It is not easy to be an adult. Bills to pay, relationships that need to be maintained, careers to pursue, hobbies you want to indulge in and many other things all require your attention in a short amount of time. Being an adult comes with a lot of responsibilities.
In Money Management, part of our Adulting series, we discussed how money management is a life skill that cannot be avoided. It’s not the first one. It takes a lot of skills to be able to master adulting. This article lists seven life skills you can use to make adulting easier.
1. The Secrets to a Healthy Life: Grocery shopping and cooking
You’re a functioning adult, or at least you are trying to be! You need to eat as an adult too. And no, daily Zomato deliveries do not count as real food. Include a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, legumes and pulses and greens. What is the best way to get these nutrients? That’s right, DIY!
We’re not expecting you to create meals that would have Gordon Ramsay raising his chef hat with approval. It’s still important to learn how to cook a basic dish. You can also control the quality and quantity of oil you use and other ingredients, ensuring your meals are healthier. Home-cooked meals also cost less!
2. Let’s Get Active!
There is no time for fitness when you have so much on your list. It’s likely that you had to rearrange your schedule to make room for cooking. Exercise is important for your health. Ignoring it could lead to bigger problems later.
Make fitness a lifestyle choice. Try out a variety of options and see what works for you. Not a gym fan? Why not try walking? Love dancing? Consider Zumba! You like water? Like water?
3. The Relationship Quotient
Your relationships with loved ones will be affected as you (and the majority of people you know), settle into a different lifestyle and pursue a career. You may move away from your home, and you might not talk to your parents as much as you used to. You’ll make new friends and lose old ones. It will be difficult to find time for everyone, especially if you have a busy work schedule. Make sure to set aside some time each week for your loved ones. You can call people on the way to work and back, or meet up with friends at the weekend. You can also visit your parents during long weekends and holidays.
4. Clear the Clutter!
When you move out of your parent’s house, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your home will be a total mess. A clean, well-organised living and working space can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve your performance.
A basic sense of cleanliness can have a significant impact on both your mental and physical health. Make regular cleaning a part of your lifestyle, along with washroom manners and kitchen etiquette. It will not only make your home cleaner by eliminating germs, dust, and bacteria, but it will also give you a sense of peace.
5. Conversation: The Art of Conversation
We seem to have forgotten how to converse in the age of dating apps and instant messaging. Ironically, communication skills are gaining in importance. You can enrich your life by developing good conversation skills, whether you’re trying to land that dream interview or simply want to meet new people.
6. The Adult Survival Kit
Learn the basics that your parents taught you – how to deal with your bank, whether in person or by phone, how to change a tyre at home, how swim for survival and use first aid kits. You should always have the contact details of important people in your life, such as the police and hospitals nearby, plus a few emergency contacts. Your parents may not always be your first choice in an emergency.
7. How to Deal with Failure
It is not a pleasant experience, but failure cannot control your life. As an adult, you must learn how to deal with setbacks. The demands of adulthood only get harder as you age, so it’s important to learn how to deal with setbacks early. When things get too difficult to handle, talk to someone you trust or seek professional help.
With these tips, you can tackle adulting with ease! Don’t give up hope when the going gets tough. And don’t think that you are alone in this. We’re all trying to be adults, and often failing, but we can do it together!
