The Happiest Introverts Do These 6 Things On A Regular Basis, According To Psychology
Six things introverts regularly do to boost their mood and enjoy life their way.
stockfour | Canva The most content introverts have discovered happiness isn't about fitting into someone else's definition of a fulfilling life. It's about creating daily practices that celebrate your natural inclinations and feed your soul.
These individuals have learned to find joy in the quiet moments and meaningful connections that energize rather than drain them. Their approach to happiness is both gentle and intentional, focusing on what brings them genuine peace and satisfaction.
The happiest introverts do these 6 things regularly, according to psychology:
1. Let go of their need to be happier
Now that I’ve reeled you in with a tantalizing hook, we need to start here: stop trying to be happy. The pursuit only reminds us that we aren’t ‘happy.’ Happiness isn’t a thing anyway.
We’re going to experience a host of emotions all through the day, and how good we feel shouldn’t be conditional on our bank balance or the size of our Medium following.
I want you to try this now: ask yourself, ‘What if I have everything I need right now?’ The happiest introverts realized long ago that to live well is to know you already have it all. Stop looking for ways to become happy, and do things because you’re already happy.
2. Resist the urge to isolate themselves
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Introverts — as I know too well — are liable to fall into the habit of avoiding social interaction. As you read this, you know very well that disappearing into oblivion isn’t exactly healthy.
I’ve argued many times before — introverts are not anti-social. It’s our very desire to create and maintain connections that can create conflict and avoidance — because we want so keenly to get it right.
A habit that has helped me nourish the ‘social’ part of my brain is to continually keep in touch with people. Reaching out first, even if they made no effort in years to talk to me, puts me in a leadership position. This maintains a strong network, which is good for business, but it also keeps my mental health optimal.
While introverts may prefer solitude, research suggests that they can suffer from the adverse effects of social isolation without realizing it. Engaging in social interactions, even in small doses, can help introverts feel less isolated and alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression.
3. Take stock of what they're good at
You must detach yourself from the idea that what others are doing indicates what you ‘should’ do. Use yourself as a guide, not Jake on Twitter. Experiment tons and take action.
Then, be hyper-vigilant about what works for you, and be cheerfully biased toward doing more of those things. That’s the golden rule. Do more of what works, and do less of those things that drain you.
4. Notice the little things most people miss
Introverts are more prone to over-analysis. I know this because I’m an analytical freak, and it’s made me depressed. Our powers of analysis and perception give us a huge advantage when we use this tool well. This needs to be treated with care, however, like you would a weapon.
Be ruthless in turning away from any thoughts that make you feel stressed. Stress is the guide. Use it. Secondly, double down on your perceptive strength and explore your capacity to be aware.
Awareness is the antithesis of worry. Observe the world around you — as often as you can — with the same vigor as you would biting into a cheesecake after a week of fasting.
You needn’t worry that you’re ‘missing valuable thinking time’ because the best insights come to you effortlessly when you’re at ease. You know this.
Studies suggest that introverts possess strong observational skills, often noticing details and nuances that others might overlook. Introverts are often described as deep thinkers who process information thoroughly before acting or speaking. This introspective nature can lead to a greater understanding of their own emotions, thoughts, and values.
5. Watch how much stimulation they take in
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I know from personal experience how overwhelmed I can be when I allow in a lot of external stimulation. Yes, this applies to all, but I’ve found ‘introverts’ need to be particularly wary.
Whether social media use, smoking, energy drinks, Zoom calls, or online videos, fake stimulation can wreak havoc. Why?
Simply put: dopamine exhaustion. If we fry our pleasure sensors with fake stimuli all day, we drastically reduce the effectiveness of those same sensors to give us pleasure in response to ‘normal’ stuff — like creating art, walks in nature, and physical intimacy.
Be cautious and highly protective of what you allow in, and you will experience more energy, more motivation, and more exuberance for the simple things.
6. Stop labeling themselves as an introvert
I’ll tell you part of the reason why you continually sabotage your success: you’re living for your labels. The identities we construct guide behavior. If we think of ourselves as ‘introverts’, we instantly take on the traits according to our interpretation of what ‘introvert’ means to us — namely, socially awkward and bookwormy.
Books are cool, but don’t let the label limit you. You are a life force. You are a little more sensitive to stimulation; that’s it. Follow what energizes you, drop any story about the kind of person you ‘think’ you are, and be whoever you need to be. The world benefits the most from you as you are.
Label-free. Energized and relentlessly taking ownership at every step. This is where your greatest potential lies.
Research suggests that language and labels can shape expectations and behaviors, potentially creating self-fulfilling prophecies. Adopting a positive self-concept as an introverted person, focusing on strengths like thoughtfulness and self-awareness, can contribute to well-being.
Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps you build a money-making personal brand with your knowledge and skills while staying mentally resilient. He's the author of the Mastery Den newsletter, which helps people triple their productivity.
