In this society it seems that extroverts have all the ballots to be happier and that introverts … will not have it so easy. Or if? What does it mean to be an introvert? First you must understand this and then realize that happiness may be closer to you than you imagine.

Introversion is the tendency to focus on the inside and there is less motivation for social interaction without affecting the happiness of the introvert. Introverts tend to have fewer relationships and spend less time socializing than extroverts. It is true that healthy and meaningful relationships play an important role in our happiness and that extroverts can spend more time connecting with others or they can enjoy that moment more.

Happiness in introverts and extroverts

The inherent differences between introverts and extroverts are related to the dopamine system in the brain, which makes pleasant rewards (including social interaction) more important to extroverts. This suggests that extroverts may be more likely to experience positive emotions. 

While introverts are likely to report lower levels of happiness than extroverts, this does not mean that introverts are unhappy. It’s important to consider the happiness benefits of both introverted and extroverted behavior, no matter where you fall on the spectrum. Your choices and behaviors (which are under your control and which you can change whenever you want) have significant effects on your well-being , even if your natural tendency is introversion.

If you are an introvert, you can increase your happiness

If you need tips to improve your happiness, do not miss the following because they will help you not only to change the perspective of your internal happiness, but also to improve it almost without you noticing.

You are a ALL

It is important to note that the scale on which introversion and extroversion are measured is just that: a scale.  We all fall somewhere along the curve of the bell between these two extremes. That means that people who are introverts or extroverts are not weird people, they are just themselves! A large part of the population is closer to the middle of that scale, which means that there are times when they prefer the socialization and energy of a crowd, but other times, tranquility and solitude are just right for themselves. . 

Within each of us there is a tendency to recharge our emotional batteries through social interaction and affiliation with others and another tendency to recharge ourselves. Be honest with yourself about what you need at any given time and give yourself permission to have it . When you call a friend to hang out, which feels good, but when you prefer to be at home just to read for a while, do it too because you will feel better at that time like that. 

Embrace your introversion strengths

There are those who mistakenly believe that introverts are weak or that they do not have enough capacity to interact with others. The truth is that introverts choose not to interact of their own free will because it makes them feel better. The behavior introvert has an advantage that is often underestimated.  Introverts tend to be better problem solvers, do better academically, exhibit stronger regulation of their behavior, and are less likely to take risks that can cause them harm. 

Introverts can experience these benefits as a result of having more gray matter in their prefrontal cortex, the area in the front of the brain that controls abstract and complex thinking, emotion regulation, and decision-making. Take advantage of these qualities that you have because they will bring you a lot of happiness in your life!