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Certain aspects of one’s personality can shed light on how one can react to stressful situations. For example, a Leo sign and an Aquarius can have completely different reactions to stress. There are other personality frameworks for deciphering the way one handles stress, such as introverts versus extroverts.
That said, introverts and extroverts are not monoliths and are actually quite different. For example, you are quite likely to be shy or anxious, extroverted or socially introverted. “People tend to think that introverts do not like to socialize as much as extroverts, but that is not always the most accurate way to look at it,” says PsyD psychotherapist Aimee Daramus. “It has more to do with what drains you and what gives you energy.”
Thus, while introverts and extroverts may have different respective procedures for exercising effective self-care to deal with stressors, the stress itself will be largely the same for both types of people, says Dr. Daramus. Both can experience stressful times at work, relationship problems or a daily hassle such as car damage.
Stress seems the same to introverts and extroverts, but its relief is different for and within each group.
The way introverts and extroverts relieve this stress better, however, can vary – and being able to better help yourself requires a certain amount of attention. “Getting to know yourself and starting to take care of yourself based on your unique characteristics and needs, such as introversion and extroversion, can lead to a clearer action plan,” says Katie Fracalanza, PhD. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. .
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To that end, keep reading to learn how introverts and extroverts can handle stress, respectively, for optimal well-being, according to Dr. Daramus and Dr. Fracalanza.
How are introverts better prepared to deal with stress?
Because introverts are activated by spending time alone, they are often stressed when they need to be close to people — especially if they do not feel well. “No matter how much fun they have, an introvert will be exhausted by socializing — just as no matter how well you train, you will eventually get tired,” says Dr. Daramus.
To deal with this stress, Dr. Daramus and Dr. Fracalanza recommends building activities that allow you some time on your own in your regular schedule. “Maybe you just want to watch TV on your own in your room, or maybe you want to go out in nature, do crafts on your own, spend time with your animals or listen to music,” says Dr. Daramus. “It really has to do with noticing which guys on your own feel better about you.”
Dr. Daramus adds that a common problem faced by introverts is that they feel guilty about not spending time with loved ones. However, if you I know you are introverted, suggests Dr. Fracalanza to explain to your loved ones that you need the only time to be your best self. This can be a challenge because you do not want to say no to the invitations of others – but, for your own good, you may have to do it every now and then. How, you ask?
“It may sound like saying to friends and loved ones, ‘Hi, I really need recharging time.’ “I need my ‘I’ time,” says Dr. Fracalanza. “Communicating this need is the key, so that friends and loved ones do not take it personally if an introvert is not at every event.” Are you worried about how this discussion might go? Dr. Fracalanza adds that family and friends tend to be supportive as soon as they understand your needs. Instead of taking it personally, as you do not I want to spend time with them, they will understand that you need this recharging time.
How extroverts can find effective stress relief
When it comes to dealing with and relieving stress, the process of being an extrovert is almost the opposite of being an introvert, says Dr. Daramus. “Even extroverts need time on their own sometimes, but very “A lot of time alone exhausts them, because this socialization, this socializing with other people, is what restores them to reality,” he says.
Consider how the pandemic lockdown phase particularly affected extroverts. “This lack of excitement and face-to-face connection was really difficult for many of my extroverted clients,” says Dr. Fracalanza. “It is understandable, because this need for recharging in the company, for physical connection, was not met.”
So when an extrovert is stressed, he may want to be surrounded by other people to manage those feelings. And this can be like one of many different situations. “You may be the extrovert type who prefers a quiet night of play or a night where you and your friends sit and talk,” says Dr. Daramus. “There are different tastes in social life, so one of the biggest things for extroverts is to notice what kind of attention, company and people are best for them when they are stressed.”
Remember that being extroverted is not better than being extroverted and vice versa. No matter where you are in this sequel, you can work on adapting your self-care practices that relieve stress to anything that really feeds you.
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