An introverts cure to feeling overwhelmed.
After thousands of years of the human race existing, we still don’t fully understand introverts.
There is no denying that the world has a bias for extroverts. Outgoing, bubbly and very approachable? What’s not to love?
But that doesn’t mean that introverts are a contrast to this personality. In fact, some introverts might be the warmest people you know.
“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured. Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you’re supposed to” — Susan Cain
But one of the downside I have experienced with my very introvert mind is how easily overwhelmed I feel. I overthink and overanalyze things. Sometimes to the surprise of my friends.
I fall into something I call my “Overwhelm hole”. It’s like I can feel myself burying myself and I can’t bring myself to stop. And then suddenly I remember something that I shouldn’t have said 15 years ago. Oh, the horror. And that piles things on.
Introverts are more prone to feeling overwhelmed, especially when they are deprived of their recharge time.
So here are some things I do to fix it:
I get some me time
Very important. Just being able to spend some time alone, reflecting can help recharge your system.
“Solitude matters, and for some people, it’s the air they breathe” — Susan Cain
I accept that I am overwhelmed
I don’t see it as a personality flaw, but as a state, I’m transiting through. It’s easy to feel like the whole world is coming to an end when you're overwhelmed. Just accepting that “this too shall pass”, makes it easier to bear.
I say “no” to more weight.
Anything that would further disturb my peace of mind, I say no to. “Hey, I’m at your door, can I come in”, “It’s a no for me, thanks”.
It doesn’t make me a bad person. I just know that I cannot pour from an empty cup. I can’t give value when I am depleted. I need to recharge.
I write.
Writing is so therapeutic for me. For example, I am currently writing this because I was starting to feel very overwhelmed. Just writing frees up my mind.
Maybe for you, it’s not writing that’s your therapy. It could be painting or playing the piano. Just know your “go to” activity.
I permit myself to recover.
It’s tempting to want to rush through all that you have pilled up to do. But trust me, it just makes things worse.
Society has programmed us to be constantly busy. If you’re not doing something, you’re lazy. Well, don’t buy it. Spending time to take care of yourself, even if it’s staying at home and doing absolutely nothing isn’t a waste of time. It’s time well spent.
I Accept hugs
There are some hugs that feel like they are putting all your broken pieces together. My husband is my go-to person for those hugs. He gives the best hugs. I always feel my anxiety slowly fading when he hugs me.
Know your go-to person for your hug therapy.
I move at my own pace
Sometimes just knowing that there is a bunch of things still waiting for you, can really interrupt your recovery. If getting things done helps you feel better (as it does for me), then, by all means, get somethings done. Just do it at your pace. I find that being mindful when working can really help reduce the weight.
I sleep
Sleep is known to declutter the mind. Imagine housekeeping getting to work in your mind when you’re asleep. There are things that can seem almost impossible to handle during the day. But when you sleep, you’ll wake up to find that somehow, you’re stronger to handle it.
I watch TV.
Watching television can seem so unproductive. But being in someone else’s world, even if it’s just for 30mins, gives me a mental break from mine. Can I just watch Sheldon annoy Leonard for a bit?
I know it’s a form of escapism. But I find that it helps me.
Just allowing my mind to experience something else, helps me recover.
I read books
Another form of escapism. But I love it.
Whatever it is that works for you, is fine. But remember this, there is nothing wrong with feeling overwhelmed. We are alive after all. Feelings are a part of that. Embrace everything about you, even the unpleasant ones. And accept that you were built to live this life.
Thank you for reading :)
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