If you’re an anxious introvert, the thought of multiple upcoming parties can seem like a nicely wrapped up present of pure panic.
While on this ride of holiday sensory overload you may be experiencing a wide range of different emotions like:
- Disassociation- being physically present, but not mentally present. You might show up for all the events, but your heart isn’t into it anymore.
- Anxious feelings toward upcoming events or commitments
- Total withdrawal from all activities from the anxiety and events overload
Although, don’t get me wrong…
I actually love the holiday season. To me there is no better feeling than revisiting the nostalgic family traditions and reconnecting with those you love most.
But I recognize my anxiety and my need to recharge from people.
And that’s completely okay because once you’re able to identify your needs you can accommodate them and show up as the best version of yourself.
Because the truth of the matter is: the holidays don’t have to be a whirlwind of stress.
In fact, I’ve made it easy for you with this complete holiday survival guide for the anxious introvert.
1. Choose your energy transactions wisely
“It is better for introverts not to respond “Yes” to too many invitations, because that can be anxiety-producing.”-
Dr Elizabeth Lombard
Take a moment for self reflection and ask yourself these two important questions:
- What do I enjoy most about the holiday season?
- What do I hate the most about the holiday season?
For example, I love reconnecting with those I love most through the small everyday moments: taking a drive to look at Christmas lights with my family, sitting by the warm fire watching holiday movies, displaying the beautiful decorations, walking to the cafe to get a hot chocolate.
Saying yes to those aspects of the holiday seasons you love most and knowing that you have a choice in whether you attend a large holiday party or not, can eliminate a lot of the anxiety in the matter because you aren’t obligated to do something that is really racking up your nerves.
2. Allocate extra “me time”
While I love spending time with my family and friends,I know that my energy goes down the longer I’m out and about which is why it’s important to make sure my “battery” is 100% charged before. I’ve found it’s helpful too:
- Be well rested ( taking a nap before the party!)
- Making sure you carve in extra “me-time” before & after event
Taking these steps will ensure you walk into the event with the right mindset and full energy.
3. Saying no to that 3rd glass of rose
As an anxious introvert, it can be an easy choice to hold on for dear life to your drink for the entirety of the evening. No matter how many times it failed, I always made sure to have a drink in my hand thinking it was the magic cure to make my anxiety go away. But the truth is: it always made me feel worse and doubled my anxious feelings once the buzz wore off. In order to ease my anxiety it’s important I feel in control and prepared for the event and alcohol took that away from me. Why is this? Drinking alcohol is like taking a loan out ( that you repay the next day) on your serotonin and dopamine levels. So, while you may feel that boost the night before, the next day you’ll be deficient in those same happiness chemicals leaving you with a strong case of hangxiety.
“If you’re worried about embarrassing yourself, why put yourself in a situation where you’re less in control? Alcohol and drugs can actually trigger panic attacks in individuals with anxiety disorders.”
Chandra Chaikin
Try swapping it out for a better alternative like hemp-infused alcohol alternative drinks that give you the calm without the negative effects.
4. Plan ahead for conversation
It’s so tempting to think about what to say next during a conversation to avoid that awkward silence, but the best conversations are what you hear, not say. People like people who resemble themselves.That’s why Vanessa Van Edwards, Human Behavior Scientist, recommends searching for a way to say “me too!” It’s also important to focus on asking positive open-ended questions like favorites, best memories, passions, and highlights of the week/month. Here are some of my favorite excellent holiday conversation starters to find your “me too!” moment:
- Best Christmas memory you have ever had?
- What’s your favorite character from a Christmas-themed movie, book, or TV special?
- How does your family celebrate?
And if you really want to get ahead of the game on mastering conversations then I recommend checking out Vanessa Van Edwards book “Captivate: The Science of People” she shares a multitude of behavior hacks for taking charge of your interactions in any social situation.
hometablecloth says
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rosebailey008 says
Thanks for reading!