Solitude or Social Hour: Self-Care for Introverts, Extroverts, and Everyone In-Between

 

We all know self-care matters. But when you’re constantly knee-deep in cleaning kennels, bottle feeding kittens, organizing fundraisers, or fighting injustice, the usual advice of “just take a bubble bath” or “just think positive thoughts” may have you rolling your eyes or wanting to scream.

I get it—those suggestions can seem a bit dismissive when you’re emotionally fried from euthanizing that dog who never got adopted or after yet another argument with someone who thinks you care more about animals than people.

Maybe the reason the mere mention of self-care makes some of us cringe is because half the advice out there assumes we all unwind or recharge the same way. Spoiler alert: we don’t. Trying to follow someone else’s idea of “rest” can be just another way we end up feeling like we’re doing it wrong. Let’s explore what self-care might actually look like when you honor your natural wiring, that is your personality type.

The truth is, self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all—because you aren’t one-size-fits-all. What recharges one person might totally drain another. That’s why understanding your personality style—whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert—can make all the difference in how you recover and stay resilient in this work. Before we jump into how to create a custom self-care plan based on your personality type, let’s first explore some of the characteristics of all three types.

Introverts, Extroverts, and Ambiverts—What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear up a common myth: this isn’t about whether you’re shy or outgoing. It’s about how you recharge, especially after giving everything you have—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—to animals and the people connected to them.

The Introvert

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I love helping people and animals... but please don’t make me talk to anyone after work!” you just might be an introvert. If you’re like me, being alone is not a nice-to-have—it’s a need. It’s essential to how you recharge. Here are some more signs you might lean toward the introverted side of the spectrum:

·         You feel drained after socializing—even if you enjoy it.

·         Small talk can feel anywhere from annoying to downright painful. You tend to prefer deep, meaningful conversations.

·         You often think before speaking, preferring to reflect and process things privately before responding.

·         Loud environments, busy events, or chaotic workspaces can feel overwhelming or mentally exhausting.

·         You often need time and space to yourself and you may be uncomfortable with constant interruptions or demands.

·         The spotlight probably isn’t for you. You may have no problem working quietly behind the scenes without a ton of recognition.

·         You may find that you often analyze your own thoughts, motivations, and emotions deeply—which can be both a strength and a struggle!

·         When it comes to social events and your friend circle, you’re probably intentional about how and with whom you spend your time, and you may prefer quality over quantity in relationships.

·         Because you may be on the quiet or reserved side, others might misinterpret your need for space as disinterest or coldness—which couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Extrovert

If the thought of going out with the gang to a crowded, noisy bar after a hard day’s work is your idea of recharging, or if spending your Saturday night socializing at a party is more your style, you’re most likely an extrovert. Here are some other characteristics:

·         Too much alone time or isolation can leave you feeling restless or even down. You tend to gain energy from being around people.

·         You might process your thoughts out loud—talking things through helps you make sense of problems, emotions, and decisions.

·         Whether it’s a protest, a fundraiser, or an adoption event, you often feel most alive when surrounded by others.

·         You have no problem being seen or heard and are usually not shy about leading a meeting, giving a talk, or jumping into a social situation.

·         Working in teams, brainstorming out loud, and bouncing ideas off others rather than working alone is more your jam.

·         Conversation and connection may come easily for you—even with strangers.

·         You are seen as energetic, enthusiastic, and expressive.

The Ambivert

Wait a minute, what if traits from both lists resonate with you? What if you get totally energized by working that adoption event but then need to sit in silence with your cat? You just might be an ambivert if:

·         You enjoy alone time and social interaction, depending on your mood or circumstances.

·         You can thrive in group settings or quietly work behind the scenes, adjusting to what the situation demands.

·         Sometimes you process thoughts out loud; other times you prefer to reflect quietly.

·         You tend to be aware when you need a break from crowds or when you need more connection to feel balanced.

·         You know when to step up and lead and when to step back and recharge.

·         You’re usually attuned to your own needs and flexible about changing depending on your energy.

·         Because your behavior can vary widely, people might find you unpredictable—but this flexibility is actually a strength.

Self-Care for Introverts

If you’re an introvert, animals may feel easier to connect with than people. They don’t expect you to smile when you don’t want to. They don’t mind your bedhead in the morning. They don’t talk over you or shove their opinions down your throat. They just are—and that’s enough.

But the people part of this work? That can be tough on introverts. It’s not that we don’t like people, but the meetings, the phone calls, the drama? All that socializing can leave us feeling emotionally depleted. For you, self-care might look like:

• Quiet nature walks—just you, the Great Outdoors, and your pup.

• Journaling or reflective writing to process difficult cases, situations, or emotions.

• Solo hobbies like listening to music, drawing, gardening, or DIY crafts.

• Digital detox days—no texts, no emails, no doom scrolling.

• Saying “no” without guilt when you’re running on fumes.

·         Practicing deep breathing, yoga, or mediation.

·         Reading a book or listening to podcasts.

·         Enjoying a movie night at home in the comfort of your PJs.

·         Engaging in solo exercise, such as swimming, weightlifting, or jogging.

·         Finding spiritual renewal in quiet reflection—through meditation, prayer, or simply sitting silently with your animals or in nature.

Self-Care for Extroverts

You’re the one who gets energized by events, who feels most alive when you’re organizing, educating, or socializing with others. You thrive in shared purpose. You love people—and people love you.

But even extroverts can hit a wall. Especially when you’re pouring energy into everyone else without stopping to refill your own cup. For you, self-care might look like:

• Debriefing with a friend or colleague after a hard rescue or loss of an animal.

• Group activities that combine your love of animals and social time.

• Creative outlets like public speaking, podcasting, or blogging.

• Group fitness activities such as a dance or spin class, or engaging in team sports.

• Planning or participating in fundraisers, protests, or other events that allow you to connect with others while supporting a cause you’re passionate about.

• Socializing with others at parties, clubs, concerts, community events, etc.

• Connecting spiritually through shared experiences such as group meditations, spiritual gatherings, or attending houses of worship with others.

  
  

Self-Care for Ambiverts

Some days you crave quiet, other days you’re down for dinner with friends. You might love the energy of a team project, but still need a day to yourself to recover. You feel pulled between the need for connection and the need for solitude. If that sounds like you, you’re probably an ambivert and might benefit from these types of self-care:

·         Rotating between quiet time and social time based on what you need.

·         Checking in with yourself regularly: “Am I craving connection or solitude?”

·         Setting flexible boundaries without the guilt, such as allowing plans to be rescheduled or canceled

·         Choosing physical activities that you can do on your own or with others, like yoga, roller skating, or hiking.

·         Using short transitions (like a quick walk or stretch) to shift energy between social and alone time.

·         Giving yourself permission to change your mind about what feels right that day.

·         Blending solitary and communal spiritual practices depending on what you need. You might start the day with a solo mindfulness practice and end it with a nature walk with friends.

There’s No One “Right Way” to Recharge

In this field, we give and give and give. And while our love for animals runs deep, our nervous systems weren’t built for this level of emotional intensity without any relief. As humans, we have limited resources that need to be replenished on a daily basis, especially if we want to make our passion for helping animals sustainable. So, whether you prefer to recharge in a quiet room with a cup of tea, watch a ballgame in a packed stadium, what matters the most is what works for you. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in-between, remember, you are worthy of the same care you give to others.

-Jennifer Blough