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.
Even if you're not a writer, jotting down your thoughts and feelings is a great antidote to an overthinking mind. Self-reflection via journaling is a proven way to reduce stress and anxiety, and a helpful way to restore your inner calm.
More mental activity means introverts process more information per second than extroverts, which helps explain why we “quiet ones” overthink. Another possible reason has to do with which areas of our brains are most active.
According to this research, it didn't matter whether the introverts were in a resting state or engaged in a task: They all showed more brain activity than the extroverts. This means that introverts may process more information per second than extroverts, which helps explain why introverts are prone to overthinking.
While there are always exceptions to the rule, research consistently demonstrates that Introverts are, in general, more anxious than Extraverts. It appears that Introverts' nervous systems are in many respects tuned differently.
Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.
Novelty, not enough alone time, and not managing symptoms of anxiety can be major stressors for you as an introvert. But handling stress is possible if you focus on your strengths, engage in self-care, set boundaries, and find alternative ways to express how you feel.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
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. Having people stare at you whilst you are framing your sentences and preparing yourself to speak can often feel intimidating and uncomfortable.
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.
Extreme introverts are far quieter than typical introverts. People often mistake the trait for shyness. Their quiet demeanor is usually motivated by the need to carefully take in and process what others are saying and doing around them.
Introverted Thinkers are easy to spot. They're the ones constantly puzzling over new theories and new problems. They can be unconventional, inventive and preoccupied with their own thoughts. They approach the world in a novel and unique way, using their own intellect to make sense of everything around them.
An extreme introvert may be overly loyal, even when it's no longer beneficial. For example, you might remain friends with someone who doesn't treat you very well. Or, you might stay in a relationship just because it's been comfortable.
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.
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.
They dislike small talk and would rather say nothing than something they feel is insignificant. Although introverts are quiet, they will talk incessantly if they're interested in the topic. They also dislike being interrupted when they talk, or when they're working on some project.
There's a common misconception that introverts aren't social. In fact, introverts can be just as social as extroverts. The difference between the two is that introverts lose energy when they're around people and recharge by spending time alone, while extroverts gain energy by spending time with other people.
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.
Introverts are low-maintenance friends and colleagues.
Because introverts value their space, both physically and energetically, they tend to respect the space of others.
Introverts are easily distracted by external stimuli and while they might be too nice to say anything, get very frustrated with constant interruptions when they are trying to concentrate.
The big myth about introverts is that they're always shy, quiet, and anxious in social settings. It's entirely possible — and in fact common — for introverted people to enjoy social interactions, too. But unlike extroverts, introverts typically consider solitude a necessity for energy restoration and recovery.
Introverts rely on alone time to recharge their social batteries, self-reflect, and process the experiences they have with others. Without proper amounts of alone time, introverts can begin to experience irritability, fatigue, poor sleep, and trouble concentrating.
Social interaction can fuel some people, especially extroverts. To introverts, the same level of social interaction can be draining instead. While introverts can appreciate socializing, they invest a lot of energy trying to navigate socially demanding environments, leading to social exhaustion.