We are social beings. Babies that are not held at birth are development delayed and often have behavioural problems later in life. People that avoid all contact with others often do so due to phobias mental illness. Humans require a few things to survive – food, water, shelter…and love. Love or friendship gives us the hardwired need for interaction with others. It is in our DNA.
But, as with most of the other types of rest, social rest is different for different people. If you work a solitary office job, live alone, and have a small circle of friends, then you need MORE social interaction. Join a club, go to the gym, try to see your friends more often. If, however you are constantly around people, interacting, going out, socializing and on the go, then you need a rest from all the interactions.
Everyone requires some downtime, and time away from others, but this also depends on whether you are an introvert or extrovert. An introvert who works as a teacher, martial arts instructor, or is in multiple activities with others needs complete, alone downtime. This is what will energize them to be able to do it again tomorrow. Their evenings are best spent alone, in small groups, focused on themselves. If, however you are an extrovert, then after a long day of being around people, being around more people in the evening and being social energizes you for the next day. It is important to know what type of person you are. Neither is better, but introvert re-energize alone, while extroverts re-energize with others.
Action Step:
Find out what YOU need. Do you need to plan a more active social calendar, or do you need to say NO more often. If going
out drains you, then do not always say yes. You will be happier and
more eager to engage with others when you feel good about yourself.
Social Hack:
instead of going out to meet friends, why not a short Skype or FaceTime? This fulfill your need to be social, but you can still
be in your pajamas resting at home.
For Children:
In today’s world it is rare for kids to just run to their friends, ring on their doorbell and ask their friend out to play. And many kids do not organized playdates on their own. Take it upon yourself to do this for them. They need the socialization. Interacting with a screen is VASTLY different that real life interaction!
Written by Kumar Bandyo