I don't know about everyone else, but this year has been hard. Like, I thought I had my life together, and now I feel like I'm back at square one. No matter how hard I try to plan ahead, it seems that it will never be enough to settle the anxiety of the unknown future. Where will I be in a year? Who am I going to have as roommates? Will I find a job after I graduate? Will I even graduate? Will I be successful in life?
Last semester was by far one of the most challenging semesters of my college career, academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. This semester, I wanted to take it easy. Did I? Absolutely not.
The semi-worrisome thing is that I'm not the only one feeling this way. It seems that everyone I talk to, whether they're a college student or a recent college grad, people are stressed, struggling, and extremely overwhelmed with life. I can handle myself going through a pre-quarter life crisis, but when it seems like everyone else is too? It makes my heart sad.
So, without further notice, here are 11 things that everyone in their early 20s needs to hear right now.
1. You need to breathe.
Trying to get a grasp on our lives seems like a breeze in retrospect, when in reality, we're all freaking out in our own way. This is when breathing is a necessity. Being able to stop and take a deep breath is the first step in this whole process. If you don't take time to breathe, there's a high chance you're just going to continue in a downward spiral of panic and dismay which ultimately leads to hitting rock bottom, or quite literally, passing out on the floor. You need to breathe.
2. You're doing just fine.
Remind yourself after taking a few breathes that you're okay. Even if you're not OK, it's OK to not be OK. Sometimes it's just a bad day, or a bad week. But in the grand scheme of things, you are right where you're intended to be. We are in our early twenties: we need to remind ourselves that we aren't supposed to have our whole lives figured out.
3. Take a step back and re-evaluate some things.
When we graduate from college, we think we're going to have our dream job with a super spacious apartment with an adorable dog or semi-social cat. The probability of that happening is slim (but hey if it happens, keep doing what you're doing!) Just because you're not where you want to be doesn't mean you're where you're supposed to be. If you're in college, about to graduate, or living that post-grad life, remind yourself that you are able to utilize a college education, something that not everyone has the opportunity to do so. If you have a roof over your head, food in your belly, and blood pumping through your veins, you are living, and that is something we can never take for granted.
4. Make a list of everything you have to do.
I've learned that making lists is a life saver. The people who don't use planners, I literally do not understand how you function. With all the stresses of life swirling around in your head, it can drive you mad sometimes. I've come to the point in my life where writing everything I have to do, whether it's study for a test or update my resume, helps me to organize my thoughts and time management, which makes life seem less intimidating. It's also extremely gratifying to cross something off your list. It will give you the motivation to get what you have to do done.
5. Breathe some more.
In through your nose, out through your mouth. Out through your mouth, in through your nose. You can do it.
6. Prioritize what means the most to you.
We often get sucked into things that in reality, mean little to our well being and success. Prioritizing your life not only keeps you on track, but opens your eyes to what you really consider most important in your life. The petty drama in your life is not more important than that job interview on Tuesday, or writing your senior thesis. Ultimately, your happiness is what matters at the end of the day, so prioritize the things that will lift you higher in life.
7. Take some time for yourself.
We get so caught up in all the events going on in life, trying to cram everything we can into one day, that we often forget to take care of ourselves. Success not only comes from going and getting what you want, but making sure that your body and mental state is up to par so that you're able to do your best work. So stay in and watch your favorite movie, treat yourself to something that's been on your wish list, soak in a bath and listen to some music. Your life plans will not fall apart if you take an hour or two for yourself.
8. Take the stress you have and turn it into positive energy.
When I get stressed, I get severely overwhelmed. My thoughts become, there's too much to do. How can I ever get all of this done? I'm never going to succeed in life. I need Ben and Jerry's. And while I can get me some Ben and Jerry's anytime I want, I need to learn how to turn my stress into a motivator, not a depressant. The amount of work I have to do should motivate me to do my best, not bring me down. The opportunistic aspect of life is extremely helpful, and reminds me that I have the power to make my life what I want it to be. And I choose to be happy and passionate about my work.
9. Consider investing in a journal.
I once read an article that people who journal tend to be healthier not only mentally but physically. I started journaling during my study abroad experience, and now I'm hooked. It's a way to relieve stress, a confidant that you never have to worry about spilling what you said. It's a way to reflect on life and maybe work through some answers you had questions to. It's a way to let go of negativity and your worries and fears. Journaling is a great self-motivator. The greatest part? It's a way to capture who you were at that point in your life, and if you ever go back to re-read your journals, you can remember those happy moments, and realize how much you've grown as a person.
10. Count your blessings.
Whenever I feel down in the dumps about life, or it seems like nothing is going right, I remind myself of all God has given me. I may have just screwed up in a class, or not gotten the internship I wanted, but I'm at a university with amazing education opportunities, a great support system of friends, family, and teammates, and I am so passionate about life. When you put positive aspects of your life in perspective, it makes it a little harder to be stressed about the small things.
11. Remember how far you've come, and how far you'll go.
It's hard to remember this when you're feeling stuck in life or extremely overwhelmed with everything going on. You may not feel like you've accomplished a lot or that you've done nothing worthy of being proud of. But let me tell you: everyone on this earth is here to do something spectacular. Whether you're going to be a doctor or a teacher, an accountant or a coach, you will change the world in ways you cannot even fathom. Your struggle and your journey will not be for nothing; it has taught you lessons and shaped you into the person you are today, and life will continue to do that for as long as you live. Use that notion as a way to continue to do what you do, because it will all be worth it at some point. You just have to believe in yourself.
