Tapping into local expertise for everyday health and well-being.

September 20th, 2023 | Edition #14

Thriving Quietly in a Noisy World

The concepts of introversion and extraversion were introduced by Carl Jung in the early 1920s. He described two personality traits: extroverts, who are energized by interactions with others, and introverts, who are energized by spending time alone with their own thoughts, emotions, and memories. In a world as loud—both literally and figuratively—as ours, being an introvert can feel so difficult. As Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz describe in their essay “The power of silence in a deafening world”, our world is only getting louder. We’re surrounded by more cars, more planes, more technology with buzzes and pings. With constant access to the internet and its abyss of videos and music, it can feel like there’s little quiet left at all. Here are five ways to thrive as an introvert in such a noisy world.

TIP #1: Take Social Media Breaks

Whether you’re a passenger on the subway or waiting in line for a coffee, chances are you’ve seen someone scrolling through social media. Maybe you’re even guilty of it yourself. From TikTok to SnapChat and Facebook, there’s an endless stream of content available to us. As platforms such as Instagram become more heavily focused on video content, that stream also comes with increased noise. Some studies have found that scrolling through social media is also correlated with increased stress and anxiety. To avoid becoming overwhelmed by the noise of social media, use tools such as app usage limits or timers to limit your exposure. When you feel the urge to swipe or scroll, consider focusing on something different—maybe something a little quieter.

TIP #2: Meditate

Meditation is one of the best tools for taking a break from the world, reducing stress, and enjoying some peace and quiet. As the Mayo Clinic reports, anyone can meditate! Meditation can increase self-awareness, something that many introverts value and desire. If you’re not sure how to begin, check out tools like Mindful.org or the Calm app for an easy beginner’s guide.

TIP #3: Read A Book

Reading offers key benefits such as building vocabulary, instilling empathy, and preventing age-related cognitive decline. It’s also a great portal through which to escape the noisy world around us! Reading can transport you to another time, another culture, or another life all from the comfort of your couch. Or, if you’re an introvert who doesn’t mind being around others, consider taking your read with you to a quiet coffee shop or library as a way to get out of the house. If you’re looking for your next great book, many websites like The New York Times have book recommendations or even quizzes to assess your preferences.

TIP #4: Find Like-Minded Introverts

Though it may seem a bit ironic that socializing can help you thrive as an introvert, it’s a common misconception that introverts do not enjoy socializing. Facebook groups such as Introvert, Dear offer support and opportunities to interact virtually with other like-minded people. For an in-person experience, try checking out a website such as Meetup, which offers similar groups that meet at organized, public events.

TIP #5: Don’t Be Afraid to Set Boundaries

Many introverts tend to be sensitive and introspective; this can go hand in hand with being a people-pleaser. Psychologist Dr. Rina Bajaj notes that the combination of introversion and people pleasing can lead to introverts prioritizing the needs and wants of other over their own. For this reason, it’s important to set boundaries to ensure your own peace and quiet—both external and internal. Allow yourself to say no, and don’t be afraid to put yourself first. When you protect your needs as an introvert, you can truly thrive in a noisy world!

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Wellness Wednesdays are a supplement to the annual Community H&W Fair which connects our Chamber Members in the H&W sector to clients and consumers throughout Chicagoland's western suburbs.

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