Tools and habits that keep me calm
Introverted brains need more time to process stimuli and are more sensitive than extroverted ones, but it’s not the same as highly sensitive people. But especially in this noisy world.
I wouldn’t see myself as a highly sensitive person. You can’t use introversion and high sensitivity as synonyms. They are different personality traits. But a lot of introverts are also highly sensitive.
I get irritated at work when someone makes a loud phone call, but I don’t mind the loud background noises in the city.
I love dancing to loud electronic music in the club, but I don’t need it at home (I don’t want to disturb anyone).
I’m a quiet person.
I’m okay with quiet music, TV, and the environment.
But I also go to big networking events with people talking all over the place, and I’m fine with concentrating on the conversation I have.
On the other hand, I’m highly sensitive while sleeping or falling asleep: it needs to be quiet, and nothing to irritate me.
Studies have shown that introverted brains react more sensitively, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work in open offices, live in cities, or have conversations in loud rooms.
Today, I will tell you how to decrease the overwhelm from the loud and busy world and embrace your strengths. It helps you focus on your success and the tasks getting you there.
In this loud world, introverts are overwhelmed very easily.
- Get to know your energy and sensitivity level
- Find a balance of stimulation and relaxation
- Find tools against overstimulation
Get to know your energy and sensitivity level
We are all unique people, and you have a unique energy and sensitivity level. The first step is to get to know yourself better and find your limits and rechargers.
- What is your limit?
- Analyze the things you’re doing based on your energy level and if it drains you or recharges you
- Find your sweet spot of draining and recharging during the week by trying different habits and environments
Start by taking a moment a few times a day to check your energy. For example, whenever you go to the toilet. Are your energy levels high or low at the moment?
This exercise will bring you to the present and train your subconscious to check in on yourself.
TODO: Check in on yourself a few times daily!
Find a balance of stimulation and relaxation
Someone could think now they never want to do anything draining anymore, so they’re always at a high energy level. Of course, you can do that by sitting at home and doing nothing. 100% relaxation, but isn’t that boring and purposeless?
We are a social species, and you want to do something meaningful with your life.
You want love, connections, helping people, a fulfilling job, money, success… Whatever you dream of.
None of that comes from sitting at home alone in your comfort zone.
Life is exciting when you step a bit out of your comfort zone.
- Meet new people
- Have an adventure
- Experience new cultures
- Solve problems
- Find love
- Improve in a hobby
- Grow personally
But because our world is busy and loud, it is draining your energy when you get out of your comfort zone. We need to find the sweet spot of balance in our lives.
That’s where routines come into play. It sounds boring to do the same things over and over, but they help you balance the exciting adventures you’re gonna have.
My routines help me to recharge daily for a day at work in an open-space office and network in the evening.
I need my alone time daily. I meditate, visualize, write, and exercise or work on my online business during the quiet morning hours. I recharge daily.
I figured out that my sweet spot is a maximum of 3 networking events a week. I usually do less because I’ll be exhausted and need a whole weekend of alone time to recharge and be ready for work again.
By trying out different routines and amounts of events, I found my sweet spot.
TODO: find your sweet spot of draining and recharging activities!
Find tools against overstimulation
As introverts, it’s easy to be overstimulated by a loud and busy environment. It is draining.
But there are tools you can use to make events or environments less draining, and it will help you balance your life easier.
Some of my favorite tools:
- Earplugs: I listen to music at a low volume at work, so the noise of talking people is less irritating
- Sunglasses: My visual senses are highly sensitive, so sunglasses help me decrease the light and colors
- Ad blockers: That’s the best add-on for my Google Chrome browser. I hate annoying ads; they are usually way too busy and loud.
- Limit your social media apps: I limit my time on my social media apps to stop me from doomscrolling.
- Digital detox days: Put away your phone and notebook for a day, and read or enjoy time with loved ones instead.
- Move to a quieter place: Your home is your sanctuary. Make it comfortable and calm. Moving to a quieter environment changed my state of calmness.
TODO: Try the tips and find what works for you to decrease the overstimulation!
Conclusion
Introverts are more sensitive, which you should embrace by getting into observing, focusing, and enjoying life.
But we need the right environment to relax and embrace our strengths.
Your goal is to balance your energy levels to have some left for your passion projects or loved ones.
To embrace your strengths of listening, focusing, observing, and feeling with others.
Less Stress. More Time. Less Overwhelmed!
Get your free copy of my 3 steps!
Get daily insights, motivation, and inspiration:
If you are as addicted as I am to reading books, check out my favorite books!
