If you’re in your twenties, you might catch yourself constantly wondering if you’re “adulting” correctly. Perhaps you’re not sure if you’re on the right career path, or you’re frustrated because your first job out of college seems like a dead-end role.
Maybe it seems like your friends have no trouble balancing all of their many responsibilities. Yet you always feel as though you’re falling behind or neglecting something important. You may be trying to figure out how to get to where you want to be, and if you’ll ever be able to achieve your dreams.
It’s normal to feel anxious about “adulting.” But you can quell your anxiety by implementing some of these lifestyle changes!
Take a Social Media Break
Young people often experience high levels of anxiety about their own success when they are frequently comparing themselves to other people. If you’re spending lots of time scrolling on social media each day, it’s time to log off for a while and take a break.
When you’re on social media, you’re only being exposed to the highlights of your friends’ lives. Furthermore, you can never be sure if the content you’re seeing is authentic or staged. It’s best to quit for a while and spend that additional time focusing on your own goals.
Nail Down Your Basic Routines
Simply getting into a groove with basic, healthy routines can help you feel more “adult!” Make sure that you’re going to bed and waking up around the same time each day to get about eight hours of sleep. Try to cook nutritious meals at home when possible. Aim to get a few workouts into your schedule each week, even if it’s just for twenty minutes.
You can also implement a regular routine for running errands. Additionally, block off some time each weekend to sit down and go over your budget. Even if you’re not making a high salary at the moment, knowing where all of your money is going can give you peace of mind.
Start Setting Bigger Goals
Once you’ve nailed down a few basic routines that keep you on track with beneficial habits, you can start thinking about specific, bigger goals. Remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. For example, maybe you’re interested in switching careers, starting a side hustle, or moving to a new area.
Work backward from your overall goals, figure out what you would have to do in order to accomplish them, and then break down these paths into manageable chunks to work on one at a time.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
You might feel like you have a long way to go before you have the life you truly want. But chances are, you’ve already accomplished more than you think! As you work towards your long-term goals, don’t forget to celebrate what you’ve achieved.
Maybe you’ve finished your degree, made some great friends, picked up a new hobby you love, or received positive feedback from your manager. When things are going well, you deserve to celebrate!
Ask for Help
You do not have to try to figure out every aspect of “adulting” on your own. Even as you get older, you still need the support of your community! Talk to your parents, older siblings, and friends when you need advice. You might also want to consider connecting with a mentor through your workplace or a professional association. Talking to a therapist can also help you build the life you want.
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Are you struggling to cope with anxiety about “adulting?” Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.