How Introverts Recover from Large Social Gatherings Like Pros!
I truly suck at recovering from large events and huge social gatherings as an Introvert.
I always, and I mean ALWAYS, underestimate how long it takes me to get back to being my fully happy and content Introvert self.
I forget the things that help me recover. I mean we all know the basics; quiet time, self-care etc.
Ya know. The regular stuff. But even though I’ve been doing the basics, it’s been slow, and I mean SLOW recovery for me from my latest HUGE event and opportunity.
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Introvert Social Exhaustion and Me!
Me and my Hubby are indie artists and musicians, and we had the opportunity to be a part of an amazing soul music festival in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
It was the opportunity of my dreams come true!
Yep, I’m an Introvert and an inspirational soul singer at the same time. Pretty crazy right?
I still don’t totally understand why God gave me such a mild quiet personality if he wanted me singing in front of people, but He did! So hey, I just go with it!
Every time I grab a mic I’m nervous. And it doesn’t matter if there’s one person in the audience or thousands! But I absolutely love singing and performing. There’s nothing like feeling like you’re doing what you were made to do.
We performed three thirty minute sets over the course of the festival, and still I’m so extremely thankful for having been able to do it.
There was lots and lots of socializing and meeting new people, being “on,” constantly appearing to be open to engaging with people before and after performances. I even got to take pictures with some new “fans” of my music, I mean really, I have no complaints!
We were there for five absolutely AMAZING days, and we’ve been back home for almost a month now.
You’d think we just got back yesterday by the way I’ve been feeling though.
Because this is a safe space for me to share Introvert struggles, I want to be completely honest: I have been physically and mentally exhausted. I’m finally getting back to myself though but it’s taken some time.
The Introvert Rundown about Social Stimulation
Social stimulation is so very draining for us introverts. It’s one of the most common traits of being an introvert.
As much as we may enjoy talking to people, and being around them (especially our favorite people) it’s still draining in some way. And we need time to recover from being around people.
The more people we’re around, the more social situations we’re involved in, the more exhausted we can become.
And when it comes to events and gatherings, the larger the more taxing, and our recovery time can be way longer than it normally is.
Does it sound like this might be you too, but you’re not quite sure? Take my Introvert Quiz!
I want to chronicle some of the things I’m doing to get back to the real me in hopes that it helps you.
Chill
Yep, chill. As we used to say as kids;
Take a chill pill and be still.
Take a minute. Or take an hour.
Take some time every day to just do nothing. Whatever you like to do that involves no brain power or thought. Let your mind rest for a minute.
I’m not really a TV person, but I do like to watch a good series on Netflix or Hulu. And there are some really good series out.
I’d been wanting to watch something similar to Game of Thrones, and Vikings on Hulu has been hitting the spot so I’ve been binging that.
Go get your nails done, get a massage, catch up on some reading. Just do something small for you every day.
Rest is a part of the rejuvenation process.
Did you know your skin cells are actually at work when you’re at rest?
This is why you’re supposed to apply facial serums at night. (Esthetician License kicking in!) Your skin cells are healing, renewing, revitalizing, and beautifying as you sleep.
So yes, when you’re resting your body is still working. Let it work.
Be kind to yourself
I have this thing about kindness, and it’s a huge part of who I am and how I like to inspire people. Heck I wrote an entire song about it!
I’m a sucker for random acts of kindness videos and they bring me to tears every single time.
Would you believe, it’s so difficult to be kind to myself?
I’m so passionate about being kind to others, but not to me, myself and I.
Pretty weird, but it’s TRUE!!!
I am really hard on myself. I set these lofty goals for myself to reach, and every day I beat myself up for not doing more.
Not doing it all. Not doing enough. Not being enough.
I know, I know, it’s horrible.
This is one of those moments where I’m preaching do as I say, not as I do.
It’s a process but I’m trying, and I’m working through it.
Do less
Yes I know you planned on doing ABC, 123, do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti. But lets just cut it back to ABC for now.
I know, trust me, I know. I’m the planning QUEEN.
I love my Happy Planner, it’s my favorite planner and I get a new one every year religiously. I use a planner, notebooks, spreadsheets, I mean I use all the things.
However, when in recovery mode, I’ve had to scale all the way down to the minimum. Oh it’s killin me, but it’s the only way I’m making it through the day.
Self-care
As a Mom and Wife I know how important it is to care for your family. I’m 5 years into marriage and 3 years into Mommy-hood, and I do not, I repeat DO NOT have a grip on self-care. BUT it’s a process and I’m still learning.
Here are a few self-care ideas for you:
Alone Time
Journaling
Listen to Music
Read (or listen to) a book
Check out this post, and this post for more on self-care!
Exercise
Yep, exercise. Ugh.
I’ve come to the place in my life where I’m finally embracing being active. I’ve never been a sports person or into any type of physical activity.
It’s so important though and my weight’s been yo-yo-ing for years. And now due to the pandemic, so many of us (me included) have been steadily gaining weight.
If you’ve gained some, you’re definitely not alone. Just gotta get moving again.
So I’m back in the gym a couple days a week and stretching every day. We all know those endorphins you get through exercise help to boost your mood and overall well-being.
It only helps, even if you only have time for 20 minutes a day. Don’t psych yourself out of it thinking it’s not enough. It’s better than doing absolutely nothing.
Do the best you can! It will only help you get back to YOU.
To-Do Lists
To-do lists truly save my life every day. They keep me on task and help me remember the things I absolutely MUST do that day.
I do have a massive all encompassing to-do list with ALL the things and yearly goals broken down to the months, weeks and days.
BUT, when easing back into life, I focus only on what I need to get done for the day until I’m ready for life as usual.
Ease back into life
Ease back into your daily routine and your daily goals. Take your time and ease back into it.
I said EASE!!! This is not a sprint! Life is a marathon.
So take. Your. Time.
It can be annoying but some things just take time, whether you want them to or not.
You got this. We got this.
Oh by the way, if you’re interested in seeing some of the video footage from my performances, I posted mini-vlogs on my music channel on Youtube as well as on my music Instagram!
For more on introverts, check out these posts:
Things Introverts Hate vs. Things Introverts Love
Why Introverts Don’t Like People
Introvert Resting B*tch Face or RBF
Haven’t read my amazingly helpful eBook on Introverts yet? Check it out here!
How Introverts Recover from Large Social Gatherings Like Pros!