Lockdown not paradise for all introverts

“I’ve been training for this day my entire life,” is just one of the numerous memes posted on social media platforms aimed at how introverts were supposedly trained and prepared for the social distancing and lockdown protocols the novel Coronavirus has brought to mankind. 

Introverts are notorious for choosing to stay home and spend time on their own rather than going to social events.

When the nationwide lockdown was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Monday, 24 March, most introverts across the country probably would have felt at ease and prepared for the isolation period. 

Now, heading into the second week of level 4 of the lockdown, I, a lover of solitude and a self-proclaimed introvert, can honestly say I am struggling to adapt to the isolation. The first week was bliss, but as the days wore on, the lack of routine and structure as well as not being able to plan ahead got to me – that’s besides missing physical interaction with friends. 

As an honours student in journalism and media studies, I have plenty assignments and other deadlines, but since there is no real routine or structure to the days anymore and realistic planning is near impossible, I either spend my day getting lost in personal-time activities or I work non-stop but at a slower pace (neither is great). 

I have reached the point where I miss going to class, and having class all day, every day of the week sounds like a beautiful dream. Since that is not going to happen soon, I offer to do the grocery shopping just to get some human interaction besides with my family. Before lockdown, you would have hardly found me shopping at all.

I am not the only introvert who thinks lockdown is not paradise. Natalie Thysse (22), PGCE student, said, “I don’t think it is easier for introverts during lockdown because being an introvert doesn’t mean you don’t want to interact with people. So the lockdown sort of limits one from that physical interaction and forces you to stay in your bubble.”

Thysse added, “I have learned during this lockdown that I actually enjoy watching the news and drawing conclusions from the decisions made by ministers. I then share these views on social media and with my parents. So that’s definitely something new.”

Anzel van Rensburg, 22, art history honours student, said, “Even though as an introvert you are used to your own company and know how to keep yourself busy, it is hard living with extroverts that do not give you your space.”

She said she has learned that she likes a fixed routine, but added that she can easily adapt to a new routine.

It is important to note that not all introverts are the same, although most feel drained by social events and get energy when spending time alone. There are four different types of introverts, namely social, thinking, anxious and restrained. This is one reason why some introverts are struggling with the lockdown period while others are still in paradise. 

For instance, Buhle Mbijekana (21), honours student in journalism and media studies, said, “I am still enjoying the time at home and I have learned that I can do more when I have time on my hands. I no longer work under pressure and I enjoy doing research since I am busy with my mini-dissertation.”

Another reason why not all introverts are enjoying this lockdown is that being an introvert is just one part of who you are as a complex human being. This means that there are other aspects and factors, such as general health, emotions, copy mechanisms, and many others that influence how one handles different situations. 

It is evident that some introverts want to return to a normal where self-isolating was a choice. 

There are, however, things that you can do that will help you handle the struggle and survive the lockdown period. Some of the tips are setting smaller and realistic goals, getting some form of exercise, learning something new, staying in touch with family and friends, and making time in your day for yourself. You must, however, realise that you cannot implement all the activities and methods, as you must find the activities and methods that work best for you.

The most important thing to remember is not to be too hard on yourself, as what we are experiencing now is something completely new. All of us have been conditioned and “trained” ourselves to do things in a certain way all our lives, but now the training does not suit the circumstances. It is unrealistic to think that one can change multiple aspects that have been drilled into you in a few weeks. So just give your best, take the necessary breaks and we will make it through this.