The topic of introversion and extroversion has been on my mind the past few weeks as I was preparing for a workshop that touched on the subject related to our sense of energy. Very briefly I’ll say that the difference between extroversion and introversion lies in your preferred focus of your energy – whether on your outer world or your inner world.
I am an introvert. Understanding this quality has helped me move about life in a more satisfying way. It’s also been a real boon in my work too, as you can imagine, having natural predilections toward the inner dimensions that shape client’s outer behaviors and challenges.
Whether you err on the side of introversion or extroversion, understanding your own wiring can be helpful as you explore your own needs as well as (you guessed it) your relationship with food.
If you’re not sure whether you tend to be more introverted or extroverted, here’s a link to a simple Introvert/Extrovert Quiz by Susan Cain.
Overeating for the introvert and extrovert
Many people eat beyond satiation from time to time. There are many, many variables that impact eating habits. Here offer one perspective based on introversion and extroversion.
The Introvert may overeat because:
She is over-stimulated. She has surpassed her threshold for social activity and is eating to calm down her nervous system or to find something non-interaction related to do.
She is drained. Engaging in eating may give her the feeling of having more energy.
She’s not tuned in to how she’s actually feeling or what she actually needs.
She is over-efforting to be an extrovert when that is not the truth of her nature. Denying what’s true or what’s real can cause anyone to reach for something to eat.
The Extrovert may overeat because:
She is under-stimulated. She may be looking for entertainment or camaraderie and is using food as a symbolic substitute.
She is invigorated or jazzed up and wants to celebrate. She may reach for or suggest food and drinks to keep the party or social time going.
She’s not tuned into how she’s actually feeling or what she actually needs.
She is over-efforting to be more introverted when that is not the truth of her nature. Denying what’s true or what’s real can cause anyone to reach for something to eat.
I want to know: Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? Has this changed over time? Does anything I shared above offer an insight into your own eating habits?
I hope you have a beautiful Fall. I heard a rumor that both introverts and extroverts can practice good seasonal self-care by eating plenty of local apples…
With love,