Individuals with an introverted personality type are also often known to be perfectionists and very self-critical. Such characteristics can leave individuals feeling unsatisfied with themselves and with their lives. It can also lead to stress, mental and physical exhaustion, as well as mental health issues.
Because introverts tend to think before speaking or acting, they are less prone to impulsive behavior and the kinds of accidents that can result. A focus on internal rather than external cues may curtail overeating. 5 And being tuned in to the need to recharge, introverts tend to get more sleep than extroverts.
The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.
Introverts often deal with unique mental health challenges. They may struggle with feelings of isolation or depression, and can be perfectionists to a fault. However, introverts also have many strengths that should be celebrated and can help protect your mental health.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
Introverts are loyal and devoted friends.
People are attracted to loyal and devoted people. While introverts may not always realize it, this is a trait most people find attractive in them. Their loyalty isn't just attractive to the recipients of that devotion, but to anyone who observes them.
An introvert who has spent too much time with others is likely to feel exhausted and need time alone to think, relax and recharge. Introverts need to be aware of their own signals so they know when they are approaching burnout and can take care of themselves.
Introverts tend to be more prone to overthinking than extroverts, but it's possible for anyone to fall into this trap. Being an introvert means you have a tendency towards self-reflection that can take its toll if you're not careful.
“Most introverts need to think first and talk later.” When it comes to sex, this means that introverts are observing and dissecting everything that's going on, which is just as tiring as the physical act itself.
Introverts tend to prefer deep and meaningful relationships over a large social circle. Being an introvert, you know only too well how to spend time alone. But it's also important to have social interaction—it might just look a little different to someone who's an extrovert.
According to a study published by the Health Psychology journal, introverts are more likely to suffer from sleep deprivation than extroverts are. They are also more likely to have a lot of nightmares or periods of wakefulness. Because of this, introverts are more likely to feel more tired or less alert during the day.
Causes of Introversion
Researchers have found that introverts have a higher blood flow to their frontal lobe than extroverts do. This part of the brain helps you remember things, solve problems, and plan ahead. Introvert brains also react differently to dopamine than extrovert brains do.
Introverts in distress won't always choose solitude, but if their emotional discomfort is caused by anger, they may seek to isolate themselves from everyone else in the house or building. Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact.
The dark side of introverts is that they don't feel comfortable in teamwork. They are prone to drama, arguments, and conflicts. It drains their energy. But in the end, teamwork is more powerful when people communicate in a healthy way.
The introverts prone to have spontaneous inside conversations are deemed as “anti-social” or “unwilling to cooperate;” those quiet but internally enriching people are stigmatized as “having nothing to contribute” in group work.
Being put on the spot. One of the biggest fears of an introvert is being caught off guard and being asked to say or do something that they aren't prepared for.
Being an introvert doesn't necessarily mean you're socially awkward, but the two do sometimes overlap. Certainly, as in my case, the fear of feeling anxious and awkward in social settings can cause us to lean into our introversion.
Not all introverts are the same.
Whenever we think of introverts, we usually think of someone with a shy nature, who is not quite chatty or talkative. Yet, some introverts seem to be pretty talkative. Still, this kind of introvert needs personal time to recharge their batteries.
Introverts have to constantly wage a battle within themselves- what is socially considered right or correct, and what they actually think is right. With the amount of pressure that exists, it is more likely for an introvert to submit to socially accepted norms of behavior.
Introverts tend to draw energy from going inwards and being on our own whereas as extroverts tend to draw energy from things that are external to their mind. That is why overly stimulating environments can be energy draining for introverts, leaving us feeling tired, lacking in energy and even stressed.
In terms of introversion and extroversion, research suggests that as we age, we become more introverted. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as increased wisdom and self-awareness, which can lead to a greater appreciation for solitude and time alone.
Because introvert girls aren't fond of talking they become good listeners and can be a great support system especially when you want to vent out your feelings. They never act on impulse because they like to think deep before they react to a situation and that kind of works as a great advantage.
Are you born introverted or is it something you become over time? Introverts likely develop due to a combination of both nature and nurture. The way that your body's physiology responds to the outside environment plays a critical role in determining your level of extroversion and introversion.
5 Benefits to Being an Introvert
Introverts are very aware of their surroundings and are excellent people watchers. A 2018 study found that introverts tend to make more accurate observations about human behavior than extroverts. They are better at "reading" people and understanding them better.