Being an Introvert | The Importance of Self Care

Do you ever leave social situations feeling drained? You had an awesome time but after being around a lot of people you feel empty inside? If you answered yes to those two questions more than likely you’re an introvert. I’m an introvert too so I understand how you feel, and that’s why we’re talking about self care and how important it is, especially for introverts.

I recently took a road trip to Kansas City, Missouri to visit my sister and her family. I was there with my niece and Dalton for a full week. We had an amazing time hanging out together and just being with each other. But a week later when I came home I was feeling drained and empty.

The night we came home from our trip Trent was trying to ask me questions and find out all of the details about the fun that we’d had. But after a long week and being in the car for 9 hours driving home I was drained. I had emptied myself out and had nothing left to give. I turned to him and kindly said, “Honey, I just can’t answer your questions right now. I’m so empty.”

As an introvert it’s hard not to feel guilty when you need to take time for yourself. Can I encourage you to combat these feelings because this time is imperative for your emotional wellbeing.

I understand how it feels to see extroverts who thrive off of being around the energy of other people and then you leave a social situation feeling drained. The guilt quickly overtakes and you wish you could be that way.

But, friend, that’s not the way God made you. He made you exactly the way you are, exactly the way He wants you to be.

I love what Psalm 139:13-14 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” So if you’re a fellow introvert and feel like there’s something wrong with you, know that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you when you feel drained or empty inside.

Years ago I worked with the student ministry at my church. I would go away for weekend retreats or to camp for the week. It was so much fun but when I came home I was drained after giving all that I had to those students. I knew I needed to reenergize and take time for myself.

You need to do the same, friend. When you’re feeling drained or empty inside it’s time to reenergize and take care of yourself.

What does that look like?

For me, reenergizing means sitting in my room by myself and quietly watching a tv show, reading a book, or going outside and enjoying nature. But each each of us is wired differently so reenergizing will likely look different for all of us.

And let me just take a minute to talk to those of us that are moms, because we don’t do a very good job taking care of ourselves. I get it, you may feel selfish, think that your family needs you and that your time is better spent with them. But can I just tell you that your family needs you to take the time to recharge your batteries so that you can be the best you possible not only for them but for yourself.

If you haven’t already, explain to your spouse that you need time to yourself.

When Trent was asking me all of those questions about my road trip and I had to apologize and tell him I just couldn’t share right then, he totally understood because we had talked about it before and he knows I need time to myself.

So what’s the next step for you?

Maybe you need to carve out some time in your schedule this week for yourself. Is it time to sit down with your spouse and tell him how very important it is for you to reenergize when you’re feeling drained? Or quite possibly it’s been so long since you had time to yourself that you don’t know what that looks like. Find a good book, tv show, go to your favorite coffee shop or dress store – figure out whatever tickles your fancy and do it!

Self care is very important for those of us that are introverts and makes us better people. Take care of yourself, recharge your batteries and don’t feel guilty about it!

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