Are you an INFJ struggling to navigate through life?
Do you often feel drained and overwhelmed in social situations?
As an introverted intuitive, it’s easy for your mind to get lost in thought and lose track of conversations.
But fear not, fellow INFJ!
In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to survive as an INFJ.
From finding quiet zones to protecting your energy, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of INFJ survival.
How To Survive As An INFJ
1. Find Your Quiet Zones
As an INFJ, you naturally prefer tranquil environments over loud and boisterous parties. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the noise and social interactions on a night out. So, build quiet zones in your life. These zones will help you regenerate and recharge your energy levels.
2. Protect Your Energy
INFJs tend to be highly sensitive and empathic, which means we’re even more likely to be drained in crowds, at parties, or even just at the end of your average day compared to the standard introvert. It’s important for INFJs to be aware of how much of our energy we’re giving away and learn to opt out when we need (or want!) to. Our energy is not an unlimited resource, and it’s up to us to protect it.
3. Sit With Your Thoughts
When you sense yourself shifting into INFJ survival mode, you don’t have to write, meditate, or google what the experts say. Instead, sit with your own thoughts. Take 30 minutes of your time and sit in silence. Nothing bad is happening. You are in the present moment, and no harm is coming. This is the only thing going on right now. All the bad events that the INFJ survival mode amplified don’t exist at this very moment. You are in your home and breathing deeply.
4. Say No to Non-Essential Responsibilities
INFJs live with a desire to constantly better themselves and develop as a person. However, it’s important to learn how to say no to non-essential responsibilities that drain your energy levels. This will help you focus on what truly matters in your life.
Understanding The INFJ Personality Type
INFJ is one of the 16 Myers-Briggs® personality types, and it stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. INFJs are deep, insightful personalities that combine perception, intellect, and empathy to “read” people in a way that is almost uncanny. They seem to intuitively understand people and situations and how events will unfold, which is why many refer to them as “the advocates.”
INFJs have a highly-developed intuition, which means they are constantly looking ahead to determine what will happen in the future. They crave never-ending personal growth and they are rarely satisfied with stagnancy or shallow small-talk. Rather than seeing events and situations as stand-alone occurrences, they see the interconnectedness of everything.
INFJs combine Intuition with Feeling, which gives them a gift for understanding people and identifying their underlying needs and emotions. They care deeply about the human race and want to help people by listening, counseling, and emotionally supporting them. Helping people to realize their potential is something that drives them.
INFJs are introverts, which means they prefer tranquil environments over loud and boisterous parties. They can get overwhelmed with the noise and social interactions on a night out. It’s important for INFJs to build quiet zones in their life to regenerate and recharge their energy levels.
INFJs tend to be highly sensitive and empathic, which means they’re even more likely to be drained in crowds, at parties or even just at the end of your average day compared to the standard introvert. It’s important for INFJs to be aware of how much energy they’re giving away and learn to opt-out when they need (or want!) to.
INFJs have a strong desire to constantly develop as a person. However, it’s important for them to learn how to say no to non-essential responsibilities that drain their energy levels. This will help them focus on what truly matters in their life.
The Struggles Of Being An INFJ
Being an INFJ comes with its own set of struggles. As emotional sponges, INFJs tend to absorb the emotions of others, even in the best of times. This can leave them feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, especially when dealing with major life changes. Financial worries or job loss can feel like a monster that has them tangled in its tentacles.
Moreover, INFJs tend to feel their own emotions very strongly and need time to process them deeply. This can make it difficult for them to cope with change, which inevitably creates confusion. INFJs may also be viewed as stubborn and unyielding due to their tendency to stick to their intuition tightly.
INFJs are highly sensitive and empathic individuals who are easily drained in crowds or social situations. They need quiet zones to regenerate and recharge their energy levels. It’s important for INFJs to be aware of how much of their energy they’re giving away and learn to opt out when they need to.
INFJs can also benefit from sitting with their thoughts and taking time for themselves. This helps them stay present and grounded in the moment, rather than getting caught up in the chaos of their thoughts and emotions.
Finally, INFJs have a desire to constantly better themselves and develop as a person. However, it’s important for them to learn how to say no to non-essential responsibilities that drain their energy levels. This allows them to focus on what truly matters in their lives and avoid burnout.
Finding Quiet Zones To Recharge
As an INFJ, finding alone time to recharge is crucial for your well-being. With a busy schedule filled with classes, meetings, and other obligations, it can be challenging to carve out time for yourself. However, it’s essential to prioritize finding quiet zones in your life where you can regenerate and recharge your energy levels.
One way to find quiet zones is to create a designated space in your home where you can retreat when needed. This could be a cozy corner with a comfortable chair and some soft lighting, or a separate room where you can shut the door and enjoy some peace and quiet. If you live in a noisy environment or with roommates, consider investing in noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out distractions.
Another way to find quiet zones is to schedule alone time into your daily routine. This could be as simple as waking up 30 minutes earlier than usual to enjoy a cup of coffee in silence before starting your day. Or, it could mean taking a break during the day to go for a walk outside or read a book in a quiet park.
It’s important to remember that finding quiet zones doesn’t necessarily mean being completely alone. You may find solace in spending time with a close friend or family member who understands your need for solitude. Alternatively, you could join a group or organization that aligns with your interests and values, where you can connect with like-minded individuals in a more low-key setting.
The Importance Of Self-Care For INFJs
Self-care is crucial for INFJs to maintain their mental and emotional well-being. As natural caretakers, INFJs tend to put the needs of others before their own, often neglecting their own self-care in the process. This can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even resentment towards others. It’s important for INFJs to recognize that taking care of themselves is not selfish, but rather a necessary step in being able to continue giving to others.
INFJs are highly sensitive and empathetic individuals, which makes them more susceptible to feeling drained and overwhelmed in certain situations. Engaging in self-care activities such as aromatherapy, taking warm baths or showers, listening to music, or spending time in nature can help INFJs recharge their energy levels and feel more grounded.
It’s also important for INFJs to set boundaries and protect their energy. Saying no to non-essential responsibilities and learning to opt-out of draining situations can help INFJs conserve their energy and prevent burnout. Additionally, finding quiet zones in their life where they can recharge and regenerate can help INFJs maintain their mental and emotional well-being.
Lastly, INFJs should learn to sit with their thoughts and practice mindfulness. This can help them stay present in the moment and avoid getting caught up in negative thought patterns or anxiety-inducing scenarios. By prioritizing self-care and making it a regular part of their routine, INFJs can maintain their mental and emotional health and continue to thrive as individuals.
Setting Boundaries And Protecting Your Energy
One of the biggest challenges for INFJs is setting boundaries and protecting their energy. INFJs tend to be highly empathic, which means they are more likely to be affected by the emotions and energy of those around them. This can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows INFJs to connect deeply with others and understand their needs. On the other hand, it can leave them feeling drained and overwhelmed.
To protect their energy, INFJs need to learn how to set healthy boundaries. This means saying no to requests that do not align with their values or priorities, or speaking up when someone violates their boundaries. It’s important for INFJs to understand that they are not responsible for other people’s emotions or problems. They have the right to protect their own well-being and prioritize their own needs.
Setting boundaries also means creating space for quiet and solitude. INFJs need time alone to recharge and process their thoughts and emotions. They should create quiet zones in their life where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed or drained. This could be a quiet room in their home, a park bench, or a coffee shop where they can sit and reflect.
Finally, INFJs should learn to sit with their thoughts and emotions without judgment. When they feel themselves shifting into survival mode, they should take a few minutes to sit in silence and breathe deeply. This can help them stay present in the moment and avoid getting caught up in negative thoughts or emotions.
Navigating Social Situations As An INFJ
Social situations can be particularly challenging for INFJs, given our introverted nature and tendency to feel drained by social interactions. However, there are ways to navigate these situations and still enjoy them.
Firstly, it’s important to find a balance between socializing and taking time for yourself. This means being aware of how much energy you have to give and not overextending yourself. It’s okay to say no to social events or leave early if you feel overwhelmed.
Secondly, try to find social situations that align with your interests and values. This will help you feel more comfortable and engaged in the conversation. It’s also helpful to have a close friend or companion who understands your personality type and can support you in social situations.
Thirdly, remember that it’s okay to take breaks during social events. Take a walk outside or find a quiet corner to recharge your energy levels. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being and not feel guilty for taking time for yourself.
Lastly, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to be the life of the party or constantly engaging in conversation. Embrace your introverted nature and focus on having meaningful conversations with a few people rather than trying to please everyone. Remember, being quiet, reflective, and sensitive are not weaknesses when it comes to socializing as an INFJ.
