When you were younger, it felt like all you wanted to do was grow up. It seemed like all of the “cool” and “fun” things required you to be a certain age. You couldn’t stay home alone, you had a curfew, and you even had a bedtime.
As you grew older, you realized you had to wait to drive, vote, drink, and purchase certain items from the store. It feels like you’ve spent your whole life waiting to be a different age.
Now, you’re an adult, and the added responsibilities that you once were looking forward to are starting to pile up faster than the laundry you’ve been meaning to do.
Here’s how to make the transition easier if you’re nervous about adulting.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for helping you to manage your stress and anxiety. Putting yourself and your needs first can help you take care of your overall mental health and wellness. Make sure you’re taking care of your basic human needs. Aim to eat between three to five healthy and well-balanced meals each and every day.
ContactAvoid drugs and alcohol and limit sugars or sweets. Make sure you’re dirking enough water as well. When it comes to your sleep schedule, you should be trying to go to bed around the same time each night and wake up around the same time each morning. Getting on a regular sleep schedule and routine can help you get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
Move Your Body
Exercise is proven to help you feel good from the inside out. When you move your body, endorphins are released which help your body feel good and put you in a greater state of happiness. Your mood is literally boosted thanks to moving your body. You can move your body in whichever way works best for you. You don’t have to become a marathoner or spend hours on end in the gym. Attend a cycling class with a friend. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. You can even try weightlifting at your local gym.
Start a Journal
Journaling is a great way to get all of those anxious feelings and thoughts out on the pages of a notebook instead of holding them inside of yourself with nowhere to go. Release that negative energy and let go of how you’re feeling. Journaling is a great tool for us at the moment, but it’s also a great way to look back later to determine how you were thinking, and feeling, and how any coping mechanisms may have worked or not worked for you.
Next Steps
Let’s face it. No one likes change. This is even true with changes that you know are coming like becoming an adult. Just because you know it’s coming doesn’t make it any easier. You know what they say, “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” You have to get comfortable with getting uncomfortable. It’s the only way to grow and become the person that you’re meant to be.
Trusting in yourself, especially through a period of transition, can cause a lot of uncertainty. You’re not alone if you’re feeling this way. There are things that you can do on your end if you’re feeling a little hesitant about becoming an adult. If you need a little extra help or support, that’s okay as well.
Going to therapy may be exactly what you need to help you navigate through this time in your life. If you’re interested in working with a therapist, reach out to learn more about life coaching