An INFJ is someone with the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging personality and are often considered homebodies, especially since they love to be alone. My friends often accredit my quiet, relaxed nature to my INFJ personality type.
Therefore, given my INFJ character, I’m quite the homebody and my social battery tends to run out quickly. However, I always push myself to go out and try to spend time with my friends. I used to feel guilty about not wanting to spend time with my friends, but I’ve recently come to realize that I shouldn’t. Having “me time” is an essential aspect of self-care and personal growth. Between work, school, family and friends, it can be challenging to find time for ourselves—but it’s an imperative part of our lives.
In our fast-paced and interconnected world, so many people find it difficult to make time for themselves. It can also be difficult to allow oneself to have “me time” for many reasons, such as not wanting to disappoint friends, experiencing FOMO (AKA: fear of missing out), and societal expectations. Recognizing the necessity of having “me time” has allowed me to realize its benefits and why it should be a priority in my life.
One of the most significant benefits of “me-time” is that it helps me reduce stress. When we take time for ourselves, we can disconnect from the outside world and focus on our own needs. Spending time with myself allows me to relax and unwind, which can help to calm me down. Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or cooking, “me-time” can help you to recharge and feel refreshed.
Additionally, when we spend time with ourselves, we have the opportunity to explore our thoughts, feelings and interests. When I’m able to reflect on my experiences and identify my values and beliefs it allows me to gain a deeper understanding of myself. This process of self-discovery can lead to greater self-awareness, confidence and even self-acceptance.
Contrary to popular belief, taking time for ourselves can also increase our productivity. When we are constantly on the go we can become overwhelmed and burnt out. By taking some time for ourselves, we can recharge our batteries and come back to our work or studies with renewed energy and focus. This can help us to be more productive in the long run.
“Me-time” is also an essential part of self-care. When we take time for ourselves, we can engage in activities that promote self-care, such as exercise, meditation, or simply putting on a face mask. Self-care is essential for our overall well-being and “me-time” is an excellent opportunity to engage in activities that promote self-care.
Finally, spending time with yourself can facilitate personal growth. Personally, I often use this time to set goals, develop new skills, and work on things I can do to improve myself. We can also reflect on our past experiences and use them as a learning opportunity.
So, despite feeling guilty about taking a rain check on plans or just staying in on a Friday night, it’s important to remember why you might feel like you need that time alone. By challenging societal expectations, practicing self-care, and reframing our thoughts, we can overcome these feelings and prioritize our well-being. Remember, taking time for ourselves is essential for our health and happiness, and we should never feel guilty about prioritizing ourselves.
If you’re feeling like you need a day to yourself, just do it. Trust me, it’s worth it!