It’s that time of year where we gather with loved ones, family and friends alike. It’s a great way to catch up with everyone and it brings the comfort of familiarity during the colder, darker months. However, for some, the holidays can be mentally (if not emotionally) exhausting. Sometimes you need to relax during the holidays as an introvert.
Here’s where I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I’m an introvert. Sometimes I need a little break from all of the chatter and excitement of togetherness. The pressure to constantly be “on” during the holidays can be exhausting for the introvert.
Since hiding in a closet for down time may be frowned upon, I’ve had to find other ways to cope during extended gatherings. That was total hyperbole. Don’t hide in closets; books are better and they don’t incite claustrophobia.
Social gatherings don’t create anxiety for me, and it’s not that I’m shy or anti-social, I am comfortable to entertain myself by myself. (Think Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potterseries). But sometimes, I just need a little break to “recharge.”
Knowing that I can’t change who I am, I thought I’d compile a list of activities that you can arrange with finesse during the holidays. These can be social activities if you make them, but they also provide a little bit of “peace and tranquility” for the introvert to “recharge” between conversations.
How to Relax During the Holidays as an Introvert
Play Holiday Music
It’s common knowledge that music can help relieve stress. I don’t care what anyone says, but Thanksgiving is fair game for holiday music! I especially love instrumental jazz compositions to help set a relaxing mood, but having a few sing a longs is another option.
Watch Movies
There are so many good movies to stream nowadays that you can almost always find a crowd pleaser. If you are hosting out-of-towners with children, put on a classic cartoon movie for the kids for some peace and quiet. Or, you can always play on-demand movies that recently came out for the adults. Either way, it gives the introvert a chance to not feel obligated to be engaged in conversations 100% of the time.
Relax with Coffee + Essential Oils
Brian and I have recently gotten into diffusing essential oils. We especially love diffusing lavender and rosemary oils. The pleasant scents are truly relaxing, and the bit of moisture from the diffuser helps us breathe better at night, too. We are also slight coffee addicts. We start off every morning with coffee and sometimes have a mid-afternoon sip. Lately, I’ve found myself craving coffee after dinner but I’ve refrained from having any because of the extra caffeine. I found one that piqued my interest that you can also buy online.
The Relax decaffeinated coffee from the Eight O’Clock Coffee Infusions line was love at first sniff. I totally forgot this coffee had lavender in it until I opened the seal bag. The aroma of coffee mixed with lavender immediately lifted my spirits.
There is something so relaxing and fulfilling about drinking a hot cup of coffee. This particular blend from Eight O’ Clock is a decaf, gentle roast with cuts of chamomile and lavender to help soothe and relax you. A perfect combination to enjoy as you unwind. Be sure to grab thiscoupon for $1 off.
This is the perfect coffee to have in the evening after dinner to help you relax. I see us drinking this coffee on our enclosed lanai with our gas fire pit during these long, dark nights.
Walk the Dog
Having a pet or two to walk is a great way for the introvert to get out of the house with a little bit of grace. Even if a visiting family member joins you on the walk, having something to do with a significantly smaller crowd while getting fresh air, is just what you need to recharge. Plus, the distraction of watching your pets provides the introvert an easy conversation topic.
Squeeze in a Workout
When you really want some alone time, always squeeze in a workout. Chances are, most of your relatives will not want to break a sweat during their vacation, especially if it’s a tough routine like this one (sweet!).
Are you an introvert?
How do you relax during the holidays as an introvert?
