If you prefer time by yourself, or need a break from socialising, you might be dreading the jubilant time of the year. With friends and family including you in their plans, how do you deal with the seemingly endless invitations? Cayley Alberts,occupational therapist at Netcare Akeso George, is here to say it’s all okay
Cayley notes that introverts are often hard on themselves when it comes to social gatherings as these events can conjure up a lot of anxiety. “Firstly, it is important to allow yourself to choose which family gatherings you feel more comfortable to attend,” she says. While you may feel like you’re missing out if you don’t join in on the fun, Cayley enlightens that you shouldn’t allow ‘fomo’ to drive you to attend every event you’re invited to. This can result in you feeling exhausted by the end of the festive season. Instead, she offers these practical tips:
• Prepare beforehand. It’s important to find out details about the event beforehand, such as who will be attending, the time, venue and theme. This can help you manage your expectations.
• Consider your capacity. Plan activities that will allow you to feel rested and build up necessary energy before the social gathering begin. Even if it’s getting a full night’s rest the night before. Engaging in activities that relax you and ‘full your cup’ can help to put you in a positive space before the event. For example, spend time in nature or explore your creativity through activities such as painting, writing or music.
• Interact with smaller groups at the event, or have one-on-one conversations. This can be less intimidating and can also ease your anxiety, compared to discussions with a larger group.
• Be comfortable with the pauses or breaks in a conversation and know that you don’t always need to fill the silence.
Take breaks during a gathering, whether it be regular bathroom breaks, stepping outside for a breather, or playing with the host’s pets. This can help you maintain your energy and will also help you to feel more comfortable within the space.
Practice self-care to recharge…
During: Take a break from the social situation. You can experience a sensory overload due to things like loud music, chattering, different smells or bumping into people. Find a space to recentre for a few minutes; a quiet spot, or popping in your earbuds to listen to your favourite song in the bathroom.
After: Whether it’s by getting some sleep, spending time in nature, or reading a book, be kind to yourself and recharge your battery. Be conscious that it may take you longer than others to recharge and that you might want to do it differently to those around you. Set boundaries without isolating… Cayley recommends communicating with family ahead of time to obtain necessary information about the details of the event and ask that they respect your need to sometimes to take a sensory break during the event. “Explain to your family that you will only be attending certain events and that they should respect this,” she assert
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