Dear Extroverts: We’ll Get Through This
This is one of those “there are two types of people…” posts. Introverts and Extroverts, right? Extroverts right now are missing their social gatherings: brunch, concerts, bars. Hell, even meetings probably look better than ever, just for the being out and around other people part! Introverts, though, like me — we were made for this kind of time. Staying in, focusing on solo hobbies, operating alone: these are introvert superpowers. So we are here for you, Extroverts! Adopt some of our habits and you can withstand even an extended quarantine.
The Extrovert’s Toolkit to Combat Cabin Fever
Get Outside. That might seem counterintuitive at the moment, when we’re all being told to stay put. Besides, Introverts hate the outdoors, right? No. Introverts just get tired out from sharing experiences with Extroverts. We like the outdoors just as much as anyone! Unless specific lockdown protocols are in effect in your area, you are allowed to go outside. Walk your dog, sunbathe on your balcony, bike on a trail, play soccer in your backyard with other members of your household. Just getting outside can help with cabin fever.
Talk to People. True, you can’t get together for brunch or watch The Bachelor with a group of people. But we’re all learning to do a whole lot virtually that we hadn’t thought about doing before. A friend yesterday told me about a birthday party where everyone was going to join a big group Facetime, since they couldn’t all get in one room. Text or live tweet a show (or even, you know, be on the telephone at the same time) with your friends. Put your laptop on the table for a virtual brunch or dinner party. Again, it’s not that Introverts don’t like other people; we have friends and we miss them too!
Create Your Own Structure. This is a tough one for a lot of people, and it applies as much to anyone who isn’t used to working at home as it does to Extroverts. One of the biggest difficulties boundless time in your house presents is the distraction of “Should I be working right now? Or exercising? Or doing laundry?” Successful time at home requires imposing structure. Set a reasonable start time in the morning (Tip: It’s OK to sleep in a little! You’re saving all your commute time!), set an alarm and get up for it. Incorporate a break for lunch. If you want to get housework done in the middle of your work day, block out some specific time for it and then get back to work. Within a week, you’ll have a new routine and every day won’t look exactly. the. same.
Slow. Down. This is perhaps the biggest difference between Introverts and Extroverts: Extroverts want continuous stimulation, while Introverts value quiet time. If you’re an Extrovert, this may be the most unnatural advice on the list, but give it a shot! Take some “me” time, as they say; try journaling, taking a bath, giving yourself a pedicure. Build a half-hour of meditation or reading into your new daily schedule. You may find eventually that you’ll look forward to these new little oases of quiet once your life resumes a hectic, outward-focused pace.
Get Shit Done. Introvert or Extrovert, this is an excellent time to get shit done! We all have lists of things we “want to do” around the house: lightbulbs to replace, paint to touch up, rooms to organize, closets to clean out. With nowhere else to go, start tackling some of those. And exercise. You know you have free time on your hands, so now there’s really no excuse. And I promise, you will feel more accomplished and less bored at the end of the day having spent two hours cleaning out a closet than spending two (more) hours binge watching Netflix.
So those are 5 friendly ways that acting more like an Introvert may help you adjust to this new way of life, dear Extrovert. Your thoughts? Comment below or share.