How To Get In YOU Time When You’re A Social Butterfly


I’m 100% a people person. I thrive when I’m around people, and love being social. When you have a personality like mine, it can be hard to focus on yourself sometimes.

Being around people is just good for the soul. Especially when they’re people you love. I’m much happier when I’m surrounded by my supportive friends, family, and boyfriend.

But there’s also another side to this: You cannot forget to focus on yourself.

In my eyes, it’s totally okay to take away some distractions in your life to focus on yourself. Yes, that means your parents, friends, coworkers, and anyone else you come into contact with. Being alone simply allows you to connect with yourself. You can think about what’s on your agenda the next day. Or week. Or month. You can think about how you’re feeling about your upcoming schedule. And you can just relax.

Now that the holiday season is over, it’s easier to get in some alone time. The holiday parties are over, you’re done traveling, and you don’t need to attend those family get togethers (although I do love those). Now that there’s some downtime after the holidays, it’s important to find the time to be with your own thoughts.  Start off easy.

Go For A Run Or Walk

I honestly haven’t hit the pavement in years. Which is sad because running is such a great way to clear your head and get some alone time with your thoughts. If you’re not keen on running, don’t. Just go for a walk. Run some errands alone. That’s a big personal favorite of mine. I love running to stores by myself and shopping alone — me and shopping get along great;)

Early Riser

This is a definite for YOU time. If you wake up just 30 minutes earlier than your normal time, it’s the perfect way to kick off your day. Get a little stretch in, make some coffee, and just chill out before you really have to start your day. This is something I’m desperately trying to work on (I wrote about this a few months ago). I really value every second of time I have at night, which means I end up going to bed at 11PM or later. This means sometimes my 6:50AM wake up call comes very shortly. Once I’m up, I’m up, but physically getting out of bed is SO hard for me! Definitely trying to change this in 2018.

Sit Down & People Watch

I used to be so embarrassed to sit at a coffee spot or restaurant by myself. And now I realize just how great it is. I’m very big on people watching, so instead of getting my coffee to go and rushing into the office, I’ve been trying (trying is the key word) to get to the office earlier and finding a cute coffee shop to sit down in for a bit!

So while it may seem difficult to focus on yourself, it’s truly one of the best things you could do for you physical and mental state. What are some of your tips and tricks for focusing on yourself?


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16 Comments

  1. 1.9.18
    Elle said:

    You know me and my people watching 😉 also photo 4 or 5 for 9:55pm. Sincerely, your BM. xo

    • 1.11.18
      Dana Mannarino said:

      YES, you are the best people watching! 😉

  2. 1.9.18
    Erika said:

    I have definitely been focusing on this during the last 6 mos. of 2017 and the fist week or two of 2018. Like you, I’m a serious extrovert, but I’ve been trying to be a little bit more selective with my time – saying no to tings that I would normally jump at so that I can get a workout in, have a spare moment to myself or just decompress after a long day. So important!

    • 1.11.18
      Dana Mannarino said:

      YES! I love the idea of being more selective with the time you have to yourself. I love being around people, but sometimes it’s so nice to just be alone with your thoughts, especially when life is hectic!

  3. 1.9.18

    I am so glad I am an introvert haha. I love me time and make sure to get it probably a little to often but definitely need it to recharge my batteries. These are great tips for the social butterflies out there!

    xo Laura Leigh
    http://www.louellareese.com

    • 1.11.18
      Dana Mannarino said:

      I need to learn how to be more of an introvert! It’s so refreshing and necessary to have YOU time!

  4. 1.9.18
    Allie said:

    I totally agree, me time is so important. My go to is a bubble bath. I look at it this way / I can’t be my best self for the people I care about if I’m not taking care of myself, and that means some time to reflect and relax on my own. xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

    • 1.11.18
      Dana Mannarino said:

      OOOOOH. I love this idea! Adding bubble baths to the list!

  5. 1.9.18

    I have the opposite problem where i have to force myself to go out ? BUT I think what you said about waking up early and having time to yourself is important for everyone! It’s also one of my goals this year!

    xx Caroline
    http://www.whenwear.com

    • 1.11.18
      Dana Mannarino said:

      I have to force myself to go out to bars nowadays, I am so lame!!! 😉

  6. 1.9.18
    Mary Fremeau said:

    I 100% agree with loving to be around friends and family! But then I get mad at myself for overbooking, when all I want to do is be on the couch relaxing some nights! I would totally say my best time to focus on myself is during Pure Barre classes! Even though some of my best friends go/work there, the 50 minutes during the class is all about me! Have you ever tried that class?! Amazing!
    xxoo
    Mary
    http://www.BelleOnTrend.com

    • 1.11.18
      Dana Mannarino said:

      OMG yes, sometimes it’s so overwhelming when you have TOO much on the calendar. Definitely good to have a recharge day every once in a while.

      And no! I haven’t been to actual Pure Barre, but I have done a few different barre classes. I guess I need to try PB!

  7. 1.9.18
    Nicole Ntumba said:

    It’s funny these are the three things you suggest for “me time” because they’re three things I’m already hoping to do for myself this year. Running errands/shopping alone is something I already do and LOVE as well. But going to a coffeeshop or restaurant by myself – not quite there yet. Will definitely give it a shot though!

    -Nicole 🙂

    • 1.11.18
      Dana Mannarino said:

      YAY! We can hold each other accountable for getting in precious ME time!

  8. 1.10.18

    You’re so right!! I’m not necessarily a social butterfly, but I always have myself scheduled for something. I forget that its important to have alone time!! I really need to take your advice of getting up earlier!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    • 1.11.18
      Dana Mannarino said:

      YES! Sometimes it gets to overwhelming when I have too much on the calendar. I need to take my own advice of getting up earlier 😉