveled, calories burned, GPS, sun exposure, and many other metrics. If you’re interested in a new model, the Huawei Band 3 Pro has 14 days of battery life and can track your heart rate. If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Apple Watch Series 4 has a powerful processor, large display, and fall detection and emergency SOS.

Socialize on Your Own Terms

What some persons may not realize is that introverts aren’t opposed to socialization, they just need time to recharge. Since socializing with others is a major part of maintaining mental and emotional wellness, you’ll need to learn how to socialize as an introvert. It helps your confidence when you accept who you are and know that you’re not expected to be the loudest in the room. When socializing, try something new by getting out of your comfort zone, but acknowledge when you need time to recharge and then take it. If you’re looking for introvert-friendly social activities, try hosting a movie night or small get together at your home. If you’re in your own environment, it’s easier to control what happens. You can also take a trip with a small group of friends to a new destination.

Even though you’re an introvert, you have the same needs as everyone else when it comes to your overall health. You just have different options for getting similar results. Getting the best out of life starts with acknowledging your introvert status and finding the activities that best suit you and your desired outcome.