Sing the 12 Days of Christmas like the Introvert YouAre

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Holidays and introverts are only close words in adictionary. In life, the events and this people styledon’t always mix easily.

In years past the traffic and crowded stores weretoo much for some of us. Now add in the additionalstress due to technology in our lives.

As you listen to this song or sing it (even just thinkit) in your head: ♪♪♬♫ On the first day ofChristmas, which is getting close, substitute thewords, I gave these gifts to me ♪♪♬♫. Ahem:

1. Shop online or dare to be different.

Why would you venture out to the maddening crowdsto be frustrated and have your energy drained? It’seasy enough to buy all gifts online so finish up that giftbuying on your computer.

Or dare to be different. Consider something likepooling resources with family members interested inhelping out a local non-profit. This kind gesture is notthe exclusive domain of churches who regularly poolresources of their congregation.

2. Turn on your favorite holiday music.

Whether you are listening with iTunes or Pandora, likeme, turn on your favorite holiday music and close the door to the outside world for a while. Plenty ofresearch overwhelmingly points to positive effects of music for our being. As you might expect music canrelax you. For the more introverted, music can give you energy if you feel drained!

For the more introverted, music can give you energy if you feel drained!

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3. Have a cup of tea.

There are several herbal teas in particular that are calming, so give them atry: Chamomile and mint are two of my personal favorites.

Several brands of tea have a mix of different mints like peppermint andspearmint and chamomile. You get double pleasure since both herbs 1) helpan upset stomach – and sometimes we do overeat during the holidays – aswell as 2) help boost a positive mood.

4. Exercise for endorphins.

I admit I am a workout addict – it’s number one on my list of the Top 25Things to Do That Don’t Cost Anything! The truth is, endorphins releasedwith exercise are a mood enhancer.

Why not improve your mood with all the other benefits of exercise, including,keeping those extra holiday calories from sticking? Walking is one of theeasiest ways to change your mood, your brain, and your health.

For we introverts, walking is something that we can easily do alone and avoida room full of strangers. And if you are going to use the winter holidayweather as an excuse, guess what – DVDs or YouTube to the rescue for everything from walking in placeto yoga, Pilates or something that won’t be strenuous. I feel certain my friend Catarina Alexon can give yousome hints about yoga. Since I’m only in my fourth session, I’m more of an expert about walking.

5. Be selective about party invitations.

Practice this statement, “I so appreciate you thinking of me but I’ve got a previous commitment.” No needfor any explanations and people will surprise you by not pressing you further.

Of course for some of us more ambivert we might enjoy parties. Just know your limits and be preparedeither with an exit plan or ready to hide out a little somewhere during the affair. The point is to be selectiveabout accepting and attending holiday parties. This will give you the resilience you need during theseason. Marquita Herald offers some good news to anyone who feels doubtful about taking some alonetime during the holidays.

6. Express gratitude.

Being grateful can make you feel better. You can write an emailto someone, telephone them or just think of an event aboutwhich you have good feelings. Gratitude has its positive energy!

Using positive and loving techniques like viewing a situation, aperson or a thing as something you appreciate can help youavoid reaching for that extra piece of pumpkin pie as a comfort toyour stress.

7. Connect with close friends.

Do fewer and more intimate relationships appeal to you? Thenfocus on including those people in your holiday plans before youdecide to try and become a social butterfly. Being with our closerfriends and family can be more rewarding for those of us morelike introverts.

8. Make plans with new connections for after theholidays.

Inevitably the holidays are a time you will meet otherpeople whether it’s when you visit friends and family,or are at a holiday business networking event. If youare a networker, save the further connection for a timeafter the holiday season.

9. Meditate or just take some quiet time torecharge your batteries.

Study after study shows that meditation andmindfulness regularly done can reduce worry, help with better sleep, and produce calm in our body.

To get you started: take a deep breath in on the count of 4, hold it for the count of 4, let it out for the samecount, and hold at the end out breath for the same count. Say, aaa hh hh. I find just 10 to 30 minutes a dayis enormously energizing.

10. Be self-sufficient.

Challenge yourself to take charge and host your ownparty. Set the start and end time and make the list. Or,offer the host or hostess of a party you attend to helpthem in a small way. Anyone, extrovert and introvertalike, would welcome some help during a party wherethey are the host.

11. Savor the moments.

Be the picture taker where you go. As collectors ofthoughts, we can take the photo task to a meaningfullevel of being behind the camera. Then we mightemail copies or get prints made for the attendees. Lotsof quiet time to celebrate after the event with the memories.

12. And a little time alone in a beautiful place, just for you.

I’m so blessed to be just 5 minutes from a beach. I love getting thereearly in the morning for just 15 to 20 minutes when no one else isaround. Just me, the gentle waves, an occasional breeze and naturesounds. Remember, New Years celebrations are just ahead!

The Twelve Days of Christmas song, in some people’s thinking, hasno meaning at all, except a catchy and memorable tune. But the ideashere, in introvert style, are meant to have a positive way of taking careof you and me.

The link between stress and illness is real and documented. Thisholiday season why not make a plan, just like you might have abusiness plan, to think about what gifts you can give yourself?

What would you add to the list if you were to …

Sing the 12 Days of Christmas like the Introvert You Are

Post originally published: December 13, 2011

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