Solo Like a Pro

Quarantine tips from a real-life introvert

It’s safe to say that most (if not all) of us have never experienced anything like COVID-19. Almost overnight, this infinitesimal scourge has wrought inexorable change in our everyday lives—how we work, how we interact, how we entertain ourselves. For some, it’s a struggle; the isolation is stifling. For others…

Well, it kinda feels like home. I mean that literally and figuratively.

I’m an introvert at heart. My psyche tends to thrive on solitude. When I have more time to myself, I’m more “in tune” with the swirl of ideas and emotions in my head. Creativity feels more attainable, inspiration feels more meaningful. It sounds trite, but I feel like I know myself better.

Now here’s the question:

If you’re an extrovert, can you learn to approach your day-to-day reality like an introvert?

Sure.

We introverts adapt all the time. In a world defined by personal connection, we have to. We’re even cool at parties sometimes—in kind of an ironic, off-brand way, of course.

So here’s some ideas on how you can learn to look inward… and find something fulfilling. Even if you’re a social butterfly at heart.

 

Stop and Smell the Roses.

Look around. Notice things. Think about things. Appreciate things you may normally overlook. Take a walk (social distancing like, uhh… something that social distances?). Look at the houses in your neighborhood. The landscape. The cars. Whatever. Your perception of the world around you helps you understand your place in it.

 

Make Something.

Creativity has many faces. Painting, writing, music, cooking, organizing your closet (if that’s your thing)—whatever helps you put a little bit of you out into the world. Self-expression helps us feel more human; and at a time when the comfortable norms of our humanity are being challenged… that’s more important than ever.

 

Do Something.

Something physical. Walk. Run. Pushups. Jumping jacks. Awkward karate in your living room (no comment). Exercise not only helps free your mind from the shackles of daily stress, it releases endorphins that boost your confidence and elevate your mood. And it’s just good for you.

 

Indulge Your Interests.

Geek out. Nerd up. Go deep. On whatever interests and excites you—hey, it’s not like you’ve got anywhere to be, right? For me, recently, it’s been unapologetically dry history documentaries; I’m not sure there can ever be too much Stalingrad in my Netflix queue. In any case, I’ve always found that embracing your individual passions helps you feel more… like you.

 

So how do you fly, when you fly solo? If you’ve got any interesting introvert insights, let us know. And however you’re managing to get through this difficult and unprecedented time, just remember…

A party of one is still a party.

 

Matt Donahue is a writer, associate creative director, only child and highly experienced introvert. At Seed, he marries his love for creative writing with a keen interest in branding, strategy and product innovation.

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