It’s a challenging time. I don’t think that can be said enough. We’re all essentially confined to our places of living for the foreseeable future.

If you’re an introvert, you were probably overjoyed that you get to work from home. That you get to stay at home. That it  has now become cool to not leave the house. I know I was. I even told my roommate how nice it was be required to stay in – No more feeling awful about not having any plans.

BUT… forced isolation can impact even the strongest introvert. In fact, research out of the University of Arizona said that extroverts still might be better equipped to handle social distancing, because it is in fact only limiting social interactions in a physical sense. Add in whether you are living with other people (extroverts especially), the increased number of video calls and meetings at work or the number of people checking in, and it still feels like an extrovert’s world.

Here’s 4 tips to help you cope:

Follow @Introvertdoodles

Seriously, the best resources and comics for introverts. But, I’m especially loving her Isolation ABCs. Extroverts, we’re talking to you.

Know Your Limits

This is applicable to your “normal” life, but becomes even more important when you are living with people in quarantine. A couple weeks ago Introvert Dear published a “how to” article on surviving social isolation while living with an extrovert. Their first insight – establishing boundaries, including recognizing when you need to reset, which could mean a walk to rewire the brain. Know what you can handle, what your housemate can handle, and act accordingly. But remember, this is a quarantine situation. Everything is stressful and everything is heightened.

Use Do Not Disturb

Honestly, this is a godsend during working hours. People can still contact you, but you don’t get the notifications – something that can be exhausting during a “regular” day. Silencing notifications at work gives you time to focus. Silencing notifications during your personal time gives you a chance to hide in your room, read a book, or do whatever you do to recharge and be ready for the day.

Follow Billy Barr’s Tips

In an NPR article published on April 1, Billy Barr — the only full-time resident of Gothic, CO — shared his tips (based on almost 50 years of experience). Notable things to do: Keep track of something, keep a routine, celebrate what matters, embrace grumpiness, and use movies as a mood adjuster.

I know it’s not an ideal situation, but embrace that you are doing the best you can under the circumstances. As my therapist has told me, sometimes it’s a win for the day if you get up, put one foot in front of the other, and go about your day. We’re all struggling here.