3 Tips to Survive the Holidays, Even As An Introvert
The holiday season is in full swing. There are parties and potlucks and people to catch up with… An extrovert’s dream! And quite possibly an introvert’s nightmare.
If the thought of all the commitments has you feeling stressed and overwhelmed, rather than looking forward to making memories, then read on. I am going to share the 3 tips that I use to survive and thrive during the holidays.
1. Prep early
Make a game plan, and say “no, thank you” early on. Set your intentions on who you want to spend your holidays with, who you want to invite to your home (if anyone!), and who you want to visit. Then, plan accordingly. If that means that there are invites you decline, so be it. Declining events is ok to do, even if there is societal pressure making you feel otherwise.
It is kinder for all involved to let people know early on that you won’t be attending. Rather than RSVP “maybe” and have a sense of looming dread until the date of the event, be up-front from the start. This way, they are not expecting or planning for your presence only for you to not show up last minute, leading to disappointment or frustration.
Take the time and ask yourself the question: Do I really want this, or are you just saying yes because I feel obliged? If it is the latter, use this as an opportunity to speak up for yourself and set some boundaries on your time and energy.
2. Schedule Breaks
Regardless of how much you may love the people around you, know that you will need to take one (or several) breaks. Social situations don’t produce the same response in the reward-centres of the brains of introverts compared to extraverts, which is why they likely can feel draining more quickly. Plan for some time to recharge, and don’t feel guilty for needing to take it.
These can happen throughout a long engagement, such as being at the in-laws’ place for the full day, or after a shorter event like a dinner. Either way, take time to step away from it all and recenter in a way that helps you recover best. For me, that is taking a brisk walk and then reading a juicy tabloid in silence. For others, it could be doing some yoga, going for a run, knitting, etc. Even just a 5-minute walk around the block while others are catching-up in the living room can be a great help.
The point here is to do what works for you, and to be intentional about it.
3. Have Clear Communication
Honesty is the best policy – especially when it comes to your personal boundaries and limits.
Often people will feel as though they can’t be fully honest about the reasons why they make certain choices. But the truth is, if you are dealing with family and friends who truly care about you, they would want you to feel as though you can be your true self with them.
Instead of forcing yourself to act like an extrovert, and pretend you enjoy the long parties that go into the wee hours of the morning, be candid about your limits. Be clear in your communication with people and let them know that it drains you; that it’s nothing personal and that you just need something else.
If you’re an introvert in a family of extroverts, use this as an opportunity to give them a chance to learn more about “real” you, and to love them all the same. Explain that it’s not them, it’s you, and it is just a personal preference and not a moral failing or disease.
Your Holidays Your Way
The holidays can be trying for a lot of people, and being overwhelmed with social engagements and pressures is just one of the reasons why. Instead of feeling like you need to push through, even at a detriment to your mental health, try these 3 simple tips instead. I am confident that adding these in will prevent the dreaded introvert hangover.
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