Navigating the Balancing Act: Being Busy and Being Social

Hello, fellow Runpreneurs! It’s Kevin Brittain here, back again on my 1656th consecutive day of running and blogging. Today, I want to dive into a topic that's especially pertinent as we inch closer to Christmas: the delicate balancing act between being busy and socialising.

If you're like me, someone who's not a natural social butterfly, understanding this correlation can be incredibly useful. Before we delve in, remember that this journey is all about raising awareness and funds to save children's lives through the ultimate ultra marathon of run blogging, going the distance of a lap of the world, barefoot style. Your engagement can help amplify our reach and impact, so please do support the cause by subscribing, liking, or sharing our journey.

December is a notoriously hectic time, particularly for those juggling a multitude of responsibilities. Many service providers shut down for breaks, which means we're often scrabbling to get everything in order before the festive season. Amidst this chaos, there’s the flood of social invitations, be it from friends, family, or colleagues.

I genuinely appreciate being invited to these social gatherings—they play a crucial role in our lives. As human beings, we’re inherently social creatures. Despite this, I find myself wrestling with the desire to be social, especially when I'm deep in the throes of a busy schedule. It’s a conundrum that might be linked to my ADHD, which steers my attention towards hyper-focus during busy times, often at the expense of everything else, including social interactions.

When my day is filled with intense focus and work, it depletes my mental energy, leaving me reluctant to engage in social activities by the day's end. This can sometimes evolve into social anxiety—something many with ADHD might find relatable. But socialising, though daunting, is vital for our mental health and well-being. It helps combat the creeping solitude that can lead to introversion, anxiety, or even depression.

Tonight, for instance, I’m heading to a curry night with friends from the local football community. It’s not my first instinct to partake after a draining day, but I’ve realised the importance of attending. These interactions can recharge us, offering a welcoming break from routine stressors. It’s about pushing past initial reluctance to enjoy the camaraderie and feel-good benefits that socialising brings.

The key takeaway here is the critical balance between being busy and being social. This is especially true if you struggle with conditions like ADHD or aren't naturally extroverted. It's easy to forgo social plans due to a bustling schedule, but these connections are crucial. They prevent the descent into habits of solitude and the negative mental health implications that can accompany it.

So, let's make a conscious effort to prioritise social interactions, even when life feels overwhelmingly busy. Often, stepping out of our comfort zone and embracing the social aspect can lead to mood lifts and enhanced well-being.

Thank you for joining me as I navigate this journey. Remember, if you believe in our mission to save the lives of children, supporting this run blogger's odyssey makes a real difference. Let’s stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll connect with you again tomorrow on this extraordinary journey. Cheers!