20 Smart Things To Do In Your Twenties

Your twenties are known for being your “selfish” years. They can also bring along immense growing pains and fear of the real world. I'm sharing tips that will make the journey through your twenties a bit easier to navigate. 

20 Smart Things To Do In Your Twenties:  

Find Your Own Way

Yours 20s should be centered around learning who you are. Take the time to get to know yourself, what you want out of life and what is important to you. Allow yourself to break out of your shell without worrying about “fitting in.” This is your time to shine and become unapologetically comfortable in your own skin. 

Take Care Of Your Body

Treat your body right and it will treat you right in return. You have been given one body and it is your job to nourish it efficiently – every single day. Drink water, sleep well and be active. Both mental and physical health should sit at the top of your priority list. Your current and future self will thank you. 

Apply Forgiveness

Forgiving yourself as well as others can be a difficult thing to do, especially during our teenage years. After entering into your twenties, a valuable life lesson is to understand how to wholeheartedly forgive those who have done you wrong, even if that someone is you. Learning to view mistakes as a tool of experience will save you time wasted on being angry or full of judgement. Each and every situation and or relationship is brought into your life for a reason – file it accordingly. 

Hit the Brakes

Enjoy the little things and don’t sweat the small stuff. Life can and should be full of lavish exciting moments. On the flip side, making an effort to hit the brakes and slow down are key. Take the time to feel the sun on your shoulders while breathing in fresh air. Learning to become mindful, grateful and intentional will open your eyes to a whole new world. 

Recognize Your True Friends

Find your tribe, love them hard. The days of being friends with everyone in your kindergarten class or in the neighborhood are over. Be picky with those you place in your inner circle. Find those who you can enjoy the struggles of life; all the up, downs, twist and turns that life brings. Hold tight to the friends who you can rely on and have a blast with no matter what. 

 Set Goals

This category is plain and simple – 

Set goals.
Stay quiet about them.
Smash the shit out of them.
Clap for yourself.
Repeat.

The goals you set in your twenties will fluctuate. The cool thing about that is, IT’S OK! Your goals are a reflection of you as a person and your current life. Ride the wave of goal setting as you learn about yourself and understand your aspirations. Whatever goals you do set, accomplish them so they don’t be flaccid dreams hanging out in never NeverLand. 

Get A Grip

Phobias, jealousy, esteem, emotional fears - to one extent or another, we have all experienced those gut wrenching feelings. There is no better time in life than in your twenties to tackle those crippling issues. You have the potential to reach the maturity level to come face to face with these matters and wash them away to set yourself up for a healthy and happy life ahead.

Know Your Values

What do you believe in? 
What / Who do you support?
What values are important to you? 
What makes you happy? 

All of those answers should come from your soul, without hesitation. Find the strength to form your own opinions and values outside of what your parents, grandparents, teachers, neighbors, friends, or spouse believes in. You are your own person and that’s pretty damn powerful. 

Tech Time-Out

Ah, technology. Half the time it’s easier to live in a virtual world and forget that the real world is happening around us. Limiting the use of screen time will give you the opportunity to engage and be present to those moments and people around you. Give yourself a window, every day, that is dubbed at Device-Free. Go for a walk and indulge in your surroundings or have a face-to-face conversation with a human being. Do not let technology steal irreplaceable moments. 

Be Yourself

Own who you are. People don’t have to like you and you don’t have to care. 

Be you.
Do you.
For YOU. 

You’re beautiful that way, your way. 

Do Not Change

Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love you. In the moment, it may seem like the “best” idea to tweak and mold yourself into someone else so that your boss will give you the raise or so the guy giving you the eye at the bar will ask you out but I promise that changing for someone else is something that you will look back on and shake your head at. This is your life, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for living it your way.

Say Goodbye To Obligations

Your time is valuable. Let me repeat, your time is valuable. So, stop doing things that you don’t like or feel obligated to do. Do not give away your life for the love or approval of others. In summary, stop doing shit you don’t want to do. 

Be Financially Savvy

Finances may not be the most sought after topic to discuss but, here we are. Navigating through your twenties comes hand-in-hand with becoming fiscally savvy. Set up a savings account, talk to your employer about a 401K, pay your bills off on time. Oh and that college debt, get a handle on it. 

Nourish Your Space

Your living space is a reflection of you. If you were to stand in your apartment at this exact moment, what would your space say about you? Keep it clean, invest in art and buy a plant. Nourish your space so it can nourish your vibe. 

Master Chef

Ok maybe “master chef” was pushing the envelope so let’s reel it back. Having a few go to recipes in your back pocket is ideal. Your body will appreciate you being able to whip up a healthy meal. For the times you are playing hostess, your guest will appreciate the delicious appetizers you set out upon their arrival.

Don’t Avoid The Doctors

Do I sound like your mom yet? Nothing about going to a doctor or dentist appointment is filed under the “fun” category but it’s necessary. Book your annual appointments and check it off the list. 

Treat Yourself

Treat yourself, without guilt. Spending an extra $5 a month on fresh flowers is proven to up endorphins. That in itself is priceless. Self-care or “treating yourself” does not need to come in a lavish indulgence. You don’t need to run up your CC bill by getting a massage or book yourself a 5-star vacation. Put on your favorite song and dance around your bedroom. Look at yourself in the mirror and say, I LOVE YOU. Mindfully enjoy a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine without feeling guilt. Run yourself a bath and light the candles. Whatever makes you happy and gives you a minute to yourself, treat yourself to it.  

SPF Is Your Friend

Wear sunscreen, every day - no excuses! Use a daily moisturizer with SPF and you don’t have to think twice about it. Skin care at a young age is key to avoiding wrinkles, sunspots, etc. as the year’s trek on. 

Travel

Traveling in your twenties is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Pack your suitcase, book a plane ticket and explore. Being able to have first-hand experiences with different cultures, terrain and environments will bring you unmatched encounters.

Don’t be afraid to ask

Regardless of the nature of the question, don’t be afraid to ask for the things you want or need. If you need help, ask. If you need advice, ask. If you need guidance, ask. If you deserve a raise, ask. If you need to discuss something with your better half, ask. 

If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. 

I love my twenties,
Chels 

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