Why Are The Introverts You Know Night Owls?
Nighttime is when we can all wrap up a long, hectic day. It's the quiet time for unwinding and mentally preparing for tomorrow.
Although, that's not the case for everyone, especially introverts. As peaceful and quiet as nighttime usually is, this can be prime time for many introverts. This is the time of day when an introvert can be introverted with little to no interruptions.
Of course, they can find that solitude during the day, but it's not as easy as at night. This is why it wouldn't be a stretch to say most introverts are night owls. Continue reading to understand why introverts delight in the night owl lifestyle!
Most Overstimulation Happens During the Day
When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you do (besides scroll through your phone until you're late) is get ready for work or school. As an introvert, you're likely mentally preparing for all of the interactions, to-do list tasks, or workloads you'll have to deal with during the day.
That means interacting with an unknown number of people, hearing a bunch of noises (car horns, talking, computers, etc.), and observing a significant loss of silence. Throughout the whole day, introverts seek to have a moment just to exist, even for a little bit, so they can function without feeling drained.
But finding that escape in the daytime is super tricky because of all those people you have to avoid, the notifications you have to silence, and the stuff on your to-do list at work and home. It's a lot! So much overstimulation without recharge time during the day can burn out the introvert.
But that's what makes the night so precious. At night, you can escape all of that. Nighttime is when nearly everyone turns in, all the work is done, and the hustle and bustle are all gone for the most part.
At night, the introverted brain doesn't have to take in any further stimulation if it doesn't want to. It can just exist or apply focus to something the introvert actually loves doing, like reading, watching tv, listening to music, and more.
It's the Ultimate Recharging Time
With so much chaos and noise happening throughout the day, the introvert's social --or even mental-- battery is nearly fried when the day is done.
But since everyone is indoors and away from you, you have time to breathe. You can recharge the way an introvert is meant to: by gaining mental solitude by yourself.
Of course, this doesn't mean the introvert hates interacting with others. They can love everything that occurs throughout the day, including interacting with people or the noise.
In other words, the "social" side of the outgoing introvert. It just means that the introverted brain can figuratively clock out of work.
Uninterrupted Focus
Everyone enjoys doing something in their free time, whether with or without others. For many introverts, their hobbies are enjoyed independently. But with so much going on during the day, how can introverts take pleasure in their hobbies?
Reading a book during a commute on public transportation isn't easy because people can be rudely loud on the bus. Listening to audiobooks is an okay substitute, especially with these headphones, but it may not feel the same.
Listening to music with headphones generally isn't allowed in the workplace, so submerging into the song is hardly possible. You basically have to go to a coffee shop or a library to get any writing done.
At night and at home, there are no limitations. You can read in silence, submerge yourself into any music you play, and exist in your own world with your writing—all without anyone disturbing your peace.
Night Owl Life May be the Most Productive for Introverts
You may have heard the phrase "the early bird gets the worm." Basically, the sooner you start your day, the more you can get done.
This mentality has led to many setting their alarm clocks a few hours earlier than needed, so they have time to complete some tasks before the day actually starts. In some instances, this is a great way to start the day feeling productive. Mentally, you'll feel ahead of everyone else.
But that doesn't mean the night isn't a time of productivity either. Sure, it may look like you procrastinate if you wait until the day is done to check items off your long to-do list. But for the night owl introvert, that may be the best time to get things done.
Not everyone can smoothly get work done throughout the day. One's most productive hours vary by person. If someone functions better late at night, that's absolutely fine. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter; your productivity isn't taking a hit if you get stuff done at night instead of in the early morning.
Mike Vardy shares that he gets his head start on things the night before instead of early in the morning—and he doesn't feel behind. Instead, he gets to sleep and still feels proactive.
His philosophy can easily apply to the introverted night owl as well. Besides, a lot of us dread when that alarm clock goes off. We mentally tell ourselves, "Just a few more minutes."
Do you trust yourself to get out of bed right as your alarm goes off to get a head start on your day? Cheers to those who can, but everyone else should feel no shame.
Just get ahead of your to-do list the night before. You likely won't get interrupted.
Experience Life Uncrowded
Think about the average lifestyle. When do people usually go to the grocery store? Either after work (between 4 and 6 PM) or on the weekends.
When are restaurants the most crowded? During lunch hour and around dinner time.
When are the city streets crowded the heaviest? In a touristy area, almost the entire day!
For the night owl, you can avoid a lot of the hustle and bustle. Visit grocery stores around 7 or 8 PM for very short lines at the register or visit 24-hour stores late at night with fewer people.
Order your favorite meals by delivery, avoiding standing in long lines in crowded restaurants just to get a table or place an order. In tourist areas, you can still live it up. Many fun events happen at night. Think karaoke bars, jazz clubs, paint-and-sip events, and some restaurants with a relaxing atmosphere.
Embrace the Night Owl Life, Introvert!
Just because you're a night owl doesn't mean you're missing out on anything. You can still accomplish whatever tasks you want to do to get ahead.
You can still get the necessities for your home, but with fewer crowds. Finally, you can still experience a fun life, whether by yourself at home or being out and about to see the city's nightlife.
The night is often the introvert's time to thrive, not just live, without overstimulation and with the freedom to think.