20 THINGS TO DO IN YOUR TWENTIES

Your twenties are full of fun, excitement, big changes (good and bad), new experiences, learning, growing, and so much more. You're making the transition into adulthood and independence. You'll gain new connections, and lose some old ones. Some of the people around you will be settling down, getting married and having kids, while others are partying, travelling and flying solo. Everything just feels chaotic, in every sense of the word.

It's a time of self-growth and self-discovery. All the chaos aside, it's an important and memorable time in your life - and as such, I've put together this list of 20 things you should absolutely do in your twenties!

1. Self-Care.

Putting this one first because you need to put yourself first. Your twenties are a crazy, eventful time, and it can be easy to ignore your own needs when you've got so much going on and 'you're young anyway', but prioritising yourself now will set you up for life. Whether it be simple self-care days, treating yourself, learning to say no when you feel pressured to agree, going to therapy, knowing your limits, getting rid of toxic relationships and situations - the list goes on, but the point is self-care is vital to your current and future well-being - so start now!

2. Travel.

Get out of your hometown, travel the world! Explore different cities, countries, cultures - check off those bucket list locations! Travel with your family, friends, partner, and even solo. Make unforgettable memories while you're young and have a bit more freedom (and vitality) that you'll always have to look back on.

3. Have fun.

You're only young once! Go out, party with your friends til the break of dawn, try new cocktail bars or restaurants, go to the arcade or a theme park, markets, concerts, festivals - have the time of your life!

4. Let go of toxic relationships.

Whether it's a toxic workplace, friends, a partner, even family - if it's bringing nothing but negativity into your life, it's time to reevaluate and cut those connections. Some may be harder to let go of than others, but it needs to be done. Don't let toxic relationships hold you back.

5. Enjoy spending time by yourself.

As we get older, our lives and schedules get busier, we have more commitments and it's harder to make plans with friends and family as often as we used to. Being comfortable spending time by yourself and doing things alone is seriously important, and liberating! Spending a night in reading or watching Netflix, taking yourself out for a coffee or to see a movie you've been anticipating, travelling solo, going shopping - things you'd usually do with someone else can be just as enjoyable (if not more) by yourself! After all, you're your own best company!

6. Read.

Sounds simple enough, but with the busy schedule of adulthood many of us (myself included) don't really make the time to read. Knowledge is power, read a self-help book, learn about something you're interested in! Read for fun, a romanctic novel, a thriller, some poetry even!

7. Learn to cook.

Being able to cook a range of different meals will save you a lot of money, instead of buying takeout when you're out or at work, or ordering UberEats all the time (which we all know adds up, and isn't the healthiest option)! 

8. Find your personal style.

Trends come and go, and they're not all suited to everyone. As Coco Chanel famously said, "Fashion changes, but style endures". Figure out your style - what do you like, what looks good on you, what do you feel the best in? Sure, trends can be fun and by all means if you love something, wear it! But don't just jump on a trend because everyone else is if it's not right for YOU.

9. Invest in quality wardrobe pieces.

Going off the last point, once you know your style, invest in quality items that you love. Timeless classics and staple pieces such as the perfect pair of jeans, a little black dress, a flattering blazer, your go-to designer handbag, comfortable sneakers, etc etc. Then if you want to jump on any trends you really love, you've already got the essentials to pair with them! It'll also save you a lot of money in the long-run, and you'll feel more confident wearing stuff you really love!

10. Don't worry about what others think of you.

It's your life, all that matters is what YOU think of yourself. Always remember that.

11. Do what makes you happy.

Dress the way you want, eat what you want, believe in what you want to - as long as it's not harming anyone, there's no reason you shouldn't be doing what you want to do and what makes you happy!

12. Get outside and explore.

From a trip to the beach or a picnic in a park, to a roadtrip to a local town or an adventure through a hiking trail or rainforest - now's the time to do it! We're so attached to the digital and social world, our jobs and our homes - take a step back and take in the natural beauty of the world outside!

13. Learn how to save and budget.

Being able to budget accordingly is a seriously important skill that unfortunately we're not taught in school. Some of us are good with it, some not so much. But it's seriously important - being able to manage your financials, having savings set aside for emergencies and for long-term goals, being able to afford your day-to-day expenses and being able to treat yourself knowing you won't be put out, is a key life skill that's gonna remove so much stress from your life!

14. Learn how to say NO.

Of course we all know how to say no, but I'm talking to the people pleasers out there (I'm one of them) - learn how to say no to things that don't serve you. Don't feel like going out? Don't want to come in to work on your day off? Don't have the energy to give someone a lift? Not interested in going on a date with the person who just asked you out? It's okay to say no - put your needs first!

15. Develop healthy habits.

A fitness routine, eating healthier, mediating - these things are super important and are going to help you out so much in the long run. There's mixed opinions on how long it takes to form a new habit - with an average of two months to a year. But the sooner you start, the sooner it'll become second nature to you!

16. Spend more time with your loved ones.

As we get older, we realise the importance of spending quality time with those closest to us. We only have one life, and you don't know how long you've got. It sounds morbid, but it's true. Spend time with your family, your pets, your closest friends, your partner - you'll cherish these moments for the rest of your life.

17. Switch off.

From social media, from technology in general. We're living in the digital age, so we can't just completely switch off. But a digital detox every now and then is a great idea. Social media has such a strong influence on our lives and our mental health, getting away from it all for a while can be seriously healing and refreshing. The same goes for technology in general - turn off the TV and read a book, go for a walk or just enjoy one-on-one time with someone you love (without the distractions)!

18. Try new things / get out of your comfort zone.

Reading this, we'll all have something that comes to mind. Maybe it's something small, like there's a food you've always wanted to try, experimenting with a new style or haircut, or joining a gym. Maybe it's something bigger, like moving to a new city, skydiving, changing careers - whatever it is, step out of your comfort zone and do it!

19. Find your passions.

Figure out what you love - it doesn't have to be career-related (though if it is, amazing - do it!) - it could be hobbies and interests you want to pick up, things you want to learn, maybe you want to learn a new language, write a novel, start a podcast, travel the world, have a family. Look inwards and find out what your passions are and make them a reality!

20. Live in the moment.

The present moment is only the present until it's the past. Savour every moment, don't spend all your time dwelling on the past or stressing about the future - enjoy the now to the fullest!

You only get to experience your twenties once, so make the most of it!

xx Chontelle Louise