Introverted For The Holidays

Do you consider yourself an introvert?  Do you get tired after social engagements? The holidays are tough enough, without being overwhelmed by all the social engagements.  The trick is navigating through the maze of holiday parties and still feel like you’re able to recharge your battery. Renewing our battery levels may vary a little from person to person.  Following these tips will help you glide through the holidays.

Scheduling wisely - A busy schedule may lead to more complications like anxiety and physical exhaustion.  Setting time boundaries helps reserve our energy levels.  

Notice your energy savers - We all might come in contact with some people at events that tend to drain our energy levels.  However, there are also “energy angels” out there. Energy angels are the people in our life who tend to make us feel better, remind us of our goals, and encourage us.  Have them in mind? You might want to leave them on speed dial during the holidays. 

Practice self care - Self care is the best way to ensure that we will take time and regain our energy during and after the holidays. Scheduling self care is a great way to accomplish this goal because what we make time for and visibly see on our calendar, we are more likely to do.  We often talk about the self care that we “should” be doing and are not often accomplishing this task. The holidays are the perfect time to practice what we preach and fill up our own batteries. The idea of self care can differ from person to person but a general rule of thumb is that it doesn’t have to be costly, it doesn’t have to be time consuming, and it shouldn’t be unhealthy for us.  Examples can include: reading, taking a bubble bath, meditating, dancing to music, etc. 

Have you been reading this in hopes of helping others?  You’re very kind to want to help others in your life during this time.  The holidays can be joyous but can also be very overwhelming to others. Offering opportunities for check ins can be very helpful.  This could look like sending a text or starting a conversation, asking if they need help, or offering your time. Just the act of showing you care can go a long way.  I know it sounds simple, but many will find this “simple” act to be extraordinarily helpful.  

Whatever you do for the holidays, may you enjoy the day. 

Stay Well,​

Author

Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Southern California.  She has been in the mental health field for more than ten years. Megan's specialties include: anxiety, trauma, life changes, mood, relationships, and school challenges.