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Health and Wellness

20 Resolutions For My 20th Birthday

The big 2-0.

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20 Resolutions For My 20th Birthday

Ah, the big 2-0. Nothing screams adulthood like leaving your teens and embarking on the fabulous world of the 20s. After taking some time to reflect on what I've learned throughout my life so far, I've come up with a list of resolutions to carry with me through my roarin' 20s.

1. Netflix less, read more.

I have always been a reader. Growing up, I couldn't ever put down a book. It was an obsession. But Netflix changed that. This year I have been trying to force myself to read again, and I've realized that turning the pages of a good book is far more satisfying than staring at a screen for hours on end. So whatever it is that puts you in a good mood...reading, knitting, playing the guitar, whatever--just do it. And make it a priority.

2. Write everything down.

I got a journal as a gift a few months ago, and it has sat untouched on my desk collecting dust. I want to change that when I turn 20. My 20s will be the most exciting, stressful, transformative, hectic, and glorious years of my life. I want to make sure I capture every minute. So I am making a promise to myself to write down something every single night before I go to bed. It could be anything from my thoughts and feelings of the day to something as simple as "I had a really bomb burrito." Doesn't matter. Write it down.

3. Be active.

Your body is only going to be this young for a small amount of time. Use it. When you get older, you won't be physically able to do a lot of the things that your body is capable of now. So take advantage of it. Get outdoors, explore, travel. Experience the world.

4. Get off the damn scale.

I know this is easier said than done. I want to drop a few pounds as much as the next person. But I'm starting to realize that obsessing over calories and freaking out about certain parts of my body aren't the way to a healthy lifestyle. Obviously you should exercise and try to eat and live with a health conscious mindset. But when you are wasting what should be a fun day at the beach because you are freaking out about what you look like in a bathing suit, then that's a problem. It might seem like everyone in the world is judging what you look like, but chances are nobody will really care.

5. Delete apps that take you out of the moment or make you feel bad about yourself.

Get rid of any accounts you follow on Instagram, Twitter, etc. that make you feel that you are less than you are. If you constantly go through your feed and feel guilty about your looks, weight, etc. get rid of it! Same goes for any app that makes you feel like crap. Or any app that takes you out of the moment when you should be living your life (I'm looking at your excessive Snapchat users). You don't need it!

6. Pinterest. Pinterest. Pinterest.

Find something on Pinterest that you have always wanted to try. A craft, something to bake or whatever. Try something new on a rainy day. Create something.

7. Set smart and realistic goals.

Chances are you aren't going to land a killer job right out of college. Your 20s are for working your way up into what you want to be in your career. Set goal, but don't make them unrealistic, otherwise you are setting yourself up for major disappointment. Set goals that you can achieve to better yourself in your career, your personal relationships and your relationship with yourself. Recognize that fact that you probably won't be making boatloads of money and have a glamorous job. Be proud of what you have achieved thus far, and set manageable goals to achieve even more.

8. Stop worrying about the future.

When you are about to graduate college, there is so much pressure to land a good job and make all the right connections. While this is important, it is not the end of the world if you do not follow the straight and narrow path. Work hard, stay motivated, set goals, but recognize that things won't always go to plan. Things will fall into place, just accept that path that you might not always take the road you thought you would in order to get there.

9. Get out there and meet people.

Coming from a person who is more of an introvert, this can be hard. But when a friend invites you to go out with a group of people you don't know quite well, do it. Expanding your horizons on who you interact with will open a whole new world of possibilities.

10. That being said, you don't have to go out every weekend.

In your 20s, it may feel like you have to go out and live it up every single night of the week because you are young. But if you're tired on a Friday night and want to stay in your sweats with takeout and a new season of "Grey's Anatomy" to binge watch, do it. You do you.

11. Rid yourself of toxicity.

In high school, I surrounded myself with friends, boyfriends, etc. who made me feel that I was less than I was. I felt bad about myself in their presence, and all that negativity left a damper on my happiness and well-being. Get rid of people in your life who make you feel like you are nothing, all it will do is bring you down.

12. Surround yourself with positivity.

In college, I learned from my mistakes and surrounded myself with amazing and supportive friends who make me feel great about myself. I have an amazing boyfriend who makes me feel loved and appreciated. My support system that I have created consists of people that I know will be there for me and who lift me up instead of tear me down. A life surrounded by happy people will lead to a happy life.

13. Take a bath.

Baths may seem childish, but they are the best. Seriously the best. As a person who stresses easily, nothing calms me down more than a bath bomb, nice music and a good book. Make a promise to yourself to relax more often. You need it.

14. Call your parents.

Not bragging or anything, but I have the coolest parents in the whole world. Seriously. It took me leaving for college to realize that, and I'm sure that goes for a lot of people. But now, I call them all the time (I'm surprised they haven't gotten annoyed with me yet). Make time to build a stronger friendship with your parents in your 20s. They rock.

15. Dress to impress (yourself).

Dressing up should't be about impressing others. It should be about giving yourself confidence by knowing that you look awesome. In college, I've gotten lazy and I wear leggings and a sweatshirt way to much. While being comfy is great, it isn't necessarily the greatest confidence booster. So, make a conscious effort to look your best most days. Nothing feels better than being able to look in the mirror and say "Damnnnn, you're looking good today!" before heading out the door.

16. Meditate.

As someone who deals with anxiety and stress, I've always heard that meditation is the key. However, I never really tried it until recently. For me it has worked wonders in terms of relaxation and motivation. There are so many free different meditation exercises all over the Internet with a bunch of different themes. I even found one involving chocolate, who can't get behind chocolate?

17. Listen to music.

Take time for yourself every once in a while to rock out to whatever makes you happy. Dance. Let it out.

18. Look for opportunities for advancement.

Don't settle. This goes for your career, your relationships, etc. If you aren't happy where you are, look to see how you can change it. Actively look for opportunities and they will present themselves to you.

19. Be happy with what you have.

That being said, be content with what you do have. Embrace your accomplishments and take satisfaction in what you have achieved. Realize that you are living an awesome chapter of your life and soak in every moment.

20. Create awesome.

You are embarking on a fabulous decade. Create awesome. Explore the world. Make something of yourself. Love yourself. You have the power to build the life that you want to live. Now is the time. Do it.


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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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