When the busyness and noise of everyday life become too much, here are some activities that will soothe your introvert soul…

Sometimes, I think the modern world wasn’t built for introverts. It seems to reward the extroverts and social butterflies, and deify the noise and busyness that are a part of everyday life.

But for introverts, the constant contact with others, the loudness, is an endless battering against our souls.

(Not sure if you’re an introvert? Take this free test to find out more about your personality.)

We crave quiet and solitude. Not because we don’t love the people in our lives or our jobs, but because we weren’t built to be around them 24/7. We need breaks to recharge before we head out into the chaotic world that drains us.

Extroverts thrive on meeting new people, connecting and conversing. But introverts prefer a close circle of friends, and groups and parties are not our thing.

Living in a house with six other people, five of whom do not understand the words “quiet time” very well, can weary me. I live for the peaceful moments in the morning before they wake, and the calm once they are all asleep.

You might think that’s anti-social—or you might be nodding your head and thinking, “Me too!” If it’s the latter, then you’re probably an introvert.

Between social media, cell phones that are practically attached to us, spouses and children, and jobs that include co-workers and meetings (and sometimes social events!), introverts need ways to soothe their souls and get in touch with their inner peace. Here are some activities that I’ve found helpful.

Activities that will Soothe your Introvert Soul

Unplug

It’s counter-cultural, but you don’t need to be in constant contact with the world, or work. Put your phone on silent, close your laptop, and take off your smart watch. Take a break from answering texts and emails, checking Facebook, and receiving notifications.

If you’re worried that people will be annoyed or upset by your lack of communication (especially your boss or significant other), then make it a mainstay, so people know what to expect. Let everyone know ahead of time that during certain hours, you are unreachable except for emergencies (you may need to define these). Have an auto-response ready for your email and phone.

Doing this will give you time to breathe and be present right where you are and with those who are there with you. If you’re enjoying some alone time, you won’t be tempted or obligated to cut into it with outside chatter. Allow your introvert soul to rest in the digital quiet.

Have some true quiet time

Have you ever heard true quiet? Where the only sound is the rustle of leaves or the chirping of birds? It’s hard to find, especially if you live in a city. There are always radios playing, cars driving by, neighbors chatting, TVs on, and lawnmowers chugging.

True quiet is hard to get, but we can try for the next best thing. Shut off the electrical devices that are often white noise in the background because of their constant hum—TVs, radios, iPads, phones, and computers. Let the only sounds be the ones you choose to listen to.

I like to sit in the quiet of my house when everyone is asleep. I’ll read, light a candle, or listen to some classical music. But mostly, I just enjoy the quiet. I also enjoy being outside in the early mornings when the world around me is still waking up. It’s about as silent as my neighborhood gets.

Quiet is important to an introvert soul because when the distractions are eliminated, we can turn inward to our thoughts and feelings. This inner space is where we can relax and recharge.

Solo hobbies

Spending time in the pursuit of a solo hobby can also soothe your introvert soul. Team sports and group activities are fun, but when we need a break and space to gain some inner calm, solo hobbies are the best.

Depending on where your interests lie, this could be any number of things. I love to read, write, crochet, study mt Bible, and do puzzles. You might prefer painting, hiking, quilting, sewing, woodworking, cooking, swimming, meditating, etc.

Doing something you love with nothing but your thoughts for company can be very relaxing for introverts who need a break from the outside world.

Exercise

Some people treat exercise as a group activity, and I’ve done so on occasion myself. But I much prefer working out alone. It keeps me focused and on task—and most of the time I can’t breathe, let alone talk.

Exercising on your own is a great way to soothe your introvert soul. You can focus on the present moment, your breath, your muscles, the sounds around you, but you don’t have to interact with anything or anyone you don’t want to.

One of the best parts about working out is that only the most insensitive person will interrupt you to chat when you have your ear buds in and are in the middle of a run.

I love running in the mornings. The quiet alone time and knowing that no one will speak a word to me until I walk through my front door is a balm to my soul. I breathe in the solitude and listen to the early morning sounds of birds and wind, watch the sun rise…ok, and try to ignore the sounds of commuters heading to work (c’est la vie).

If you’re looking for some solo quiet time, try running, walking, hiking, biking, yoga, surfing, or any other activity that you enjoy.

Make a date with yourself

Every Saturday, I spend the morning either at the library or a coffee shop. Ostensibly, this is for me to plan my week’s lessons. But it doubles as my alone time.

Those 2-3 hours are spent planning, but also listening to music, wandering the library stacks, perusing the book sale shelves, running errands, and basically just enjoying time with myself.

Is there somewhere you love to go and just be? For me, anywhere that has books and comfy chairs is perfect. But maybe you like a certain hiking trail, or a museum, or the zoo. It might be a place you haven’t been in a while, but when you think of it, your introvert soul sighs.

When you need a break from the hectic and loud world, slip away to this place that calms you for as much time as you can spare. Even if it’s only your own bedroom for 15 minutes, you will feel worlds better when you re-enter the fray.

 

These activities can really help soothe your introvert soul and better equip you to deal with the world around you. Since we introverts don’t thrive on the hustle and constant connections that extroverts do, these time-outs can really give us the peace and perspective we need to thrive as well.

I hope you take some of these suggestions and make them a part of your routine. Being an introvert isn’t easy, especially since we are often misunderstood as shy or loners. But with some careful intention, we can all live happier and more satisfying lives.

 

What activities soothe your introvert soul? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

 

Looking for more on being an introvert and taking care of yourself? Check out these posts:

How to Survive as an Introvert in a Large (and loud) Family

Why ‘Me’ Time is So Important for Moms

Why You Should Embrace Your Uniqueness