How to survive the holiday season as an introvert

For those who get their energy from quiet downtime, the holiday season can be overwhelming and nervewracking. From office holiday parties to family gatherings, it's the busiest time of year and there is a lot to anticipate (or dread).

To avoid exhaustion, here are some easy tactics to keep all introverts feeling afloat.

The first step is to always have an escape plan. Let your host know ahead of time that you need to leave by a certain hour. This prevents introverts from feeling like they've let the host down by leaving before other people and also makes the evening seem more manageable with a specific end time.

Author Sophia Dembling says: "It's a lot easier to deal with parties and go to events if you promise yourself that you can leave when you've had enough."

Second, set boundaries. Only accept the number of party invites you know you can handle. Stretching yourself too thin by overcommitting will further add to your stress. People will understand if you have conflicting prior engagements, and there is no need to try to please everyone.

Also, it's important to allow yourself to take time outs at social functions. There's nothing wrong with walking outside and taking a break from the festivities occasionally.

Finally, bring a plus one. Having a friend or partner will provide you with a familiar, friendly face and they can help you carry conversations. Or, at the very least, they'll cover for you when you need to take your breaks.

Watch the Veuer video above for more useful tips and tricks.

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