Being an introvert is a beautiful trait to have ( with a multitude of advantages) yet it can be easy to lose yourself in the quality of your own time.
By not putting yourself out there more, you’ll be missing out on the incredible friendships and experiences of college.
Below you’ll discover the top 6 tricks to surviving as an introvert in college.
1. Identify your triggers
An emotional trigger is any event that causes you to have an intense reaction.
For example, my energy was drained pretty quickly during the busy period of walking to class ( around 3-5 minutes before class started.)
It gave me anxiety and felt like I was right in the middle of a chaotic mess.
So, I would walk to class earlier to avoid the crowds, saving my sanity in return.
It’s not avoiding the problem instead of tackling the root of the issue, but more of meeting yourself where you’re at.
Learning to live with your anxiety isn’t a race, and it’s okay to make those adjustments if you just aren’t there yet.
2. Exposure Therapy
I know. When I hear the word “exposure therapy” I wanted to run.
But it isn’t throwing you in the deep end.
In fact, it’s crucial to start small and if you’re going to therapy, a trained professional guides you on challenges that caters to your specific situation.
It’s all about creating a safe environment in which you can:
- reduce anxiety
- decrease avoidance of dreaded situations
- improve your overall well-being.
3. Campus mental health centre
This was something I wished I utilized more during college because I know how much it would’ve helped me back then.
Therapy can be expensive, especially in the states, so if your university offers free mental health services take full advantage of that while you can.
4. Make yourself a priority ( don’t wait for motivation!)
“Self-love is the ability to not fall into a puddle of contempt even when we mess up. It’s trying new things knowing that we could fail, without thinking of ourselves, therefore, as failures. “
Ester Perel
Making yourself a priority is a full time job and it’s hard.
It’s easier to grab that breakfast bar and a “to go” coffee than waking up a little bit earlier to make yourself a nutritious breakfast.
It’s easier to grab that glass of your favorite vino after work, vs. implementing a self care evening routine .
But having the discipline to make small positive habits each day, brings us in alignment with our true essence.
5. Invest in friendships
Through break ups, family arguments, job rejections ( and acceptations!) big moves, and recoveries.
Having your own support group is more important than ever.
And the best cheat sheet? Having an extrovert friend does all the hard for you!
6. Learning to your live your dream life regardless of anxiety
“ Anxiety’s OK. It’s human.” It’s not about achieving zero anxiety. It’s about learning how to be able to do things anyway, showing yourself you can do it, and being the person you want to be while you feel anxious.”
Galanti
If you dream of suddenly becoming an extrovert that turns into a social butterfly, well, you’ll be waiting forever.
As an introvert, you will flourish by embracing natural strengths instead of running from them. Introversion gifts us with:
- Exceptional listening skills
- Extremely observant /mindful
- Enhanced high quality friends
- Thoughtful networkers and communicators
Showcasing these remarkable attributes, celebrating the small wins, broadening your self awareness, and showing up for yourself everyday is the key to thriving in college as an introvert.