If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the amount of plans suddenly on your calendar, you’re not alone!

One silver lining of the pandemic was lack of FOMO. Less pressure to socialize meant tuning into our own needs.

While I’m so excited to see friends again, going from 0 to 60 has been... a lot.

Here are a few strategies I’ve brainstormed to keep some boundaries in place for myself. I hope they help you, too!

Tip #1: Ask yourself, “How much social energy do I have? How many social plans per week feels right?”

After some experimentation, I realized that one social plan during the week and two plans per weekend is my max. It fills my cup without leaving me burnt out.

Tip #2: Draft your “respectfully decline” response.

Here’s mine:
So good to hear from you! I’m feeling pretty booked with work and life at the moment, so I won’t be able to make it. (Optional: But do you have time for a quick call next week? I’d love to catch up! [OR] Maybe we could grab lunch (or whatever activity) next month?)

Tip #3: Make it a phone call

Just because we can see each other in person, doesn’t mean we need to! I discovered the beauty of the walk-and-talk during the pandemic-- taking a walk around my neighborhood while catching up with a friend. It removes travel time from the equation and has the added benefit of getting me outside. 

Tip #4: Ask yourself, “What relationships are your priority?”

I keep a little list in my planner of my closest friends and family. Taking a peek at the list once in a while reminds me who I haven't reached out to recently.