Have you heard of the terms introvert and extrovert? They are terms used in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. This is based on C.G. Jung’s ideas about how different ways of perceiving and judging, in combination with different attitudes, describe different types of people.
Two of the indicators are Introversion and Extroversion. They merely indicate how you interact with the world and renew.
Introverts – focus on the inner world. They can work with people but often need moments alone to renew their energy.
Extroverts – focus more on the outer world and gain energy by interacting with other people.
There is nothing right or wrong with either. When I worked for the government, I administered this test to all employees. It helped create a better work environment by helping coworkers understand each other better.
As it turns out, studies show that the majority of people are extraverts. Perhaps it’s because this style is encouraged by a society that values one’s ability to be sociable.
So, in these trying times, it’s difficult for many extroverts who are asked to stay home and not be closer than 6 ft from another person or not to engage with more than 10 people.
However, these things are necessary to help prevent the spread of this Corona virus. We, as seniors, are more vulnerable so we have to be really careful especially if we have:
- -compromised immune systems
- -chronic lung disease or asthma
- -serious heart conditions
- -other underlying medical conditions like diabetes or liver damage
- I know they listed pregnancy as well, but I can only hope that no one our age is pregnant. lol
My brother, who is older than me, is just one of those folks that’s really having a hard time not being able to interact with people on a regular basis. This is causing him to be depressed. So, I thought I’d share some of the things with you that I suggested to him. You can:
–Read. That could be a physical book or one on your Kindle. It could be a magazine or even something on the internet. I’ll have another blog with some book suggestions.
–Learn a new skill. It could be a new language, how to knit/crochet or even scrapbooking (https://scrapbookingforanyone.com/). Maybe you’ve always wanted to paint or learn photography. Start a garden. You Tube is great and there’s a video showing you how to do anything you can think of. The magic of technology!!!
–Take Virtual Tours. Again, technology rules. This will eat up HOURS in day especially if you follow all the little side trails like I end up doing. Here’s some links to start:
DC Capital: https://scholasticatravel.com/2014/02/24/washington-dc-virtual-tour/
The World: https://www.techradar.com/best/virtual-tours-museums-national-parks-around-the-world
-Now that you’re back home from your tours, clean out the clutter that you’ve been meaning to do forever. I bought this book by Marie Kondo
Her idea is to hold something in your hand and if doesn’t bring you joy, toss it. I have to admit, I didn’t find joy in that book so I tossed IT!!! Sorry, Marie. You may find it helpful though. Most likely there are things in your house that can be cleared out. Even I was able to do that. Look under your bathroom sink. That’s where I found most of my toss stuff. So, keep it, gift it, recyle it or toss it!!!
–Do a puzzle. This can be a jigsaw puzzle, a crossword puzzle, sudokoo or any number of puzzles out now. Anything that keeps your mind sharp.
–Play a game. Ok, I know the whole purpose of hibernation is to stay away from people but there are plenty of online games that you can play alone or compete with others online. My 92 year old mother in law plays on a site called Club Pogo https://earlyaccess.pogo.com/club-pogo all the time. There’s a fee but there are TONS of games. It keeps your brain sharp – scam prevention brain I call it. One of my favorites (and it’s an oldie) is Bejewled. I love hearing those jewels explode. Is that warped????? LOL
–Go for a walk. The sun and the vitamin D it produces is good for your immune system. Exercise is good for the joints as well. We have to keep moving if at all possible. Just remember to stay away from others.
–Start a journal. Sometimes when you’re depressed, it’s helpful to write your thoughts in a journal. Just acknowledging how you feel sometimes helps. I’ve had one for years and it’s fun to look back periodically to see how far I’ve come.
-Last but not least and one of my personal favorites that takes up most of my time is Wealthy Affiliate. I joined in 2011 and will never leave. I did a blog about working from home. I love writing blogs although I do get sidetracked when life calls but hey—I’m retired. When I first joined, I had NO clue how to create a website but the training is fantastic and so is the helpful, diverse, fun community. There are surprisingly MANY people our age that are now doing blogs. Check it out
Above all, stay home, wash your hands a LOT, be safe and do NOT panic. While there IS a real danger, the media sometimes simply likes to keep us in a frenzy. It’s what makes money. Good news doesn’t. Sad.
I hope this helps. We’re all in this together but we’re not all alike. Don’t let this get you down. This too shall pass!!!!!!
Comments Please.
~Debbi