10 Ways to Survive as an Extrovert in an Introvert’s World
By Katharine Bierce
Missing the office? Make the most of shelter-in-place with these practices.
1. Practice gratitude
Keep a gratitude journal. Or, think of a few ordinary and a few unusual things you’re grateful for each day.
2. Meditate daily
The increased emotional awareness that meditation supports will help you with your relationships, in video chat, in-person, and by phone. I like the book The Mind Illuminated for a detailed and clear explanation of the psychology and practice behind meditation. Kristin Neff has great self-compassion meditations on Insight Timer, which are great for high achievers who experience a lot of self-criticism.
3. Say hello
From a safe 6-foot distance: wave and greet your neighbors as you go for a walk. If you’re not able to leave your house except for groceries, call your relatives or people you know who could use some care. Ask how they’re doing. I like to yell “Live long and prosper!” (the nerd’s prayer, familiar to Star Trek fans) when walking past people in my neighborhood.
4. Start a new hobby
When you learn something new, you may find yourself in a flow state, or at least engrossed in practice. There are tons of dance moves, musical instruments, etc. you could be practicing at home, even if you’re by yourself. Even if we’re not allowed to gather in large groups for months, think of that time as an opportunity to get really good at something that brings joy to both yourself and others.
5. Garden
Even if you don’t have a back yard, check out the apartment gardening contraptions out there. Plant some seeds. See what sprouts. What better time to grow your own lettuce if you love salads and your local grocery store is starting to experience supply chain issues?
6. Practice self-massage
Place your hands over your feet, legs, arms, torso; whole body with the intention to be present and feel whatever is coming up for you. After all, it’s OK to touch your own face* at home if no one else is around! (*Washing your hands before and after touching your face is always advisable, though. Not recommended outdoors, in public places, in someone else’s place, etc.) It’s not as amazing as actually going to a massage therapist, but it’s your body and you can love yourself. While we’re on this topic, consider purchasing a 5 or 10 session package from your favorite local massage therapist – they could use your generosity right now to pay rent, because not everyone can work remotely.
7. Join online dance parties
These DJs are hosting livestreams during shelter-in-place with electronic dance music to bring some joy to those staying at home. Some may have a public Twitch.tv link and a friends-and-family Zoom link (if you know them).
8. Rethink the office happy hour
Host an online talent show, open mic night, bring in a guest comedian or pianist for karaoke on video chat. Artists can really use your support right now - and I bet you could use some joy, too! My friend Meer Musa is a New York City-based artist who is available for freelance work on hourly or per project basis, if you’re looking for a custom birthday card, T shirt, or art class “happy hour” for your colleagues or friends who want to learn to draw. You can contact him at meerspacestation (at) gmail (dot) com.
You might find your colleagues have talents you didn’t know about!
For comedy, I think these guys are funny:
Gus Constantellis is a first generation Greek-American LGBTQ+ stand up comedian living in NYC. Watch his half hour special, Pepper, on YouTube. You can contact him through Instagram: @constantlygus for bookings.
Adam Mamawala is a stand-up comic based out of NYC who has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV and BET, and brings a unique perspective as a mixed race person (his dad is from India and his mom is from Wisconsin). Watch a recent video of Adam here and contact him via Instagram at @adammamawala!
Dimitri Wejaysingher is a comedian, nerd, and lover of chicken wings available for custom comedy shows. Email him at: brownbaldbeauty AT gmail DOT com
9. Help others
There are TONS of volunteer opportunities you can do while sheltering-in-place, especially to help people who are out of work to find jobs. Resume reviews, career coaching, practice interviews etc. can be done from anywhere with a phone or Internet connection. VolunteerMatch and others have lists of volunteering opportunities that can be done virtually. You can also do pro bono consulting projects with Taproot Foundation or Catchafire.org if you’re more into using your skills than 1-1 coaching, but if you’re missing human connection, giving a job-seeker advice can be particularly rewarding.
10. Be generous
The secret of the virtue of generosity is that it’s about connecting with the heart. Notice how you feel when you practice generosity. Is it not consistently better than after hours of Netflix-binging and over-consuming alcohol to numb the pain of disconnection? Offer what feels resonant with you and let your heart be moved by the desire to be of benefit.
Questions? Comments? Tweet to @BizCasualYoga with your responses!
