Since going back to school I got hit with the question, “how was your summer?”, about a million times. It always takes me a second to answer because I want to be able to say that it was amazing and filled with adventures. In reality, I was working two jobs, seven days a week, and for the most part it didn’t feel like a break. This summer made me realize that this is a prime time in my life where I am learning what it means to be an adult and how to not get caught up in the action.
For the last two months of summer, I had approximately three total days where I had nothing to do. These days I felt anxious about not doing something with my time and almost always wanted to get up and do something more. Though I am working to pay for the basic necessities, such as rent, I still enjoy working so I am not living frugally. So when I am not doing anything, I think I can be out making more money or trying to gain experience in my future career field. This mental state has left me restless and overwhelmed in the end.
I learned that being an adult means taking it one day at a time. Although this is a vital time in my life for my future, it does not mean that I am not allowed to take some time for myself and rest. In the end, life will work itself out and if I am struggling to make money, or keep up with my grades, then there will always be another option in life. While I might think I have my life figured out step by step, it will not always go as planned and I have to be flexible to that.
Of course, making money, not being stressed about loans or rent, getting good grades, gaining experience in my career field, and being involved in clubs may seem like the ideal life to be on the right path, but it will not be the ideal path for my mental health. While all of these things are important, it is also important to recognize that I do not need to grow up faster than needed. While technically I am an adult in age, being an adult at the young age of 19 years old does not mean I need to have my whole life figured out.
In the end, being overwhelmed and stressed out with the number of things on my agenda is not equivalent to being an adult. It is significant to remember to take time for yourself and not hold it against yourself. Being caught up with activities will eventually consume you to the point that you notice you haven’t done anything for yourself. Take some time this week to set an hour or two aside for yourself and your interests. Juggling newfound responsibilities on top of self-care can be difficult. Some way to balance this is to take the time to do little things for yourself. Such as buying yourself that meal you have been craving or even going home and setting an hour aside to write in your journal while listening to your favorite songs. A planner is very helpful with a busy schedule but so is having supportive people around you. Everything in your life should be helping you for the better.