Your 20's are the time for change. It's such an exciting time in your life! You get to graduate college, sign the lease to your first apartment and spend your nights drinking copious amounts of wine while watching "Gilmore Girls" reruns just because you want to. Gaining complete control over your life can seem daunting, so I have made a list of 20 simple life-hacks for all of you struggling 20-year-olds out there. We're in this together! Enjoy.
1. Have one outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks.
A great outfit can honestly change your entire day. You're in your 20's, it's time to start dressing like you mean it. Find that outfit that'll turn heads because when you look good, you feel good.
2. Cut people some slack.
Life is too short to hold grudges over little things. Who cares if someone forgot your birthday, or if you didn't know that your goldfish died? Cut people some slack. There's no need to stress over something so little.
3. Admit when you're wrong and / or don't know something.
You don't know everything. Plain and simple. There are going to be times when you are wrong or when you don't know something. That is OK! Accept it and move on. Don't be afraid to ask questions! You're young, you're not supposed to know it all yet.
4. Speak up.
5. Do not wait for things to happen, make them happen.
Do you want that internship? Do you want to move? If so, do what you need to do to accomplish it. No one is going to hand it to you anymore. It's such an exciting time in your life. You have the opportunity to do whatever you want. Take advantage of that.
6. Actually listen to people when they speak.
7. Sleep the stress away.
Sleep helps cure stress. If you're feeling a little funky, then take a nap or go to bed early. Your body needs sleep, girl! Just because you're 20, doesn't mean you're too old for naps. You can thank me later.
8. Handle your disappointment maturely.
This goes hand-in-hand with number three; you're not always right. Things won't always go your way. Temper tantrums are not cute anymore. Learn how to own your mistakes and grow from them.
9. Make a list of your favorite things that don't cost money.
So, 20-year-olds aren't known for their financial stability. Sometimes the best things are free such as public parks, people watching and stealing your best friends' Netflix account password.
10. Know who your friends are and who your friends aren't.
Do not waste your time on people that don't care for you. You deserve a BFF that will be there for you whenever you need them. Cut out all the negative people in your life. You're getting older and there is no point to holding on to someone that brings you down.
11. Call your grandparents.
They might be old, but they know what's up. There is nothing more grounding that a quick chat with your grandparents. They truly know how to bring out the best in you. Call them. You're welcome.
12. Buy the generic brand. It really doesn't make a difference.
Again, 20-year-olds are not rich. No one cares if your ice cream is brand name. It's the same stuff. Spend you money on something good, like Chipotle Mexican Grill.
13. Learn just enough about sports that you can still sound cool at parties.
Them: "Did you watch the game last night?"
You: "Yeah! The point-guard shot the puck at the end zone and it bounced off the halfback into the referee's mouth! Crazy!"
Please, don't let this be you.
14. Do something nice for someone every day and don't tell anyone.
Not everything needs to be documented on social media. Trust me, if you helped the old lady grab the peanut butter from the top shelf at Walmart and you didn't post it on Facebook, it still happened. Go you!
15. Have a chill spot.
Ah, yes, the chill spot. A chill spot is a place you go to relax, unwind and forget about all the crazy stuff happening. It can be literally anywhere. Just find a spot you feel comfortable and let the magic happen.
16. Give yourself compliments. You deserve it!
This one is often overlooked. We are constantly told to be nice to others (see number 15) when we should also be nice to ourselves. Complement yourself once a day and watch how your day will turn around.
17. Forget bad memories, bad hair days and your "fat" days.
Quit holding on to things that bring you down. This one seems to be self-explanatory, but time and time again people just can't let it go. No one remembers the time you farted in gym class, no one saw your bad hair day and you're a twig so, there.
18. Don't be afraid to talk on the phone.
Ordering a pizza shouldn't be so difficult. Learn to comfortably and confidently talk on the phone, it goes a long way!
19. Enjoy your time eating alone.
Prior to you 20's, eating alone was somewhat of a foreign concept because only adults eat alone, right? Guess what, you're an adult now! Let me tell you that eating alone is one of my greatest joys in life. You should try it by taking yourself out on a date. It sounds a little strange at first but, it turns out to be quite enjoyable.
20. Wherever you are, be all there.
You're so young and have so much potential. Soak in as much as you possibly can. Try to become as well-rounded as you possibly can. Try new things, meet new people and don't take anything for granted.
Peace out, y'all. Life is out there, so enjoy it!