During the COVID pandemic, some of us experienced what it feels like to go slow, to be well rested, to take ample time for things. This was a revelation for some.
As people become vaccinated and restart their in-person social lives, there is the pleasure and fun of being socially active once again.
(I have been referring to this period as “Freshman Year of College” for many of us.)
This time is alluring, the desire to connect is deep, however, I urge you to hold your boundaries. Do not lose the learning of the past 15 months.
If you need significant downtime to feel your best, don’t abandon your needs now. As a Highly Sensitive Person, in my case this has meant being careful about alternating days of socializing with days of rest. I am a better, more engaged friend when the socializing is deliberate, chosen, and balanced with necessary periods of rest.
Just a gentle reminder that we are rediscovering our capacity for fun, and that we need to balance the urgency of the moment with our need for rest. We are relearning all the skills we used to possess.
Be joyful out there. And get your sleep!