You may like your co-workers, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for you to get things done when they’re around. If that sort of sounds like you, but you’re not sure, introverts are the quiet ones that tend to feel more energized from spending time alone. Extroverts, on the other hand, are people persons who gain reinforcement and energy from being around others. Since introverts need solitude in order to recharge, it can be problematic for those who work in busy, open offices where overstimulation can hinder productivity.

Do you identify as an introvert? If so, here’s an introvert’s guide to helping you be more productive in an office.

Do the most important tasks early in the day

The more interactions introverts have over the course of the day, the more drained and distracted they will become. You should capitalize on the morning hours when you will be able to do your work uninterrupted, without people dropping by your desk. Either that or you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get your work done.

Fight for a flexible schedule

If your role allows for it, see if you can come in late or leave early, or perhaps work from home on certain days of the week. Chances are, you’ll get more done that way anyway. If this isn’t possible, however, be proactive about carving out time for yourself in the office.

Schedule meetings with yourself

If you use a system that allows bosses or co-workers to put time on your calendar, you might end up getting pulled into back-to-back meetings. An introvert’s guide go keeping control might be scheduling time for yourself to work on specific tasks. Knowing that you have these periods of time will also help you manage other interactions that might pop up throughout the day.

Find hidden corners

Search for a quiet corner or book a meeting room which would allow you to work in solitude for an hour or two. Alternatively, taking a stroll could help clear your mind of office work or give you time and space to think clearly.

Find alternatives to in-person meetings.

Occasional face-time is important, but endless in-person meetings are a surefire way to deplete your energy. Rather than running across town to meet clients, do your weekly check-in via phone. In the office, use email or chat platforms like Slack to communicate with colleagues when possible. This way, you can respond at your own pace — or just tune people out when you start to get overwhelmed.

Go out for lunch

For some, lunch is a time to banter with co-workers in the company kitchen. For introverts, it’s a time to escape. Some people feel like they don’t “have time” to go out to lunch, but if getting away for a bit will boost your productivity in the afternoon, it’s well worth it.

Know when to opt out of company events

You need to know when to show and when to go. Certain functions, like the office holiday party, you’ll need to make an appearance. But don’t feel guilty if you’re not in the mood to hit every happy hour that your fellow co-workers organize. You spend all day at your office, so you’re not obligated to use your precious evening hours playing ping-pong with the accounting team.

Let people know you’re an introvert

One of the best tips in the introvert’s guide is to let people know you’re one. You might not want to tell everyone that on your first day, but ultimately, there’s no shame in letting your co-workers know the truth about you. Introversion and extroversion are better understood today than ever before, but there’s still a lot we can learn from each other.