Busy weekends come and take our quiet worlds to storm. Even the anticipation can be draining. As an introvert, I deeply value my alone time. I enjoy quiet evenings alone at home, often with an even mix of time to myself and time spent with my husband. This is a time I need to rest, relax, and rejuvenate for the following day (or week) ahead, or just recover from a long and exhausting day.
When I don’t get that time, I really don’t like who I become. I try to control it, but I have a tendency to get really easily frazzled. An ounce of prevention…
People are overwhelming. I like people for the most part, but tell me I have to spend a whole day straight with them, or an entire weekend surrounded by others, and it’s just too much for my system to handle. Being an HSP might play into this more than being an introvert does, but they play off of each other so perfectly, concocting the perfect internal storm of heightened emotion and absolute exhaustion.
I’m also the type to feel my introversion physically, which often means being completely ready for bed by the time 5 o’clock rolls around (if the day has been spent with other humans).
Sometimes I’m frustrated by my introversion and HSP tendencies. And then other times I just need a gentle reminder that it’s okay to step back and take a break, even if only for a moment. We need to honor our own needs if we ever want to be the best that we can be for others. There’s nothing selfish about taking a break to recharge our batteries.
There can be something beautiful in the storm when we’re willing to listen. What needs do we have? Sometimes we spend so much time trying to take care of others before even thinking of ourselves, that we don’t even know what needs we have. How can we care for ourselves if we don’t even know ourselves? This is a lesson I’m learning.
Do you feel overwhelmed with too much social interaction? I find it helps to step away, even if only for a moment to be alone and catch my breath. What do you find helps the most on busy days?