Finch self-care app: Introvert journey

Not long ago we reviewed an amazing app that facilitates self-care: Finch: Self-care app.

I truly think Finch is an amazing app that can help reflect and focus on ourselves, yet in a very subtle and engaging way. It can help to build positive habits, to learn more about ourselves, to facilitate mindfulness and growth.

Finch self care app: Introvert journey

Finch can be an amazing tool for us, Introverts to practice reflection, develop good habits and grow as we are becoming even more authentic and true to our natural, introverted self.

Therefore I have put together an Introvert journey that you can copy/tweak and add to your Finch app to start practicing self-care in an introvert-friendly way.

Start with small steps every day

Building positive habits and practicing self-care is the most effective if done on a daily basis. I appreciate we lead busy lives and often it is difficult to carve out some time for ourselves. So let's start with dedicating a couple of minutes in the morning and evening and a little something throughout the day to get you grounded and connected to yourself.

Daily goals:

• Set an intention for the day: This is best done in the morning. Think through the day ahead of you and make the conscious thought of what you want to achieve, how today can be a successful and happy day for you.

• Do a 5 minute meditation: Find some time during the day to do a meditation exercise. Finch has some soundscapes that you can make use of. Alternatively, there are many apps and YouTube videos available. Or you could just enjoy the quiet for those few minutes and focus on your breathing.

• Go outside for 10 minutes: Hopefully you can find some time each day to spend outside, as connecting with nature, or just getting some fresh air can contribute to your productivity, wellbeing and help to retrieve a little bit.

• Write down one thing you are grateful for today: at the end of the day it is a good idea to consciously find a situation, person, circumstance that you were grateful for during the day. It helps to affirm the positive things in your live and notice all the good things you already have.

• Write down one achievement of the day: In order to build our self-confidence and positive self-talk, I recommend noting down at least one achievement of yours from the day that you are proud of.

Spread over self-care throughout the week

Looking further during your week, there can be additional goals defined for certain day(s) of the week. These are activities you want to maintain on a regular basis, yet distributed over the week.

Weekly goals:

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes (minimum 3 times a week): It is recommended to do a workout at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes. Depending on the sport, of course, your individual schedule may be different. I, for instance, try to work out 5 times a week that includes cardio, yoga, weight training, tennis and barre.

• Do something creative (1 time a week): A creative activity charges the introverted mind and helps us wander to our deepest thoughts and pursue amazing ideas. Maybe you like paining, knitting, woodcrafts, or playing the piano. Find an activity that sparks your creativity.

• Claim some alone time (2 times a week): For us introverts, recharging is the easiest when done alone. Now, it may not always be easy to retrieve and therefore this reminder. Even if it's for half an hour in the evening, that you go earlier to bed than your partner to read your book, give yourself this treat. It will help you manage stress better and improve your overall energy level and wellbeing.

• Praise someone you know (1 time a week): Let's not be shy to thank a colleague/partner/friend/family member the nice things they did for us or a good job they've done. Being kind is such a small gesture you can do to make someone happy.

Add bigger goals during the month

Lastly, there are a few things you can keep on your monthly agenda. Perhaps these are bigger activities, or things you want to slowly pick up on.

Monthly goals:

• Set a goal for the month (1st of the month): start the month by setting a small goal for yourself. Maybe it is doing a spring cleaning of the house, finishing a work assignment, or planning your next vacation. Be clear on what you want to achieve this next month.

• Plan a recharging social activity (1 time a month): As we are dedicating so much attention on our quiet times during the days and weeks, it is good to plan something social at least once a month. Maybe it is going out for a coffee date with a close friend, attending a theatre show, a date night with your partner, or yoga lesson in the park. Aim for something that charges you up, yet gets you connected to other people. And remember, it is OK to go home when you are starting to get drained.

• Finish a book (1 time a month): Quite likely you love to read. So give permission to yourself to finishing 1 (or 2, 3, 5) books during the month.

• Practice a (new) skill (2 times a month): Trying new things grows us, just as practicing things we have learnt in the past. Maybe it is a good occasion to start playing the violin again, or join a choir, paint, design, cook something special, or even bake. Do things you enjoy. Try things you always wanted to try.

• Reflect on the month (last day of the month): As the month comes to an end, take time to reflect. What did go well? What didn't? What can you do the next month for better outcomes? What was the biggest achievement of yours during the month?

I hope this journey will take you to great places: developing self-awareness, embracing your unique introverted self, learning about your strengths, honoring your needs, becoming part of the communities fitting you and giving yourself permission to allow yourself the time and space you need. While doing so, you nurture your Finch who will learn, grow and develop, just as you are.

Enjoy the journey!