Are you an extrovert or introvert? This social schedule may help your mental health through this time of social distancing! Looking for a COVID-19 daily school schedule? Head to this article!
I remember the day that we announced we would be letting school out for quarantine. One student came running into my counseling office and said, "I CAN'T do this Mrs. W, I'm an extrovert!"
First off, what is an extrovert? What is an introvert? What is an ambivert?
Back in the 1920's, Carl Jung a famous psychiatrist first came up with the term extrovert and introvert. An extrovert is someone who "recharges" or "energizes" by being around other people while introverts tend to recharge from time spent alone. Ambiverts may not fit into either category. They may have qualities of both.
What makes you an extrovert, introvert or ambivert?
It is mostly thought that our genetics plays a big part in whether or not we are an extrovert or introvert. But just because you may be more of an extrovert or introvert doesn't mean an extrovert won't get along with an introvert and vice versa. And sometimes those with autism may be labeled as being an introvert while someone with ADHD may be labeled an extrovert. But remember that this isn't always true. Just because you have ADHD doesn't mean you are an extrovert.
Why is it important if you are an extrovert to learn to be more introverted and if you are an introvert to be more of an extrovert?
Research says that it may be hard or nearly impossible to change from an extrovert to an introvert, or an introvert to an extrovert but it does show that it is important to become more comfortable with either. Learning to reach outside our comfort zones is important for our emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, use, identify and manage our emotions. Learning to understand and reach outside our comfort zone is important to develop empathy for others and social skills--all important keys to personal, work, and family relationships now and in the future.
But now I'm quarantined. What can I do if I'm an extrovert or introvert?
While you may always be more comfortable as an extrovert, introvert, or ambivert, you might find quarantine to be getting easier or harder. It's important that even while we are being asked to socially isolate that we still work on reaching outside of our comfort zone.
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