Holiday Stress Survival Tips for Introverts (2/2)
If you're an introvert who craves peace and quiet, don’t worry I have more tips to share with you today!
Ease the headaches that stress you out introverts. Here’s Part 2 of my special Holiday Stress Survival Tips on how you can put back the peace, love and joy in Christmas time.
Holiday Stress Factor 3:
Social Anxiety
Some people may see introverted people as anti-social, but in fact the opposite is typically the case. Introverts are not satisfied with surface chit-chat the way that many extroverts can be. Rather than talking about the weather, or always saying everything's going great when maybe it isn't, they seek deep connections and meaningful exchanges.
Another obvious problem for introverts is that they hesitate in social situations. Shyness can have an introvert wondering, "When is it my turn to talk? What if people think my story is weird or boring?" Because of this social anxiety, they may miss their chance to connect with others, which is what they really desire in the first place.
How to cope as an introvert:
If you feel unsatisfied while mingling at a party, ask yourself why and how you can deepen your connections while interacting. One skill introverted people seem to innately have is the ability to listen and observe. So while the more gregarious and outgoing partygoer might have spent the entire time storytelling, the quiet and pensive introvert might get more out of it by paying attention to others, including more subtle cues such as body language and facial expressions.
With this in mind, if you're introverted but feel self-conscious at being in the social spotlight, you can warm up by asking other people questions. You might also seek out that other, shy introvert who is hovering on the sidelines and gently strike up conversation with them. Finally, make time to be with your tribe this holiday season. You likely have a few special friends with whom you have a soul connection. Being in the presence of these gentle souls lifts and support your spirit rather than crushes it. So if you can, ditch the big bash, and instead host that small, cozy gathering with your special people!
Holiday Stress Factor 4:
Not Enough Time to Do It All
At Christmas, there never seems to be enough time to fit in all that you have to do. Married people and singles alike will find themselves busy from the early hours of the morning to nearly midnight, as they attempt to juggle all the oughts and shoulds of the holiday season.
If someone catches wind of an open day on your calendar, they quickly swoop in with plans. People also tend to be impulsive and excessive at this time of year. So a friend of yours might catch the giving fever, and next thing you know, you're involved in a charitable effort that, while a noble idea indeed, is something you didn't really have time for in the first place.
How to cope as an introvert:
Self-care and me-time is essential for an introvert to maintain their wellbeing. If you're stressed, you're more likely to wear yourself down physically and become susceptible to colds and flu - which is the last thing anyone needs during the holidays, introvert or not. So if you're a quiet, sensitive and easily overwhelmed individual who does not thrive in chaos, then you'll want to pencil in that down-time right on the calendar right along with the celebrating, shopping, visiting and sightseeing.
Also keep in mind that all the big plans everyone tends to make in December don't have to die after New Year's Day. So if someone suggests that you do something outside the realm of possibility this holiday season, remind them that the next two months of dreary winter leave tons of room for ideas to develop and bloom!
Extra Tips for Introverts Looking to Avoid Stress:
Always drive your own vehicle to parties. This way, if you start to feel socially overwhelmed or drained, you can make a polite yet swift solo exit without feeling like you're cutting short someone else's good time.
Try to reserve one "day of rest". This doesn't mean you don't have to do anything on, say, a Sunday in December. But making the conscious effort to leave a day open for whatever, can give you the freedom your introvert soul needs to go with your inner flow.
Self-care themed gifts are welcomed at this time! Imagine if family and friends started giving you introvert-friendly holiday gifts such as knitting needles and yarn, stationery and pens, paint sets, yoga books, herbal teas, essential oils, soft music, and all the things that quiet people love to make part of their self care ritual?
If you'd like people to think of peace, quiet and cozy down-time when they think of you, then start by offering these things to others as holiday gifts.
Read all my other Holiday Tips at your convenience + enjoy extra perks by taking advantage of my free month offer: