Wake up. Get ready while trying not to be stingy with your time in front of the mirror for the sake of the roommate who is also trying to put on mascara. Go to class. Sit in class with that girl next to you asking what is going on every five minutes. Go to lunch and sit in a loud, crowded room eating while trying to get some peace. Hang out with friends later that night even though you’ve already seen that episode of Grey’s Anatomy and all you want is some sleep.
Does this schedule sound familiar to you? If so, then we are a lot alike. You could be described to people as an extroverted introvert. What does that mean exactly? You love to have a good laugh, love to hang out with your friends, and you love to do fun, adventurous activities. It is what fuels you! Only for a certain period of time though. After a couple days in a row with this consistent schedule, you start to feel drained, and maybe get a little cranky. All you want to do is eat a meal alone without your phone blowing up or a friend chatting in your ear about that annoying teacher. And I’m here to say that it’s OKAY. It’s okay to want to recharge and get your quiet time.
Every person needs it, some more than others. I know I definitely do. It can be a challenge though. You don’t want your friends to think you are blowing them off, because that’s definitely not your angle. How do you accomplish recharging your batteries in a place that you are constantly surrounded by people and things to do? I am slowly but surely adjusting to this hectic life in college, and I have been picking up some things to do that can help.
- TAKE A NAP. I do not care how elementary this sounds. Get your favorite fuzzy blanket, maybe grab your headphones and SLEEP. Do whatever you need to do. I was always told growing up that if you take a 30 minute power nap you would feel more energy than downing a cup of Starbucks. Just remember to set that alarm of yours!
- DIVE INTO YOUR HOMEWORK. Yikes. I know I'm sorry, the last thing you want to do to de-stress is study. But thinking realistically, you can be using your valuable alone time to get some work done. A lot of libraries on campuses have individual study rooms that you can book, or just walk into. It isn’t the most entertaining answer, but if you can get your alone time while being productive, why not kill two birds with one stone?
- DO SOMETHING FOR YOU. Have you really been eyeing that one sweater you saw at the store? Or have you just been dying to try that one workout class at your Rec center, but have never gotten around to it because you’ve been too busy? Now is the time! Clear your schedule and have a you afternoon. It will feel so nice to have that time alone to yourself and just have fun. It will give you some breathing room, while dying something you actually enjoy.
Once you start making time for yourself, you will start to go to group hangouts again feeling more energized, and not dreading it.You won’t care if you already saw that Grey’s episode because you’ll be happy to see your friends again. This is because you haven’t been attached to their hips for the last 3 days! So please, go take a nap and go to a yoga class. It's alright to have some alone time. Let that little bit of introvert in you shine!
