As an almost-college graduate, I have continually found myself in a perpetual mindset of “I have no earthly idea what the heck I’m doing.” In this state of attempting to find employment, wrapping up a collegiate social calendar, praying my professors cancel finals, and trying to feed myself something other than a scoop of peanut butter, I want to know what to do. Yet at the same time, I find myself having zero idea what I’m doing. It’s an odd purgatory between the end of my education and this “real world” everyone keeps talking about. Yet throughout this time, I have found that there are five things that almost always make the “I have no earthly idea what the heck I’m doing” go away for a little bit. Here are five things to make you feel productive, happy, and a little closer to finding that answer.
1. Go to the gym
Going to the gym is never a bad idea. Feel like a zombie? Go for a run. Another job deny your application? Work out your arms. A professor add another essay at the last minute? Time for Zumba. Honestly, going to the gym is a productive use of your time, releases all those happy endorphins, and makes you feel like you can conquer at least one part of your life.
2. Update your LinkedIn
LinkedIn is that cool platform that lets you feel like you’re browsing social media when you’re really kicking it in the networking game. Updating your LinkedIn not only lets you do something in regards to future employment, but it may relieve the stress of the waiting game when it comes to jobs. *Pro tip: LinkedIn also sends you job updates if you set filters based on interests and locations. It’s fabulous.
3. Meal prep
Being an adult is weird, and eating chicken nuggets six nights a week is not going to help you at all. Start meal prepping. You’ll have more time, more energy, and more fuel for your body. Not to mention, it takes some time that distracts from your usual hum-drum day, so win-win.
4. Write a friend a note
Chances are high you have a friend that may be in the same boat that you are. Write them a note of encouragement that lets them know that they can do it! You’ll make their day! And you’ll realize that your own little pity party isn’t the only thing in the world!
5. Volunteer
If you don’t know what you’re doing, spend that time you would spend worrying helping others. Lend a hand, cook a meal, or donate what you don’t need. Maybe you’ll find your passion while you’re helping others – hey, you ain’t gonna find it pouting at home!
Does anyone really know what they’re doing? If they say they do, they might be lying to you. We’re all just trying to figure it out. It may come soon, or it may be a little while. One way or the other, you’ve got five solid options to keep you busy!