When it comes to figuring out how to "adult," there is definitely a learning curve. Still, it's helpful to get advice from our elders and have some guidance so to what we can do while we're still young to make our lives easier later on. A recent AskReddit thread on things to learn in your 20s, for example, is rich with good tidbits of advice, including how to take care of yourself both emotionally and physically, how to handle your finances, and how to manage your relationships with others. Often in life, it can feel like there are too many things to juggle at once; with some solid strategies and a lot of practice, though, we can avoiding letting too many things fall to the backburner and become ignored.
No matter how old you are, your obligations and needs are constantly changing, but having the right foundation and skills to take care of yourself while it happens is integral to having a happy, healthy life. Of course, what works for some people certainly won't work for everyone, and that's OK! It's also fair to keep in mind that people have all different starting points, so the issues some might need to worry about aren't even on someone else's radar. The key is to take the time to figure out what your own needs are and what your own future looks like.
Your future is always worth investing in, and these 16 tips are a great place to start. Head on over to AskReddit for more.
1. Monitor Your Credit Score
The decisions you make surrounding your credit cards and loans can stay with you long after your purchases are over. Always make sure you understand what you're signing and your terms of agreement.
2. Practice Foreign Languages
Whether you're learning a new foreign language or brushing up on skills you picked up in high school, maintaining a foreign language is an excellent skill that will help you throughout your entire life. Taking a class can also be a great way to make new friends.
3. Learn How To Socially Calibrate
This level of self-awareness will help you no matter what age you are. It's always better to treat others with kindness and respect, even if you don't see eye to eye with them on everything.
4. Get Down With Some Meditation
Meditation is a great way to learn how to calm yourself and focus during stressful or troubled times. It's also something you can practice just from a book, app, or YouTube video, making it easy to do on the fly.
5. Learn How To Repair Your Own Stuff
While not everyone is handy, it's incredibly useful to know how to handle basic repairs, especially when items are expensive or meant to last you a long time. Repairing things yourself can save you time, money, and stress.
6. Maintain Your Friendships (And Make New Ones, Too)
Making friends can feel harder as we get older and we have less built-in opportunities to meet new people. It's always good to work on your friends skills and keep yourself open to forging and developing new bonds.
7. Cook Your Own Food
While you don't necessarily need to eat exclusively organic to be "healthy," it's good to know what is in the food you're eating and how to prepare it. This also tends to save you money if you often go out to eat.
8. Cheer Yourself On
When we're young, many of us have parents, coaches, or teachers pushing us to improve and do our best. When we're adults, we need to become our own coaches and cheerleaders.
9. Value Your Independence
Even if you're in a great relationship, it's important to keep your own independence when it comes to your emotions and your finances. Don't put all of your eggs in another person's basket, even if the relationship is serious.
10. Perfect Your Favorite Recipes
In addition to a money saver, cooking at home can also be therapeutic and fun. Learning to prepare your favorite recipes at home is a great way to impress your friends or a date.
11. Learn Skills That Can Save A Life
If you have access to first aid courses, it's an awesome idea to get certified for things like CPR. This can literally save a life down the road.
12. Learn How To Say "No" And Feel OK About It
Learning how to say "no," whether it's to an employer, friend, family member, or partner, is so integral to having good mental health and self-esteem.
13. Understand Your Ingredients
No matter what kind of cooking you do, learning when food expires, how to exchange recipe ingredients, or what substitutes work best for certain dietary restrictions are skills you'll use all throughout your life.
14. Refine Your DIY Skils
Whether you own a home or rent one, it's super handy to know how to do some DIY repairs and home maintenance.
15. Understand Your Loan Obligations
Whether you have student loans, car loans, medical debt, or something else, it's so, so necessary to understand how your payments work and what your obligations are. Always read the fine print!
16. Learn How To Budget
If there is one resounding piece of advice, it's this one: Learn how to plan a budget and stick to it. Your future self will thank you.
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