Lock down quarantine was officially lifted in my state a couple months ago. And while there were plenty of downsides to lock down, I picked up some introvert habits that I found to be life changing.
At this point, there are still plenty of precautions and guidelines, but people are once again allowed to venture out as long as proper safety procedures and distances are followed.
I’ve been a little slower to re-enter the world.
I do not love the virus itself and the general environment it’s created. However, my introverted self truly loved many of the changes lifestyle changes this situation has forced.
Here are four introvert habits I’m keeping in my life post-quarantine and pandemic, and one habit I’ll miss when it’s gone.
Socializing less
I thought I had my social life pretty balanced. I even did a few blog posts about my social tracking system and an introvert’s guide to socializing.
But when every social activity was taken off my calendar and people stopped asking for my time in a social context, I realized how wrong I was.
I was more rested, productive, and happy during lockdown than I’d been in a very long time. By the time the strict lockdown had ended, I was ready to socialize some, but I still wanted to keep things limited.
At this point, I only plan one or two activities a week (and some weeks are even less).
I can’t believe the difference it’s made.
Not only do I have more time to myself, but I also find I enjoy the social interactions I have so much more than I used to. I’m so much more present and less concerned about how long I’ve been somewhere.
This is because I now have more than enough time to myself outside of these experiences that I have plenty of time to get my work done and take care of myself.
I may be socializing less, but the quality of the experience is so much better than it used to be.
Socializing outdoors more
Experts say one of the safest ways to socialize these days is outside, six feet apart. When I socialize, this is how I do it.
And honestly? I love it.
Part of it could be that nature tends to be good to introverts. Another part could be that being outside has simply removed crowded, loud environments from my life.
Most of my previous socializing happened in cafes and restaurants. While they were better than a club or a bar, even they can be a bit much when they get loud and crowded.
My one introverted friend group and I have enjoyed this change so much that we decided that this is how we’re going to plan our gatherings well beyond the pandemic.
It’s just so nice to be outside!
I may be willing to sit closer to my friends when this is over, but socializing outdoors is my new go-to get-together suggestion.
More introspection
All of the new found free-time gave me the time and space for some serious introspection.
(To be fair, I think it had the same affect for a lot of people.)
Part of being a introvert is having a rich inner world. Being able to fully explore that inner world has been a true gift.
I’ve been able to get a lot clearer on my goals. I know what I want in life, and I’ve been able to make plans to achieve those goals using tactics that genuinely work for me.
I said to one of my friends that I feel like a caterpillar in a cocoon right now and by the time this thing is over, I’m going to be one fabulous butterfly.
Part of my plan is to make more time for introspection going forward. I aim to keep as in touch with myself as I am right now and continue to grow at a similar rate in the future.
This is probably one of my favorite introvert habits I’ve picked up.
No more social media
I know a lot of introverts see social media as a great way to socialize without leaving their house. But for me, it always felt more like I was inviting others (and mostly strangers) into my space.
As a result, I’ve never been big on social media. But I had some of the standard accounts that I’d check in on a regular basis, even if I didn’t post all that much.
When the chaos of the early days of the pandemic hit, I instinctively stepped back. I knew seeing everyone else panic online would not be good for me.
And I found the longer I stayed away, the happier I was. This isn’t a surprise. I’ve taken breaks in the past and made a similar observation.
But this experience paired with the introspection made me realize I don’t really need social media in my life at all.
I haven’t shut my accounts down yet, but I’m going to. Before long, it’ll pretty much just be Pinterest for me. It’s a prospect I’m very excited about.
One thing I’ll miss post-pandemic? The six feet of space
Sure, I miss hugging my friends and extended family members. But I absolutely love that strangers do not get close to me.
I love that I never find myself in a crowd these days.
And I love that when I’m out for a walk, it’s socially acceptable (and expected!) to cross the street if I see someone else coming my way.
I also really love that this six-foot guideline has created an environment that keeps small talk to a minimum.
I don’t know about your experience, but I’ve found that when I come across someone I don’t know, our exchanges are pretty short and to the point.
We’re all very aware of minimizing contact and maximizing distance, which keeps any unplanned interaction as short as possible.
It will absolutely be nice not to have to do these things, but I’m definitely going to miss my extended personal space when it’s gone.
Looking for more in-depth tips on how to manage your introverted life?
If you want more tips and tricks on how to manage your introvert life and build plenty of healthy introvert habits, check out the Introvert Life Guide!
This guide was designed to help you build the introvert life of your dreams. And it’s full of plenty of tips, tricks, and ideas to help you create an introvert life that’s uniquely yours!
It will also help you embrace your introverted nature and build a life to help you thrive!
For more introvert life tips, check out the other introvert posts!
Sound off: What quarantine introvert habits are you planning to keep in your life? Tell us about it in the comments!
I agree with the social distancing point. I like knowing that I won’t have strangers “all up in my junk”.