Back to school season can be exciting, but also stressful for introverts. After spending months in the comfort of your own home, you might feel anxious about returning to a crowded and noisy environment. You might worry about fitting in, making friends, or keeping up with your academic workload. You might also feel overwhelmed by the expectations and pressures of your teachers, parents, and peers.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many introverts face similar challenges when going back to school. And there are ways to cope and thrive as an introvert in the classroom. Here are nine things to remember if you’re an introvert heading back to school.
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1. You DON’T have to be FRIENDS with everyone.
Seriously, you don’t. It’s okay to be selective and choose people who share your interests, values, and energy level. You don’t have to force yourself to mingle with the loud, obnoxious, or boring people just because they’re there. Quality over quantity, right? Besides, who needs hundreds of fake friends when you have Netflix and pizza?
And if you need some help finding your tribe, this book may help:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
2. You DON’T have to JOIN every club or activity.
It’s great to explore your interests and passions, but it’s also important to balance your schedule and your energy. Don’t overcommit yourself to things that you don’t enjoy or that take up too much of your time. Leave some space for yourself to relax and recharge. I mean that instead of joining multiple clubs or sports teams after school, you could choose one or two that you’re truly passionate about and dedicate your time and energy to them.
3. You DON’T have to say YES to every invitation.
If you’re invited to a large party but feel overwhelmed by the thought of being in a crowded and noisy environment, you could suggest meeting up with a smaller group of close friends for a more low-key activity.
It’s nice to be invited to parties, hangouts, or events, but it’s also okay to say no sometimes. You don’t have to feel guilty or rude for declining an offer that doesn’t appeal to you or that conflicts with your needs. You can always suggest an alternative that suits you better, like a movie night at home or a coffee date at a quiet cafe. Or you can just say you have other plans, like washing your hair or organizing your sock drawer.
And if you need some help saying no without feeling bad, check out this book:
4. You DON’T have to PRETEND to be someone you’re not.
It’s tempting to try to fit in with the crowd or impress others by acting more outgoing, confident, or funny than you really are. But trust me, it’s not worth it. You’ll only end up feeling exhausted, stressed, and unhappy. Be yourself, and let your authentic personality shine through. The right people will appreciate you for who you are. And the wrong people will probably forget about you anyway.
And if you need some help being yourself in any situation, check out this book:
The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World
5. You DON’T have to APOLOGIZE for being an introvert.
There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert. It’s not a flaw, a weakness, or a disease. It’s just a personality trait that makes you unique and valuable. You have many strengths and gifts as an introvert, like creativity, empathy, focus, and insight. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad or inferior for being an introvert.
If someone makes a comment about how quiet you are in class or how you prefer working alone rather than in groups, you could explain that being an introvert means that you process information differently and that working independently allows you to focus better.
And if you need some help standing up for yourself and your introversion, will find something in this book:
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes
6. You DO have to take CARE of yourself.
Being an introvert in a school setting can be challenging and draining. That’s why it’s essential to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and practice self-care activities that make you happy and calm. Listen to your body and your feelings, and honor your needs. And if anyone tells you that you’re lazy, selfish, or boring for doing so, just ignore them. They’re probably jealous of your awesome self-care skills.
And if you need some help taking care of yourself as an introvert, check out this book:
The Self-Care Project: How to Let Go of Frazzle and Make Time for You
7. You DO have to COMMUNICATE your needs and preferences.
Sometimes people don’t understand what it means to be an introvert or how to interact with introverts. They might assume that you’re shy, bored, rude, or antisocial when you’re really just quiet, thoughtful, polite, or selective. That’s why it’s important to communicate your needs and preferences clearly and respectfully with others. Let them know when you need some alone time, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, when you’re interested in something, or when you’re not comfortable with something. And if they don’t get it or respect it, just smile and nod and walk away.
And if you need some help communicating effectively as an introvert, check out this book:
Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference
8. You DO have to CHALLENGE yourself sometimes.
Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you have to avoid all social situations or new experiences. Sometimes it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and try something different or scary. It can help you grow as a person, learn new skills, discover new opportunities, or meet new people. You might even surprise yourself by how much you enjoy it or how well you do it. Just remember: courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the ability to act despite it.
if you’re nervous about giving a presentation in class but know that it will help improve your public speaking skills, you could challenge yourself to do it despite your fears.
And if you need some help challenging yourself as an introvert, check out this book:
The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country
9. You DO have to CELEBRATE your achievements and successes.
Being an introvert can be hard sometimes, especially in a world that seems to favor extroverts and their ways of doing things. That’s why it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and successes, no matter how big or small they are. You deserve recognition and appreciation for all the things that you do well and that make you happy. And don’t worry about being humble or modest. You can always celebrate in your own way, like doing a happy dance in your room or treating yourself to some ice cream. I usually do that!
So there you have it: nine things to remember if you’re an introvert heading back to school. I hope these tips help you navigate the school year with more ease and confidence. Remember: being an introvert is not a problem; it’s a power. And a superpower at that.
Hope you found this post inspiring!
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Sincerely,
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