Summertime is often a time when family get-togethers happen more frequently. Which can be a fun and exciting time for some people. But, for many introverted and highly sensitive women, this can be a challenge! You may feel overwhelmed by all the people in one place, the noise, and the lack of quiet. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies for surviving family get-togethers during the summer months.
Have a Plan
Having a plan can be key for introverts and highly sensitive women to survive family get-togethers. When you know what to expect, it can help reduce some anxiety. It can also help you to schedule some time for you to be alone before the event, during, and after. This way you can prepare for the get-together, help yourself from getting overwhelmed, and have time to recover from it. For example, if you know there will be a lot of people at the get-together, consider arriving early or staying late so that you can avoid the craziness.
Consider the Weather
This can also be great if your summer family get-together is outside. If you know that you’ll be in the sun for a certain amount of time, make sure there will be somewhere for you to be in the shade as well. Or, if it’s going to be too hot after a certain amount of time, you can have an exit plan.
Bring a Friend or Family Member
So, you know you have a family get-together coming up…Try to bring a friend or family member! This way you won’t be alone. It also makes sure you’ll have someone to talk to and make things less awkward. If you’re introverted, or even just shy, this can be a lifesaver. This can also help reduce some of the anxiety and make it more enjoyable.
Find Your People
If you’re not able to find someone to bring with you, when you get to the family get-together, try to find your people. Or, even talk to them beforehand so you can make plans to meet up there. These people are the ones you feel most comfortable with. Maybe it’s your cousin who is introverted like you or your Aunt who is always down to have a serious conversation. Having people to who you can relate will make the experience much more fun and less stressful!
Take Breaks
Feeling overwhelmed with the heat, the smell of BBQ, or just the amount of people around you? Go take a break! This can look like taking a walk around the block, going inside to watch tv, or even just sitting by yourself for a few minutes. Just listen to your body. It will tell you when you’ve had too much interaction or when you’re overstimulated. And it’s okay to take a break! No one will be offended, I promise.
Wear Comfy Clothes
This may seem obvious but wearing comfy clothes to your family get-together can help you feel more relaxed! For example, wearing something flowy instead of something tight and constricting. Or, if you know you’ll be sitting on the ground, maybe wear pants instead of a skirt. You know yourself best, so dress in a way that will make you feel the most comfortable.
Dress for the Weather
It’s summer, so making sure you’re considering the heat when choosing your outfit is key! Wearing something light and airy can help you feel more comfortable. For example, a summer dress or shorts and a tank top. And, if you know there will be mosquitoes, make sure to wear bug spray! Nothing is worse than being itchy. And, if you know there will be a lot of walking involved, ditch the heels and fancy shoes! Wear something comfortable to walk in like tennis shoes or flats. Both can be cute without killing your feet!
Bring Your Own Food
Food choices at family get-togethers may be something that stresses you out. Will there be anything you can eat? Will you have to explain your dietary restrictions? To make sure you’re included and don’t end up hangry, bring your own food! This way you will know you will have something to eat, and you don’t have to worry about if there are any options for you.
Have Fun!
Lastly, have fun! This is a time to enjoy the presence and time of your family. Family get-togethers can be a great way to relax and spend time with your loved ones. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to be social. You’re all family there. So, I’m sure they will understand if you need some time to yourself. Just take a deep breath and enjoy yourself!
ARE YOU INTROVERTED OR AN HSP WOMAN LOOKING FOR PERSONALIZED COACHING AND SUPPORT?
Hopefully, this guide to family get-togethers makes your summer a little bit easier! Hopefully, it has helped you to realize it’s possible to live your best life as an introvert or HSP woman. As an HSP and Introvert coach, I would love to help you figure out more tips and tricks to help you make your plan for family get-togethers (and your life) work for you! If you’re interested in coaching, let’s connect! You can learn more about my radical introvert coaching program with this free, Radical Introvert Audio Training “How to Find Peace in This Fast-Paced World”. When you’re ready to take action, I make it simple to book a free, 30-minute consultation call with me. I can’t wait to hear from you!
About the Author
Enid DeJesus is an introvert coach who coaches introverted and sensitive women throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond. She understands what it’s like to be overwhelmed at gatherings as a sensitive, introvert herself. This is why she created her coaching program to help women, like you. To help relieve you from the chaos of this world and to help find ways to navigate it.
If you’re interested to start the radical introvert coaching program, let’s talk!
