As a girl in my 20s, I can safely say that when my mother turned to me and told me that my 20s will be the best years of my life, she was spot on. I am now 22 years-old, and not a day goes by that I wish that I can hit the fast-forward button on my life. Now, with that being said, my mother also told me that in my 20s these years would be the most hectic, overwhelming, life-changing, and craziest years of my life.
Life can get very crazy as a college student; let alone just being a girl in her 20s. We must juggle all aspects of our life, whether we like it or not. These are the years that will set us up for the rest of our lives. Our careers are formed during this time. We feel as if we must be perfect from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed. Sometimes I feel like I have to be at fifteen places at once, and at the end of the day, the tasks that seem possible are simply just impossible. Being in my last year of college, I feel I can shed a bit of wisdom on how to maintain a balanced work and life routine. You can’t be in more than one place at a time, but you can make sure you are prepared for what the day brings and how to handle everything that is thrown at you.
Although you may feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders, I can assure you that the things that happen in your life right now, good or bad, are the things that are meant to be. This stuff is simply a part of your journey. There is no room for a “burnout” in your plans. Here are some tips to ensure you are staying balanced:
Tip #1: Allow yourself one night a week to focus on yourself and no one else. It is time to add “me time” to your planner. On this night, you are allowing your mind to get to a good place because burnouts can happen so easily. This can be a night of binge watching your favorite show, treating yourself to a spa night, reading a few chapters of a new book, or popping in your headphones and listening to your favorite playlist. Let your mind and body feel happy and grateful you gave them the attention they needed.
Tip #2: Please please please listen to me when I say you must plan everything. Buy a planner and write down everything your weeks and months have in-store for you. Stay organized! You don’t want any mishaps to take place and add on any stress. By sitting down and organizing your day-to-day life, you are being efficient and creating a clear goal for everything you have heading your way.
Tip #3: You must know when your body, mind, and soul need a break. It is ok to say the word “no” to plans and work-related stuff. Nothing is more important than allowing yourself the space you need from the world. Everyone deserves a break, and if you are constantly going a thousand miles a minute, you are only hurting yourself.
Tip #4: Make time for your friends. When times get tough, they are the people that you have to lean on. Enjoy the nights of simply just sitting on the couch and watching movies because those are the memories that will last a lifetime. These are the years you will find out who is truly there for you, and when those people enter your life, hold on to them tightly.
Tip #5: Make sure you are taking care of yourself mentally. Every morning or every night, give yourself the time to relax. Try yoga or stretching before bed. Start journaling for 15 minutes before the day starts or before you go to bed. Get a workout routine that will make yourself sweat out all your daily stressors. By giving yourself the time to do something for yourself, you are giving yourself the love that you truly deserve.
Tip #6: Do something you love that is completely different from your career. If you are a bookworm, grab a book. If you are feeling creative, pick up a pen and start writing. If you are feeling like you need a workout, grab your sneakers and get moving. Just do something that allows you to escape from all the madness.