The Odyssey Online: For Introverts in Their 20's

When going out for a night of drinks and dancing feels like it might be too much, pick up the phone and invite some friends over! This creates a "win-win" situation in balancing social activity with staying in the comforts of your own home. Whether it's a movie, spa, charcuterie, karaoke, or craft night, the opportunities for hosting friends are endless. What's better than laughing the night away with friends while in cozy pajamas painting canvases and feasting on some Brie? Even if this seems a bit out of your social realm, you can even invite just one friend over at a time and go from there. I love this option personally because of the flexibility and freedom it provides and how much you can really customize the experience!

3) Spend time with people who allow you to recharge

For people who can be easily overwhelmed by others, spending time with like-minded people who you can relate to is a solid option for recharging your social battery. With some of my closest friends, we can sit in silence for hours doing work or other tasks without it being awkward, and there is never any pressure to fill any silences that may arise. Being mindful of who you spend your time with can boost your energy levels and mood, and sometimes, writing out a list of your personal values can be key in identifying your relationship priorities. Reflect on who makes you feel refreshed and uplifted after you spend time with them, and then give those friends a call and ask them out to coffee!

4) Designate "me times” throughout the week

Before each week begins, scheduling days throughout the week for “me times” can help you recharge while reaching your weekly goals. Designating one or two specific times during the week (or even daily like I’ve done) will allow you to be more organized, while also creating necessary downtime for yourself. Whether it is using your go-to exfoliator or engaging in movement, pinpointing what relaxes you most can make the time more meaningful and enjoyable. While admitting you need a break can be difficult at times, setting time aside for stress-relieving activities that you love instills a sense of personal responsibility in achieving the best health possible.

7) Set realistic goals and compromise

As someone who is easily overstimulated by crowds and loud noises, I have found goal-setting affirmations to be incredibly helpful when faced with the decision to stop playing online Scrabble in bed and go socialize with friends. When faced with the dilemma of going out, some frequently used favorite mantras of mine include, "I'll do my work for the bulk of the day so I can go out to the movies later. Whichever I decide to do is okay and does not define me" or "I will try going to the club for a half hour, and then I will reevaluate to see how I am feeling. If I decide to leave, this does not make me a bad person or friend by honoring my boundaries and trying my best." Checking in with yourself and ensuring your comfort levels is essential in having a great time and will prevent you from being trapped in unsafe, uncomfortable situations. Reciting these out loud or writing them down can help not only muster up the motivation to go but is also validating to the people around you that you care about spending time with them. Be open minded, but also know your limits and set boundaries when needed.

10) Pat yourself on the back for how hard you are trying

FOMO is real, peer-pressure is real, and navigating increased opportunities to socialize as a young adult while balancing relaxation and work can be quite difficult. However, you deserve to be proud of yourself for balancing it all amongst the chaos that is your 20s. Remember that there are always options out there and that you're doing the best that you can! To my 20-somethings who possess both outgoing and introverted traits and have difficulty expressing both sides of themselves, I see you, I hear your struggles, and you are so valid."

*As someone who is very extroverted, it can be hard for me to understand those who are more introverted. My boyfriend and I are extreme opposites when it comes to socializing, so we have had our fair share of disagreements with the amount of socializing we should be doing with others. I love to go out and he would rather stay in, so I designated certain times with him and certain times to go out with my friends. I really do try to understand the introverted mindset though. I thought this list was really great when trying to balance socialization with being able to recharge your social battery. Whether you are extroverted and love to go out, or more introverted and would rather watch a movie, your feelings are valid either way! Balance is key and this list can be a great way to help set those boundaries!*

Do you feel as though you are more introverted or extroverted? If you are more introverted, how do you balance going out with being able to come home and just chill out?

#Recharge #Introvert #SocialBattery

For the full list of ways to recharge your social battery, click here! ❤️