How to Balance Social Events with Quiet Time
Perhaps you are excited that you have multiple social events to attend this season. The holidays can be reasons to throw epic parties. There could be gatherings where you may see people you look forward to reconnecting with. Perhaps, though, you are also worried about wearing yourself out. Attending social functions can be exhausting. Making sure to include quiet time for yourself in your itinerary can be helpful. This time can help you recenter so that your social whirlwind does not become overwhelming.
Ascertaining Needs and Priorities Surrounding Social Events
You know yourself and how social activities affect you. Decide ahead of time what you want to do during the holiday season. You absolutely do not have to attend every social event that is happening. Events that you are excited to go to should be your social priorities. Only put as much on your calendar as you are likely to have stamina for. Possibly go a step further and make fewer plans than you may have energy for. IntrovertSpring suggests: “Instead of overcommitting, schedule in LESS than what you think you can handle.”
You have decided which events you would really like to attend. As you create a workable holiday social plan for yourself, consider some scheduled quiet time. Incorporating this can help you gear up so that you are ready for multiple social events. It can be helpful to add this to your calendar specifically. Val Nelson recommends: “Build in some restorative time at home.” A few days of relaxation can enhance your enjoyment of the events you attend later. How much downtime to factor in depends on your needs. It can also be helpful to have some quiet time after you attend your events.
Enjoying Quiet Time
You have had a blast at a flurry of fun events. Now, you look forward to some time to rest and enjoy your own company. When you do get a little quiet time, you can take the opportunity for self-care. There are many options for taking care of yourself during treasured moments of downtime. Read the book you have had on your shelf and been looking forward to. Take a relaxing soak in the bathtub. Go through a set of yoga poses. Activities that you enjoy and find beneficial can help with a social reset. Once you feel up for it, you can rejoin the social world with enthusiasm.
One thing to look out for during this time is the potential for loneliness. Pay attention to how you are feeling. If you feel unmotivated, sad, or craving company, check in with someone you care about. Additionally, you can anticipate that you might feel lonely during periods between social whirlwinds. While quiet time may be beneficial, some friendly interaction with people can also be welcome. To facilitate this, try out some activities you can participate in regularly. Find a group of people to take weekly walks with. Join a book club or a casual sports league. Having someplace you meet people each week can ward off a sense of isolation.
Avoiding Social Overwhelm Via Organization and Self-care
It can be exhausting just thinking about multiple social events happening one after another. Having an idea of what your social calendar looks like can help you gather momentum. Think about how many events you can attend without becoming overwhelmed. Plan a social calendar that aims to keep you steady and energized. As you plan your social schedule, factor in quiet time before events. When you have quiet time, self-care activities can help you regain equilibrium. Including some regular interaction during periods of social downtime can help you from being lonely. Once you have come up with a game plan, enjoy your bustling social engagements. Also, enjoy the relaxing time you spend by yourself.
