Everyone seems to have their own opinions about things you should and shouldn’t do, especially in the first few years of adulthood. Some will ask why you’re pursuing more/less school, and some might question why you are or aren’t getting married yet. There are plenty of experiences to pursue in your 20s, so I reached out to a few of my close friends to compile a list of things you won’t regret doing in your 20s.
1. Spending money on experiences.
In the way of not feeling guilty over spending money on things like trips, concerts, skydiving, going to Disney (like me this weekend), or whatever it may be. I love the ‘treat yourself’ mindset especially for experiences like vacations or concerts, which also provide the added anticipation of looking forward to the event!
2. Calling your parents, grandparents, extended family/friends, etc.
Time spent with loved ones is never wasted. Whether you moved away for college or still live close to family, you probably won’t regret spending more time talking with the loved ones you don’t see as often.
3. More face-to-face time with friends.
Many of these sound pretty obvious, but it’s more the perspective of balance between cozy nights at home and making the effort plan quality time with friends (especially while you live closer to them during school/college).
4. More face-to-face time with family.
Be it making extra trips home or spending family nights in, I never regret spending time with my family over more typical ’20-something’ or ‘Instagram-worthy’ activities.
5. Taking care of your body (regular exercise, drinking water, healthy diet, practicing skincare).
These may be some of the best habits to cultivate early on in life, so you’ll be more ready to continue them as life gets crazier and busier (as it tends to with age).
RELATED POSTS: How to Create a Self Care Routine & My Current Skincare Routine
6. Getting more sleep / waking up earlier.
Along with #5, restful, regular sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body. Whether you’re naturally a night owl or early bird, create a routine that works for you and allows you to fall asleep easily and rest well. I prefer waking up earlier (around the time of sunrise) to get the most out of the day.
7. Cutting out negative people and habits (sooner rather than later).
This was a harsh lesson I learned a few years ago and continue to practice into my 20s. So many people cling to unhealthy relationships and then wonder why things didn’t work out in the end. Save yourself some grief and heartbreak, and give yourself the grace to cut people and things you know just aren’t good for you (at least anymore). I believe everything and everyone comes into your life for a reason, so don’t regret letting things go when it’s time.
8. Cutting the comparison (online, with friends getting engaged, new jobs, etc.).
Maybe one of the most difficult, continuous practices, but equally important to keep practicing into your 20s and beyond. It’s easy to compare your journey to others, especially on social media, but try to remember that everyone’s path and timing is totally different. Practicing gratefulness and gratitude for your current situation helps curb unhealthy comparison.
9. Pursuing your goals over what you ‘should do’.
Find where what you love meets what you’re good at, and then do that. I graduated college at 20 and sort of knew what I wanted to pursue afterwards, but I have never regretted pursuing and spending time on things like blogging, Etsy, photography, and the other things I love and feel like I’m called to do. There is a balance between ‘hustling’ your career and education goals and harboring creative and fun outlets and hobbies.
10. Actually starting your job in your early 20s.
One of the most common reactions I’ve gotten from other 20-somethings in regards to graduating early is why I’m not taking time off to travel the world or take time off from school or work. It’s such a blessing to actually figure out what you want to do earlier on in life, and I don’t think you should regret chasing that early on, even if others don’t understand it.
11. Taking time for mental health.
Major ‘amen-hand-emojis’ 🙌to this one. This could be an entire blog post of its own, but it’s so important to know yourself and know what you need, if that means taking a little extra time off work or saying ‘no’ to things when you need time to rest and recharge.
I hope you enjoyed this post about things you probably won’t regret doing more in your 20s.
This is meant to be a lighthearted post, as I know everyone’s situation and timings are so so different. I mean it all from a place of not feeling guilty over what you should or shouldn’t be doing, especially in early adulthood. I hope you take the time to be grateful for your current situation and to get to know yourself and what you truly enjoy and hope for in your life.
Wishing you all the best! Cheers to enjoying our early 20s.
May 6, 2019
I love the theme of this post regarding doing things at one’s own pace and following your individual path; rather than trying to live up to other people’s expectations, especially for how the years during the 20s should be spent. I agree, it’s so important to spend as much time as possible with family members and friends and also that money spent on experiences usually goes a lot further than money spent on material things since the experiences will create so many memories!
Emily
https://emsessentials.blogspot.com