After turning 21, many of us hit a road block. We have been waiting so long to finally be "adults," but now, we've realized we know nothing about real adulthood. Living on a college student budget with expensive hopes and dreams can be intimidating. However, with these seven steps, you may find light at the end of your tunnel.
1. Breathe
When stress bombards you, squeeze in a mini meditation session. Studies have shown that meditating for a mere 20 minutes can improve physical and emotional reactions to stress. This time can help you gather your thoughts calmly and promote a more logical decision making process. There are thousands of mediation practices that may help reduce your stress level. Finding a mediation process to meet your specific needs can be easy; there are multiple guided mediation apps and websites available online.
2. Find a Purposeful Purpose
This "purpose" does not have to be the ultimate hobby to do the rest of your life. However, finding an activity that you are passionate about can help pass the time until you find your long-term purpose. Enroll in a class that sparks your interest. Take piano lessons. Learn to cook authentic Indian cuisine. Whatever you decide to do, make sure your new hobby is constructive and allows you time away from your everyday tasks.
3. Rediscover Your Rocking Qualities
When stress seems to overload your life, it can become difficult to focus on anything other than your faults. The pimple on your chin seems bigger, more split ends seem to invade your hair, and you are not great at Grammar 401. On the bright side, your eyebrows are on point and you've figured out the perfect recipe for chocolate chip pancakes! Having the ability to devote your attention to the positive aspects of your life will help you think positively about the not-so-great parts. Write a note to yourself on your mirror giving you an extra boost of confidence. Remind yourself every day that you kick ass because you totally do.
4. Clean out your closet
Take this metaphorically or literally. Remove some of the negativity in your life by establishing aspects that are holding you back. Whether it is an ex-girlfriend or that apology you have been too embarrassed to send, letting go of those difficult situations will lift some weight off your chest. In more literal terms, ridding your closet of old clothes you have been hoarding to make room for a new wardrobe can be cathartic!
5. Make peace with your mistakes
In the words of Hannah Montana, "nobody's perfect." You are allowed to make mistakes! Making errors are an important part of life because they give us the opportunity to grow. It would be difficult to learn if we were always right. Take those setbacks one day at a time and know that you probably are not the first to make the choice you did. Need a cliche quote? "Your past does not define your future." Life would be boring without mistakes, so embrace them!
6. Redefine your standards
Maybe you are thinking that you are no longer interested in relationships based solely on "hooking up." Maybe you want to get back into the gym. Whatever change you're wanting to make, make it unwavering! If something is not bringing you happiness, change it. Redefining what you want out of life can be a liberating way to push you in the direction of true contentment.
7. Celebrate the little things
Reread step three and remember you are awesome! Celebrating that pat on the back you received at work or that great yoga class can make positive reinforcement a regular part of your day. Don't be afraid to share your good news with others, regardless of how minimal it may seem in your eyes. Wake up everyday ready to make it great because you are in your prime! You have time to figure out what you want out of life. Stop sweating the small stuff and be your own best friend. You are going to make it!
