11 Ways to Improve Social Wellness (For Introverts)
Being in a relationship with other humans is fundamental to our happiness and fulfillment.
We are inherently social beings, wired to connect with others for emotional support, validation, and a sense of belonging.
So how can we, as introverts, strike a balance between alone time and meaningful social interactions?
Let’s dive into 11 proven techniques that can help you as an introvert engage authentically, comfortably, and consistently in social settings.
1. Understand Your Social Needs
Introverts vary in their social preferences. Find your ideal social interaction frequency.
Example:
Scheduling one coffee date with a friend per week may not be enough to leave you feeling as part of a community, whereas going to jiu-jitsu class 6 days a week may be too much.
Try both and see what’s best for you.
2. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Building deep, meaningful connections with a few close friends or family members allows for more intimate and fulfilling interactions than having many surface-level relationships.
Example:
Host a small 2-hour dinner or happy hour gathering with close friends to create a space for deeper conversations.”
3. Go Solo in Social Settings
Enjoying activities alone in social settings is a good way to ease introverts into socializing.
This allows you to enjoy the event at your own pace while subtly engaging with others who share similar interests. A lot of people like to call it, “Dating Yourself.”
A Beginners Guide to Dating Yourself
Example:
Attend a local art exhibit or music performance alone.
4. Practice Active Listening
Active listening deepens connections and can help ease social anxiety by taking the focus off of you and putting it onto the person you’re speaking with.
People generally can’t help being friends with those who genuinely are interested in them and listen to what they say.
How to Become a Better Listener
Example:
During a conversation, rather than planning what you will say next, actually listen to what the person is saying.
Repeat back parts of what you’ve heard to ensure you understand them and to show genuine interest.
5. Start Small to Build Confidence
You can’t trick yourself into being confident. Confidence is the result of past actions.
To become confident in conversation with others, you’re going to have to prove to yourself that you can talk with people and that everything will be ok when you do.
So start building that confidence slowly, brick by brick.
Example:
Initiating a conversation with 1 stranger a day in line at the coffee shop or while eating lunch at work.
6. Use Social Media (Smartly)
Online communities offer introverts platforms to engage comfortably. Join forums related to your interests on a site like Reddit.
Just don’t get lost in the sauce and forget to go outside and make friends in real life.
Example:
Join an online community related to something you’re really interested in and start asking questions or sharing insights.
7. Schedule Downtime After Social Events
Prepare and decompress to manage social energy effectively. After attending a social gathering, unwind with a favorite book or soothing music.
Example:
Reward yourself after a social event with time to unwind in your introverted ways with a book, videogame, or movie.
8. Find Common Ground
You’ll have an easier time socializing with others when you’re talking about things you like and know about.
Example:
If you find during a conversation that you both enjoy hiking, suggest a weekend hike together and offer a specific day and time.
9. Develop Non-Verbal Communication Skills
They say that how you say something is as important as what you say.
Be intentional with some common nonverbal cues that convey warmth and approachability and eventually, they’ll become instinctual.
Example:
Practice smiling when you initiate a conversation, maintaining eye contact, and using open body language
10. Use Spaces You’re Comfortable In
Suggest or host gatherings in settings you’re comfortable in to ease into social situations.
Example:
Plan a game night with friends at your home or a walk at a park you’re familiar with.
11. Celebrate Your Wins
Reflect on successful social interactions to boost your confidence and reward yourself for doing something difficult.
Example:
To encourage stepping out of your social comfort zone, offer yourself real rewards like going out for pizza or buying that shirt you’ve wanted.
Social wellness is great, but learn about the other 4 components of wellness here.
