According to Myers Briggs, introversion is essentially the state of preferring to do things without the interruption of lots of people. Most introverts are reserved and spend a great deal of time in their own heads. As an introvert on the spectrum, you may take introversion to an extreme, but that does not mean that you should push your needs to the wayside because others may be present. The experts doing ABA therapy in Port St. Lucie can provide valuable guidance and strategies for introverts on the spectrum to help them navigate social situations while honoring their need for personal space and reflection.
Today, Joenews.net shares a few ways that people on the autism spectrum can take care of their health and well-being through solo self-care.
In Your Emotions (and Start Practicing Yoga)
There’s a common misunderstanding that people on the spectrum lack the capacity to experience emotions. (This isn’t true, and according to Scientific American, this is an entirely different condition known as alexithymia.) To take care of your emotional well-being, do things that make you feel good. A few examples here, which you can accomplish even if you have social anxiety, include:
- Earning your degree. Some people with autism skip college because they feel underprepared to interact with a diverse group of new people. But, if you want to achieve this goal, there are plenty of online educational outlets that can help you earn your degree. Many online universities are financially competitive and offer many different career paths. A few great career/degree choices for people with ASD include animal science, research, accounting, and IT.
- Practicing yoga. While yoga is typically considered a low-impact physical routine, it offers many cognitive benefits. Houston Methodist explains that doing yoga can trigger the production of feel-good chemicals that help to improve mood. As an added bonus, doing yoga may even help you maintain your youth for longer.
Let’s Get Physical (and Get Enough Sleep)
Self-care should also include prioritizing your physical well-being. As an ASD individual, you are not necessarily limited on how you can exercise, and there are ways that you can sneak in physical fitness and maintain your health, even if you have a coexisting physical difference that makes it a challenge. Here are a few tips:
- Exercise outside of the gym. You don’t have to go to the gym to get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. Instead, look for ways to begin a physical fitness routine that does not actually look like exercise. You might take the stairs instead of the elevator, for example, or spend some time walking during your lunch hour. If you think you might like to attend a group fitness class, talk to the instructor first to find out if it’s possible to come to a trial session.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep disturbances are common in people with autism. However, the amount of sleep you do or don’t get directly impacts your physical and emotional well-being. Even if your circadian rhythm doesn’t agree, there are ways to train yourself so that you’re getting a solid eight hours each night. Start by making sure that your room is comfortable and doesn’t pose the risk of sensory overload. It can help to have a noisemaker by the bed so that you can drown out outside disturbances. You may also wish to change your bedding so that you have a more pleasant tactile experience.
Take Charge of Your Career (and Polish Up Your Resume)
Looking for a new, better job can be an act of self-care. Having a job that you not only like but also one that brings out the best in you is so important – it helps to nurture your well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s essential to prioritize your needs when searching for employment; don’t settle for anything less than what you know will make you happy and fulfilled. It’s your right to have a job that fulfills your career goals and brings joy into your life.
Having a good resume is essential to succeeding in the job search. If you haven’t used a resume maker before, you’ll want to take advantage of online templates and generators that can help you create one quickly and effectively. This will also ensure that your resume includes all the necessary information that employers are looking for such as skills, experience, education and other qualifications. Using these resume makers can help set you apart from the competition and give you an edge when applying for jobs.
As a person on the spectrum, you are still responsible for your overall health and wellness. Manage your emotions with simple steps, such as doing something you’re proud of, like going back to school. It’ll also help to sneak in physical fitness in ways that don’t feel like an obligation. Further, make sure that you get enough sleep and do yoga or some other low-impact exercise each day so that you can better stay in tune with your mind and body.
