Definitely go out less!
Anxiety plays a part but generally I have matured, stopped drinking alcohol in the pandemic and feel exhausted from juggling being a full time working Mum of two primary aged children!
In my twenties and up until my mid to late thirties - partying was a HUGE part of my identity, I even managed to retain much of it after my first child.
After my second child I found less appeal and hangovers became increasingly hard to manage (and sleep deprivation was a killer!)
The pandemic changed us all and I realised that much of my lifestyle was a habit I’d formed many years ago.
I know prefer meeting friends for lunch/ brunch/ or early dinner and a show/ cinema etc and having a good catch up. Or a nature walk/ pub lunch etc.
After a couple of friendship fallouts and realising that many of my friends were in fact drinking buddies/ fun time friends, I’m much more discerning about who I call a real friend and who I spend my limited energy on- I can count them on one hand!
My social life outside of these friends revolves around school events, classes, clubs, parties etc. I’m friendly with many of the parents but most of it is surface level and wouldn’t really call them friends, more acquaintances.
At times I overthink my life now as it’s so different to the social butterfly I once was but I try and remember that this is a season and as kids grow now doubt we’ll reclaim more of our social lives!
I’m still a work I progress as I sometimes say yes to too much socially and resent it or cancel. I think winter is generally harder to socialise/ motivate yourself as it’s cold and dark outside!
My therapist likened my current situation to a bowl analogy. We can fit our priorities into a bowl that floats on water and the right amount will keep afloat. Once we load too much in, the bowl will overflow and ultimately sink (when we try to do it all!)
I try and really prioritise what I put in my bowl now (kids, work, husband, health, close friends) so it has sunk far too many times and it’s not pretty!