Throughout our entire lives, we're taught new lessons that we should live by in order to better our selves and the quality of our lives. However, it always seems a lot harder to follow through with the advice we are told, no matter how practical it may be. During our adolescent stage, we found it hard to make our beds before school even though our parents reminded us to do so every day. During our teen years, we found it hard not to dwell on small bothers (i.e friend feuds, relationship troubles, and overall petty drama.)
However, as we enter our 20's life seems to come into perspective, and the lessons we chose to ignore for so long come into great use.
1. Make your bed every morning.
Now I know that your 12-year-old self would laugh in your face if you told them you actually followed through with this, but in your adult-life making your bed every morning is essential to a productive day. Starting your day with a clear mind, and a clean room makes the list of daily tasks seem that much more attainable.
2. Eat your vegetables.
As you get older, you realize just how influential a healthy diet can be. Now, I'm not saying always skip out on the pizza, but remember to throw in a side salad with that pizza. The food you fuel your body with affects how you function every day. Mentally, physically, and emotionally you'll be more content if you allow for healthy foods to fuel your body.
3. Be active.
The same with a healthy diet goes with a healthy routine. You don't have to be an expert in the gym to live an active lifestyle. Small changes can help you achieve a more active life; take the steps instead of the elevator/escalator, go for daily walks, sign up for fun work out classes with your friends, enjoy nature and go on hikes...the world is yours and your body is healthy and young so take advantage of that!
4. Give 100% to your academics.
School is a gift, education is necessary, and actually trying is cool!! Don't just give 50% of your time and focus to your school work when you could give 100%, because the time you put in during your college years reflects the time and respect your employers will give to you in your future career.
5. Don't waste your time on negative people.
If you have that one person in your life (or a few people in your life) that seem to constantly drag you down with their negativity...CUT THEM OUT. You're in a stage in your life where you have the opportunity to take advantage of just about everything the world has to offer. You have the choice of who you want to surround yourself with, how you want to live your life, and who isn't worth wasting your time on. Remove the toxic energy, life is too short to deal with that.
6. It's okay to feel sad some days.
Yes, you're young and the world is yours, but you're only human. If you're feeling down one day, don't ignore it or attempt to push it way down. Address why you're feeling that way, and decide whether or not it's something you can change yourself. If not, remember it's just a bad day, not a bad life.
7. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
Whether it be school clubs, volunteering, work experiences, adventures with friends, or just a nice day take advantage of all of the opportunities that come your way! You have your 20's to experience the things you may never have the time or energy to ever do again. Don't waste your life away wishing you could have done something, and instead just DO IT.
8. Stop stressing about your love life.
You're in your 20's, why are you dwelling so hard on a guy/girl who hurt you? This is only the beginning for you, stop thinking that was you're only love/soul mate. There are billions of people in this world, don't get discouraged by one bad relationship, it's not the end of the world and you are not going to die alone as much as your dramatic self may tell you.
9. Appreciate your loved ones.
Once you enter your 20's you begin to have a far greater appreciation for your loved ones. You realize just how much they work and strive for YOUR best interest, and that's something to never take for granted. Life is short and unpredictable you never really realize how much time you have with them, so thank them and say 'I love you' whenever you get the chance.
10. No one is perfect, we're all 'works in progress.'
Keep in mind that no one is perfect, so stop beating yourself up. We're all only human and we're just trying to find our places in this world. It's okay to make mistakes, it's okay to feel lost, but remember you are not alone in any of those thoughts or feelings. Just be the best version of yourself and you will figure out that's the best place for you to be.
