How to Optimize Your Self-Care: Personality Matters
Self-care is an important aspect of maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves taking the time to rest, recharge, and nourish ourselves so that we can be at our best. However, self-care looks different for everyone, and may vary drastically depending on an individual’s personality. In this blog post, we will explore how self-care practices can be tailored to fit the needs of introverts and extroverts.
Who are introverts and extroverts?
Introverts and extroverts represent two personality types characterized by their differing approaches to social interaction and energy replenishment.[1] Introverts typically prefer solitary activities, introspection, and tend to feel drained by prolonged socializing, often needing time alone or in low stimulation environments to recharge. In contrast, extroverts often prefer social settings and seek out more stimulating environments to feel energized and fulfilled.[1] These personality traits influence how individuals navigate social situations and engage in self-care practices tailored to their unique needs.
Contrary to the misconception that introverts don't enjoy the company of others, the distinction between introverts and extroverts extends beyond mere social behavior; it lies in how they replenish their energy and practice self-care.[2] When feeling overwhelmed, extroverts often seek social gatherings to recharge, regain their equilibrium, and lift their spirits. On the other hand, introverts are inclined to turn inward, gravitating towards solitary pursuits and independent activities as a means of recharging and relaxation.[2] That is, the key difference lies not in their enjoyment of socializing, but in the methods of self-care that are most effective in helping them to recharge.
Self-Care Suggestions
Self-care for introverts might include:
Spending time alone, whether that be settling down with a good book, taking a relaxing bath, or going for a walk in nature.
Engaging in solo hobbies, such as painting, writing, gardening, or playing an instrument.
Creating space for reflection, such as setting aside time to meditate, journal, or simply finding a peaceful spot in the home to unwind.
Setting and enforcing personal boundaries; introverts may benefit from being selective about the duration and types of social interactions they engage in.
Self-care for extroverts might involve activities such as:
Engaging in group activities, like joining a book club, team sport, or hobby club.
Participating in social events, such as dinners, parties, concerts, or cultural gatherings.
Connecting with others through activities that involve collaboration and teamwork, like an escape room or trivia night.
Seeking out novel or stimulating experiences through new activities, traveling, restaurants, or attending workshops.
No matter whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, it's important to remember that self-care is about finding what works for you and taking the time to prioritize your own well-being. Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different self-care practices to see what works best for you, and consciously evaluate which activities make you feel most refreshed and recharged.
How does life differ for introverts and extroverts?
Our personality – namely extroversion versus introversion – has implications beyond just self-care. The day-to-day experiences of introverts and extroverts, and how each may capitalize on their strengths, can differ significantly, from academic pursuits to professional endeavors.[1,3,4] Take the workplace, for example. Extroverts thrive in environments that value and reward social interaction, while the quieter strengths of introverts may be best harnessed within environments that require analytical thinking and thoughtful reflection.[3,6]
In particular, introverts may need to be more mindful of seeking environments that harness their strengths, and to use self-care strategies that are most effective for them. For instance, introverts are more likely to struggle with establishing boundaries and maintaining a healthy work-life balance amidst opportunities for connectivity, leading to feelings of burnout and a disconnection from the professional world.[4]
For extroverts, they may need to be more mindful of seeking out environments and self-care that offer opportunities for socialization, collaboration, and new experiences. For example, extroverts experienced significantly higher levels of psychological distress during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, while introverts were more likely to report being minimally affected and even found a sense of relief due to the increased time alone and at home.[5] This suggests that introverts may benefit from remote or hybrid work arrangements, both as students and as professionals [4,5], while extroverts may benefit from working in-office and within collaborative team settings
Why does this matter?
Understanding the differences between introverts and extroverts is important for several reasons:
Recognizing that other people’s self-care needs can be fundamentally different from our own allows for greater empathy and understanding in our personal and professional relationships. By acknowledging that introverts need time alone to recharge while extroverts recharge through social interactions, individuals can tailor their support accordingly, fostering healthier and more fulfilling connections.
It can lead to more effective self-care practices; by understanding how personality influences our own energy levels, we can make informed decisions about self-care activities that are truly nourishing and fulfilling.
Understanding the impact of introversion and extroversion in various contexts, such as the workplace or educational settings, can inform policies and practices to create more inclusive environments. Recognizing and valuing the unique strengths and contributions of both introverts and extroverts can lead to more equitable opportunities for all individuals to thrive.
In essence, understanding the nuances of how self-care works for introverts versus extroverts is not only a matter of personal well-being, but also has implications for fostering empathy, inclusivity, and resilience in our communities.
In today’s world, meaningful and effective self-care is essential, especially for bolstering mental health and resilience. If you’re looking for an evidence-based mental health resource, consider booking our expert mental health speaker, Nicole Legg. Her talk offers invaluable insights into understanding mental health and its impact on our lives, as well as actionable steps to promote well-being, such as self-care. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of mental health, learn to navigate conversations around it with sensitivity and inclusivity, and acquire practical strategies to enhance their own mental well-being. Equip yourself and your team with the knowledge and tools to thrive mentally and book Nicole for your next training, lunch-and-learn, or corporate event!
Written By:
Rachel Mallinson, BSc, WellIntel Talks Volunteer Intern
References:
[1] Blevins, D. P., Stackhouse, M. R. D., & Dionne, S. D. (2021). Righting the balance: Understanding introverts (and extraverts) in the workplace. International Journal of Management Reviews, 24(1), 78–98. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12268
[2] Pittman, D. (2021, April 26). Introverts vs extroverts: Do they handle mental health differently? Talkspace. https://www.talkspace.com/blog/introverts-vs-extroverts/
[3] Francis, L. J., Robbins, M., & Murray, L. (2010). Psychological type and religious orientation: Do introverts and extroverts go to church for different reasons? Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 13, 821–827. https://doi.org/10.1080/13674670802207496
[4] Sharma, S., & Behl, R. (2022). Analysing the impact of social media on students’ academic performance: A comparative study of extraversion and introversion personality. Psychological Studies, 67(4), 549–559. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-022-00675-6
[5] Staneva, A., Carmignani, F., & Rohde, N. (2022). Personality, gender, and age resilience to the mental health effects of COVID-19. Social Science & Medicine, 301, 114884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114884
[6] Baer, S. M., Jenkins, J. S., & Barber, L. K. (2014). Home is private…Do not enter! Introversion and sensitivity to work–home conflict. Stress and Health, 32(4), 441–445. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2628