12 Things To Do In Your 20s
College or career, family or flying solo, your 20’s will go by in a rush. Trying to cram in as much of a balance between fun and responsibility as possible, here are twelve things you should do in your 20’s.
1. Travel somewhere by yourself
Not only is this the perfect time in your life to go exploring, because you (hopefully) don’t have as many responsibilities (hello mortgage), it’s also a great time to spend some time figuring out who you are as a person and how you tick. Traveling alone not only means you get to set the agenda, it means you can start to learn to love being by yourself.
2. Start saving
Whether you use an app, a spreadsheet, or a notebook, it’s time to make a budget and start putting some money away each month. It can be easy to fall off the budget wagon and splurge on stuff you don’t need just because you have the money in your account – so find fun ways to hold yourself accountable, and reward yourself when you stay on task.
3. Learn to cook
Toast will only get you so far as an adult, so it’s time you invested in some good kitchenware and broke out the recipe books. Once you find recipes that you like, it’ll be easy (and even fun) to make meals. And food prepping on the weekend means you’ll have more time during the week to enjoy your evenings. Plus, dinner parties are fun, and you can’t wow your friends without learning the ropes.
4. Find out what exercise you enjoy
I know, running is the worst. But that’s just one type of cardio, and nowadays there are hundreds of classes you can try, whether you go to the gym, or just use your laptop, to find them. You can do yoga, lift weights, go to a spin class, or even just walk around your neighbourhood. Just find something you like that you can commit to doing a few times a week so you can keep your heart healthy and your mind happy.
5. Chase your dream job
You no longer need to settle for the crappy pay, hours, and team members just so you can get the experience. Or if you do, don’t settle for long! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be doing what you love, even if it means you have to find a few different ways to support yourself. Life is too short to be unhappy, so chase your dream job!
6. Make an emergency fund
This is a little different from your regular savings, as this isn’t your retirement or holiday fund. This is your “what if…” money, in case the worst should happen (your house floods, your pet has vet bills, your family member get sick and you need to leave work). Usually people try to save at least two paychecks in their emergency fund, you should save as much as you think necessary, and don’t touch it!
7. Try new things
Stepping outside of my comfort zone makes me a bundle of nerves, but it’s also how I make friends, have fun, and learn new things. So sign up for a class, learn to dance, to speak French, to play the ukulele. Broaden your horizons a little. It’ll be worth it, I promise!
8. Read more
Of everything. Browse the news on your phone in the morning, scan a paper or magazine at lunch, and start crossing of the classics while you’re in bed at night. There are tons of reading lists that you can follow, like books to change your life, books that are good for your health,
9. Find your style
Don’t dress for anyone but yourself. That means that you don’t have to follow fashion trends, or wear heels, or do anything unless it brings you joy. Start by going to a bra fitting and get a bra that fits. Then find clothes you love that are comfortable to wear, and create your wardrobe around these staples.
10. Focus on your happiness
Whether you practice self-affirmations, meditate, stretch daily, get more sleep, or boost your skincare routine, now is the time to practice self-love and self-care, if you weren’t already. Taking care of yourself means you can better take care of others, which means you need to…
11. Learn to say “no”
If you don’t want to do something, say so. Put yourself first, be a little selfish, if it means you stay happy and healthy.
12. Find your inner circle
Life is better when you’re surrounded by people who are supportive and want what’s best for you. Find someone (or multiple someones) who will do this for you. If you can call them at any time, day or night, to talk and/or worry, you know you’ve found your inner circle!
