INFP Stress

When people experience pain, stress, or dissatisfaction, it can usually be attributed to energy-draining activities. Therefore, it’s important to know what kinds of activities drain each personality type.

Because INFPs are naturally sensitive, they may be more easily hurt by blunt criticism than others. INFPs tend to take critical feedback personally and are likely to feel upset or attacked by it. They are more likely to appreciate very gentle, considerate feedback, as long as it is accompanied by a few compliments about what they’re doing right.

INFPs may also feel bored by analyzing the details, especially very factual, data-driven specifics. Their intuitive nature means that they prefer to think about things broadly, rather than close-up. Thinking too much about the little intricacies of everything is likely to drain them, which may slow them down in other aspects of life as well.

Inflexible or purposeless routine is also likely to bring a bit of stress to INFPs. They generally dislike strict schedules and prefer to make things up as they go. Being boxed into a routine may make them feel like they have no freedom, which will take away from their natural energy. 

INFPs also tend to dislike crowds. Groups of strangers are likely to stress INFPs out quite a bit. Because they already prefer to be alone and can be a bit sensitive to how others see them, INFPs are likely to avoid situations that involve big groups of people as much as possible.

Optimists at heart, INFPs may find themselves stressed out by others’ negative mindsets. When someone around them complains a lot or sees the downside of situations, INFPs may be brought down as well. It’s important that INFPs try to surround themselves with people who avoid stressing them out by complaining often.

When INFPs face stressful or draining tasks, they may shut down in other aspects of life. While we all have to face stress at different points in life, there are plenty of times where it can be avoided. In the case of an INFP, they should try to engage with things that keep them motivated and energized, when possible. Avoiding unnecessary draining tasks, learning to communicate when something is causing them stress, and doing plenty of things that excite them will help prevent INFPs from feeling overly frustrated or exhausted.