Social Calendars are Back — But Don’t Overcommit
Most of us lost track of our 2020 planners sometime last spring. What did it matter? They were empty anyway. But now, as the ranks of the vaccinated grow, there are suddenly things to look forward to, trips being booked, and plans being made.
And while it’s natural to want to make up for lost time, loading up your social calendar with all the rescheduled events, postponed celebrations, and sorely missed get-togethers, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much obligation, especially after a year of very little of it, could damage our mental states and our relationships.
A 2020 study from Michigan State University found that obligation has a tipping point, past which it can start to contribute to lower overall well-being.
“The line in our study is when it crosses over and starts to be either a massive financial burden or something that disrupts your day-to-day life,” William Chopik, assistant professor of psychology at MSU and co-author of the study, said in a press release.
If all the social events that were originally spread out over 2020 are being rescheduled for the first months post-pandemic, it could quickly become a financial burden. And as far as disrupting your day-to-day life, well, after a year of no plans, any occasion is a disruption.
