Working in a busy environment can be a big challenge for any introvert, and even for some extroverts (yes you, come on in). Lots of noise and interaction drain us quickly. Luckily, there are some things we can do to gain control and carve out some head space.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WORKSPACE

Take control of your immediate work space, whatever form it may be (desk, office, cubicle, car, living room, ... submarine).  

1.  Organize

Know where all your tools are. Get in tune with your inner filing master (no, that doesn’t mean cramming it into a bottom “to be filed” drawer). Purge ruthlessly. Feel in control of your space. 

2. Minimize clutter

Aim for visual silence. Keep your work area as empty as possible. Neatly hide away items that you don’t use regularly.

3. Reduce Noise

Eliminate as much noise as possible. Turn your phone ringer down. Set alerts to visual or vibrate settings. Move yourself to a quieter area…there might be a socially deprived extrovert tucked away in a quiet corner that would jump at that chance to swap desks for your more interactive spot.

And when you can’t reduce noise, block it. Headsets are a multi-functional gem! 

4. Reduce Visual Chaos

Face away from lots of movement and clutter. Windows are always lovely. Of courrse, you want to remember to still be approachable. Angle yourself so you’re direct vision is calm, but also welcoming. 

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEADSPACE

With the space around you taken care of, it's time to put on some mind filters. 

5. Limit Interruptions

Limit interruptions as much as possible. Try setting office hours, encourage communication by email, and set appointments for more involved discussions. 

6. Recharge your Battery

Introverts typically recharge with time by themselves, and get drained when they interact with others. Extroverts, in contrast, gain energy from being around others and get depleted when they are on their own. Look for micro moments of peace; taking the stairs, riding an empty elevator, waiting by the printer or photocopier. Take deep breaths and notice the calmness of the moment.

Also, if you’re like me and work with people all day long, remember to carve out some re-charge time after work. Hit the gym, go for a walk, have a nap, or take a hot shower. Give yourself alone time to recover from your day and have energy to enjoy your free time.

7. Take Breaks

Use your breaks as an opportunity to get some space and some quiet. Sometimes it is good to socialize at lunch, but keep it balanced. If you've had a busy day, take a walk, listen to music, or read a book in a quiet place instead. 

8. Know your Limits

Know the warning signs of a low battery. Do you lose focus? Feel overwhelmed? Can’t make decisions? I start to feel flustered, foggy, and unmotivated. When that hits, I know it’s time to do something to re-charge.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TIME

9. Plan your Schedule

Introverts are planners and thinkers. We are more effective when we can think through things ahead of time. Schedule time to brainstorm and to plan. Set aside office hours and time to re-charge especially, before those more interactive events.

10. Work Alone

If you have the opportunity to set your own hours, start earlier than everyone else and have the workplace to yourself. I like to come in a couple of hours early and push through my hardest tasks before I have to see anyone. It also has the benefit of allowing the coffee plenty of time to kick in for chats with the early bird social folk!

Remember... even when there are tornados of chaos swarming around us, there are ways to find space and quiet, even if it is in the eye of the storm!