Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, we all have days where there seems like nothing better than snuggling up at home with a duvet and a DVD. Even the biggest socialites have times in which they just don’t want to be sociable. Surviving those moments when you’re thrown to the wolves can often be tough, but if you can figure out what it is that’s making you feel unsociable, you can usually overcome your unsocial feeling and force yourself to go out.
Preferring to stay at home rather than mixing with others can stem from all sorts of reasons. Lets look at a few reasons why you might not be in the mood to leave home and then ways that you can force yourself to go out.
Being tired and simply not in the mood are common excuses for wanting to stay home. Or perhaps it’s that you’re feeling rather flat and can’t bare the thought of slipping into a dress. However, sometimes you don’t have a choice and you need to get out and socialize regardless. It could be a friend’s birthday, or a family dinner gathering, either way you’ve got to get there and there are no two ways about it.
Get active
It probably sounds like the last thing you feel like doing when you’re not in the mood to head out with friends, but exercise is key. A short bout of exercise, even a walk around the block might be enough to restore your energy and get the endorphins flowing. A quick burst of exercise is usually enough to also get you feeling better about your body. We all have fat days and days we feel that we don’t look so great.
Chat about it
Sometimes when we’re stressed, the most appealing thing can be to curl up in a ball. However getting out and about might be just the fix you need. Funnily enough, one of the best ways to deal with stress is to talk it out with those around you. If you’re stressed about the social obligation itself, it’s not a bad idea to change your expectations, try and stop stress before it starts, and remember that after your outing you’ll probably wonder what you were so worried about.
Give yourself a curfew
It’s key to remember that you also don’t have to go out all night. People will understand if you simply ‘don’t feel like a rager’ and want to get home relatively early. If you don’t have a set in stone destination of where you’re headed, try and opt for somewhere that’s not super busy. This will make the idea of leaving your cosy home instantly more appealing.
Pre-outing pick-me-up
If you’re back from a walk around the block, and still not in the mood, try a bit of self-reward. Pour yourself a half glass of wine with your favourite cheese and crackers. Or paint your nails a new fun colour. Perhaps hit the shops for a fancy new outfit. New clothes can do wonders for your confidence. And if you’re still worried about your ‘fat’ day – because we all have them as women, remember there are a number of fabulous plus size options to browse.
Get in the mood together
Having a friend come over can also be another good way to force you to go out. Chuck on your new purchase, get your friend to check you look great and – boom – you’re on your way to looking and feeling fabulous. Friends are great for reassurance and you’ll instantly want to be not so boring the minute your friend arrives. Pick up the phone and give them a so call if you feel like you’re stuck for ways to get out the door.
If you constantly let yourself be a homebody, you’re developing a new habit. Probably not a great one at that. And while there’s nothing wrong indulging in anti-social behaviour once in awhile, if you start to get comfortable being a couch surfing lover, you probably need to change things up.
Think about all the people you might meet, the new ideas you’ll come across and the confidence you’ll gain from getting out the door. Stepping out of your comfort zone every now and then is good for the soul. Put on those jeans, give your hair a tidy up and head out to show the world what you’ve got!
Have you got any other tips on how you can force yourself to go out?
