Life

8 Things Everyone Should Do While They're Young

There sure is a lot of advice out there suggesting things to do while you're young. We've all heard the usuals like "read 100 books," or "travel as much as you can," or "date different people." But what about the weird things you should do while you're young? The fun and wild things your youthfulness allows you to get away with?

There truly are many interesting and odd situations you can find yourself in when you're young. And knowing that you can blame any mistakes or mishaps on your youthfulness really is something to take advantage of (within reason, of course.) But more importantly, these bizarre experiences play just as much of a role in making you a well-rounded adult as the more traditional suggestions.

After all, making mistakes and just "doing you" is an important part of the process in gaining self-confidence, knowing how to handle yourself, and figuring out what it is you want out of life. And while it's possible to work on yourself and take chances during any stage of life, it's much easier to do so before you start a family, get really into your career, or buy a house. That's why everyone suggests living it up in your 20s and doing as much as you "while you're young."

If you want to throw caution to wind, now's the time to do it. Check out this list for a wilder take on the things you should do while you're young.

1. Experiment With Your Style

Many of us find a style and settle into it for decades at a time. And while it's great to know yourself to the point of sticking with a certain look, it's also really fun to switch things up just for the thrill of it. I recently discovered this when chopping all my hair off for the first time in five years (why didn't I do it sooner!?). Now I'm all about change, so if you've never had colored hair, I say give it a go. And if you've been lusting after an eye brow piercing, by all means go get it done. The experience of drastically changing your look is definitely something to take advantage of while you're young.

2. WWOOF Your Way Around The World

Everyone wants to travel while they're young, but it's often easier said than done due to a lack of money. After all, how are you supposed to go on a life-changing backpacking trip around Europe when you can barely afford pizza bagels? That's when WWOOFing comes in. WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Basically, you volunteer on a farm in exchange for lodging, food, and the opportunity to learn about organic lifestyles. There are so many farm locations that you can probably find one near where you live. Or, if you can scrounge up airfare, you can travel abroad and stay in a foreign country for free. It really is a win-win for both sides, and an excellent way to try something new without spending much money.

3. Go To A Nude Beach

Nude beaches attract people from all walks of life, from all parts of the world, and that's precisely why you should go. It isn't about being nude, but about being cool with your body (and everyone else's) and having a freeing experience in the sun. And, as an added bonus, you'll get to hang out with some really nice people. When I visited a nude beach I noticed that everyone had a we're-all-in-this-weird-situation-together type mentality, so they were way friendlier than the average beach goer (in a totally not creepy way, I swear.)

4. Try Out Various Jobs

One good way to become a well-rounded adult is to see world from multiple perspectives. I've worked as a camp counselor, a maid, a barista, and a writer (obviously), among other things, so I feel like I have a pretty good idea about what makes people tick. I also believe that having various jobs also makes you way more chill when dealing with strangers (i.e., you'll be more understanding when you're food is late at a restaurant, you'll be nicer to telemarketers, etc.) Take advantage of your pre-career youthfulness and try out as many jobs as possible.

5. Spend Time Alone To "Find Yourself"

One nice thing about being young is that a lot of us are unattached — no kids, no career, no mortgages to pay. It's the perfect time to wander off into the wilderness to find yourself. Or, ya know, stay at home with the curtains pulled while you figure things out. In fact, spending time alone has many psychological benefits. So go ahead and revel in your time alone with the knowledge that you're doing something good for yourself.

6. Learn How To Do A Tarot Reading

Tarot cards are pretty darn interesting, whether you enjoy them for their spookiness, or you simply like flipping a card over in the morning to set your intentions for the day. However you view tarot card reading, it can't be denied that it's a cool skill to have up your sleeve. I still look back in absolute awe at the time someone read my oracle cards. Being able to give someone that kind of experience is totally worth it, and the patience you learned from learning the deck is something you'll carry around with you for the rest of your life.

7. Try Every Bizarre Food You Can Get Your Hands On

I used to be the type of person who didn't want their foods to touch on a plate, but now I'm wolfing down fare from around the world with the best of them. Trying new foods when you're young is not only important so you have an expanded palate for the rest of your days, but also because it's next to near impossible to upset your youthful digestive tract. So get out there and eat that weird thing on a stick, or that prickly fruit you don't recognize in the grocery store. You have nothing to lose.

8. Perform In Front Of A Crowd

Most people dream of doing something on stage, whether it be playing in a band, performing standup comedy, or acting in a play. And there's no reason you shouldn't give it a try with all the open mics out there. Any time I've ever done something on stage, I've noticed that life's little embarrassments seem like a walk in the park. When I know I survived standing under bright lights in front of an audience, I feel like I can survive anything. So go out there and give it a try — you'll be so glad you did.

Take advantage of being young and free, and try out some of the more bizarre things life has to offer.

Images: Pexels; Giphy (8)