7 Life Hacks I Learned While Adulting | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

7 Life Hacks I Learned While Adulting

You finally get to go through your Pinterest boards and use your kitchen for more than 20 minutes.

128
7 Life Hacks I Learned While Adulting
The Haunted Housewife

It's been officially one month since I began "adulting."

To be honest, I'm not really sure how I'm feeling. There's been a lot of feelings and a lot of thoughts, and I haven't been able to sift through them.

What I can say, though, is that I've already learned a lot about life in my month post college.

Work-life balance becomes your greatest priority.

When you get your first full time job, you'll go through the introduction process, and it may or may not be a lot to handle. Perhaps it's something in your field, or something you've never done before. One of the lessons I've learned is that balancing your life so that you give equal time to your work and your personal life is very important. You don't want to burn yourself out, and you don't want to slack off, or bring drama into the office. It's fun and exciting starting a new chapter in your life, but it's important to also not scare away your co-workers with your dance moves....yet.


Appreciate your down time.

I don't think I've ever been more appreciative of my alone time now that I'm adulting. I have a long commute, and while the milage sucks, and I risk my life everyday with idiotic drivers, it's nice to just turn up the radio and not have to worry about life. And your down time is how you want to spend it. No more practice, group projects, odd-end campus jobs with weird hours- I watched Netflix again after two years, and it has been glorious divulging in TV shows without having to worry about juggling school, a sport, jobs and internships.


Making time for your dreams falls on you.

This has been something I've enjoyed struggling with. Now that I'm out of college, it really falls on my shoulders to go out and make my dreams a reality. No more college professors handing you opportunities- this is the big leagues. If you don't put the work in, you're not going to end up at your dream destination. Since I graduated, I've had time to dedicate some time to photography, and this is a totally harmless plug to go to my photography page and look at my recent work because honestly you need this kind of beauty in your life. Click on the picture :)


Going to bed before midnight is a very smart and realistic choice.

This is probably my favorite part of my new adult life: the amount of sleep I actually get in a night. In college, my going to bed early was midnight. Now, I'm in bed by 10 pm, sometimes even earlier. You don't want to spend an entire day at work feeling groggy and tired, so putting your sleep schedule as a priority is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself.


Eating healthier is a journey.

For someone who lived with a meal plan for majority of my college career, my cooking skills have been a little rusty. But the great thing is that there are so many recipes to try and you actually have the time to cook and enjoy your meal. And you don't have limited options like you did in the cafeteria, you can buy the food you want, and I suggest healthy options as the way to go. When you put clean food into your body, you really do feel better and have more energy. With, of course, the occasional (weekly?) ice cream treat.


So is working out.

With my hectic work schedule, and my exhaustion level at an all time high, I wasn't working out as often as I was used to. But as I began making it a priority to go, it was my time at the gym that helped me relieve stress and release endorphins. Whatever you like to do to work out, whether it's cardio, weightlifting, yoga, or classes, I think it's a great idea to invest some of your time into your body. Having a healthy routine is vital to have as you start your adult life, because it helps you build good habits as you get older. So go get that gym membership, and make exercising a priority. You've got that five year class reunion and wedding season coming up soon.


Most importantly, you realize who your "people" actually are.

I've had a roller coaster of emotions when it comes to the people in my life. On one hand, I miss college a lot. I miss seeing everyone I went to school with everyday. Then again, I really don't miss it. I don't have to see the people I can't stand. Outside of college, you begin to put in effort to the people you want to see. And that's hard to do when you're used to casually seeing people around campus a couple times a week. I've had to put more effort into friendships than I'm used to, but I think it's a great thing. You get to see who really is there for you.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15505
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6693
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4944
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4341
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments