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Photo by Greta Pichetti on Unsplash
As an introverted parent with extroverted kids, I have to find creative ways to find time to myself. The myth is that introverts are anti-social. We’re not. I love being social, but I need time alone to recharge my batteries. My kids, however, seem to have boundless energy whether they’re alone or with friends.
When I don’t have time alone to recharge, I get irritable and grumpy. I snap at the kids and nitpick about things they do. Not good parenting. I know a little quiet time away from the kids is a part of my self-care.
I’m not talking about going out with friends–that’s extroverting, remember? It takes energy to put on a bra and real pants to go out. Even if it’s for a cup of coffee all by myself. I find another way without having to leave my home.
Here’s my secret: noise canceling headphones.
Yup. Headphones.
I’m almost embarrassed to say it because it’s such a simple hack. I slip on the headphones and cancel out all the Minecraft videos, loud tween music, and bickering. All I hear is the soothing sounds of my Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack.
Or I’ll use the noise canceling headphones to listen to my latest audiobook while I prepare dinner. Wear them when my husband watches a horror movie so I can still sit next to him on the couch.
Give me 20 minutes or so with my audiobook or music, and I feel more refreshed. Less snippy and actually don’t mind being around other humans.
My birthday’s coming up so I have my eye on the Sony Noise Canceling Over-the Ear Headphones WH-1000XM3. I like that it has a proprietary noise cancellation processor to block out my kids bickering over who gets to pick out the next YouTube video. The Smart Listening automatically balances noise canceling levels as needed.
The Sony ones are a huge upgrade from my current one, which uses AA batteries. Sony’s version charges quickly and gives me up to 30 hours of battery life. That’s a lot of Minecraft narration to cancel out! When life gets busy, a 10-minute charge will give me 5 hours of playback.
Now you know my secret. Noise canceling headphones is one way this introverted mom recharges around her introverted family.
How do you find time to recharge?