Self-care is not unique to INFJs, but many introverts require a little extra self-care due to our natural tendencies towards anxiety, depression, and stress. These emotional or psychological issues tend to develop into physical ones, especially for the INFJ, so it’s important to be self-aware and preventative.
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Realizing that we deserve to take time for ourselves is sometimes the first step. I know that as an INFJ, I still struggle with putting myself first. Honestly, I sometimes even feel guilty for taking time out for myself, and it shouldn’t feel that way. I am worthy of self-care and self-love. And so are you.
INFJs Need Self-care
INFJs are known for their empathy, intuitions, intense thought process, and perfectionism. Overwhelming feelings are woven into the very fabric of an INFJ in the way we intuit and empathize with others on such a deep level. It can leave us with unnecessary baggage and emotions that we don’t know what to do with.
Our constant overthinking can breed anxiety, worry, and stress in new and interesting ways, stealing our sleep and sabotaging our happiness. We tend to replay conversations in our head, worry incessantly about things we have no control over, and stress about our futures, ruining some of our present moments.
We are also perfectionists to to a fault, allowing ourselves to try and reach unrealistic goals, and then feeling stressed out when we can’t reach them. It’s not that we’re illogical. We just legitimately think we can do it, as our expectations of ourselves are so ridiculously high. We sometimes set ourselves up for failure.
This makes our alone time vital to our emotional stability and growth. We need it to intuit, process and sort our thoughts, and to let go of any negative feelings we’ve absorbed.
What Works for You
There is no one method of self-care that will work for everyone, INFJ or not. What works for one person may not work for another, so if meditation or yoga isn’t your thing, then move on to something else that is.
There are a lot of self-care methods out there, and they are all intended to make you feel better, but that doesn’t mean that they all will do that for you. Maybe your anxiety requires intense exercise. Maybe it doesn’t, and you prefer some silence right now. Spend some time discovering what your mind and body needs and then search for the best tool for the job.
In general, INFJ self care will reflect a need for alone time to reconnect with yourself and shed the overwhelm. It’s just who we are. So, fellow INFJ, what calms your nerves, recharges you, or clears your mind of all the clutter?
42 INFJ Self Care Ideas
- Unplug for a day. No phone. No computer.
- Swim or float in a nearby body of water or pool.
- Go on a retreat and get to know yourself better.
- Get creative for a few hours (write, doodle, make).
- Love and accept yourself unconditionally.
- Dance in your living room to your favorite song.
- Get lost in a good fantasy or fiction novel.
- Make a lunch or coffee date with a friend.
- Go for a hike that ends with a spectacular view.
- Snuggle up with a pet or visit your local animal shelter.
- Work it out physically, at the gym, do yoga, or walk.
- Surrender what needs to be surrendered.
- Get away for a whole day or weekend.
- Watch something that, literally, makes you laugh out loud.
- Visit an art gallery or museum with a close friend.
- Schedule a long, relaxing massage during the week.
- Ask for a hug if and when you really need one.
- Listen to some calming music you love.
- Diffuse some relaxing or uplifting essential oils.
- Go out and worship the sunshine in your own way.
- Use the internet to learn something new.
- Treat yourself to a guilty pleasure (TV show, dessert, etc)
- Make a list of the qualities you appreciate about yourself.
- Be mindful of your thoughts and what you say to yourself.
- Take a long, hot epsom salt or bubble bath.
- Make yourself a hot cup of soothing tea.
- Talk to someone when you’re on the brink of overwhelm.
- Journal about anything. Nobody is going to read it but you.
- Take a short power nap to recharge (20-30 min.).
- Do nothing for a little while (not even thinking).
- Dinner and a show at home, with your fave person.
- Make a list of things you’re grateful for.
- Take a spontaneous road trip with a good friend.
- Wake up early and watch the sun come up.
- Get out of the house and go for a long drive.
- Use meditation to guide your thoughts.
- Organize and clean up your space (this helps me).
- Get out in nature. Sit on the beach, hike, swim, etc.
- Give. Make something for a neighbor or friend.
- Create a sacred space for your self.
- Stroll through town and window shop.
- Do some deep breathing or stretching to release tension.
Consistency is Key
When you utilize any ideas from the INFJ self care list, above (or any of your own), for some of them, it’s important you make it part of your daily or weekly routine. If you practice yoga, then practice it regularly, whether that’s once a day or 3 times per week. If you decide that a 5- minute, guided morning meditation works and is helpful, then commit to it every morning.
Others are occasional, like going on vacation or indulging in a guilty pleasure. Use your common sense here.
We first make our habits, and then our habits make us. – John Dryden
The time to care for yourself is right now, not when you’re already a hot mess, or a bundle of nerves and exhaustion. Remember, you are important and deserving of love and care, so acknowledge that with consistent action on your own behalf.
Then, pat yourself on the back, because you’re instantly making your life simpler, more enjoyable, and fundamentally better.
I’m not a health, nutrition, fitness, or medical professional. Please research and talk with your physician before making any changes to your lifestyle or health regimen.
2 comments
Thank you so much for your insightful posts. I am always inspired after reading them. You have such a rich insight into this INFJ personality and as someone who just recently discovered for myself that I am. It’s overwhelming at times but these blog posts keep me going. Well articulated and with so much love and thought put to it. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for your very kind comment. That was lovely to read this morning!