Wow. What a year this month has been. For everyone. It’s a wild time in the world. And, quite frankly, it’ll probably feel like this for a while. No matter when you’re reading this, ”survival mode” seems to be the new normal. The world feels heavy. Maybe it always has. But it seems like every conversation lately starts with a difficult situation. Are you feeling that?
Impacts of Chronic Stress and Worry
Here’s the thing: our bodies are not meant to sustain this level of chronic stress and worry. Biologically, we are designed to respond to dangerous situations with a “fight, flight or freeze” response. Adrenaline and cortisol trigger these responses in order to keep us safe. You know, from predators. External threats. Well, we’ve certainly got external threats right now. Some very clear and flashy, and some invisible. The “predators” that are cuing our stress responses are more covert and constant than ever before. So, our bodies are in overdrive. Almost constantly pumping these protective hormones through us in an effort to keep us “safe”. However, it has the opposite effect! I’m no scientist, but I know that chronic doses of stress hormones are NOT healthy.
Signs That Introverts Need Some Quiet Time During a Crisis
Getting unusually irritable with people for “little” things
Feeling “touched out”
Hyper-vigilance (senses on hyper alert)
Inability to find words easily
Neglecting basic personal needs (food, sleep, sex, etc.) in order to keep the peace
Introverts Need to Rest and Recharge from Stress
This type of stress is simply unsustainable. Stress relief in the form of a break, intentional quiet time, and less "people-ing" is a need. Carve out this time. How much time is up to you and your specific needs. But this needs to be prioritized as soon as possible in order for you to keep doing the amazing work and life you have created for yourself.
Note: Self-Care is Not Selfish
Getting the peace and quiet you need is not selfish. As an introvert, resting to recharge is as necessary as oxygen. Especially during times of crisis. Your body is giving a lot right now. Even if it’s simply keeping you safe. Alive. So, give it what it needs in order to keep being there for you! Consider this your “doctor’s orders” if you need to. Or, at least the simple request from an expert on the needs of sensitive, introverted women! So here is my friendly nudge: take a true break. Not just a bubble bath, but an intentional recharge. What does that look like for you? What are your favorite ways to rest and recharge? How do you carve out quiet time in this chaotic world? I’d love to share more tips and ideas from introverts around the world. Let’s hear them! You might also like my posts on EFT tapping, crying during EFT tapping, and the signs of a panic attack.
Reduce Stress in the Chaos With Therapy in Florida
After you’ve taken a true break, I would love for you to consider reaching out. Take your time. It’s okay. I’ll wait. I am a licensed therapist and a sensitive introvert myself, and I offer online therapy in Florida for women who want to find some quiet in the chaos. If you live in Florida and see yourself in this post, I would love to support you.
To get started or learn more about Florida therapy with Enid:
Reach out to me and share a little about what you are looking for
Decide together whether online therapy in Florida is a good fit for you
Take the space and time you need to thrive right now. You deserve it.
