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Creating healthy habits in your 20’s may set you up for success in the future.
When you are 20, you are starting to figure life out and considering your next steps in life.
You are facing scary questions like where will you be in five years.
There is so much pressure to become an “adult” and learn how to function on your own.
A big part of figuring out who you are is developing healthy habits!
Now, I am not saying you need to completely overhaul your life, but little changes can make a big difference.
Creating everyday habits you can stick to will help you gain control of your life.
Here are 8 things you can start doing today to help you have a better life.
1. Learn How to Say “No”
Every day people ask for things from us, want us to make commitments, or need our time. It feels great to say yes, but only sometimes.
You need to make a habit of saying “No” when something doesn’t work for you.
Saying no is a complete sentence. You do not need to defend yourself, offer excuses or apologize.
As life goes on you will realize how precious your time is and you will be glad you can say no without the guilt.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Pick realistic goals that are attainable yet challenge you.
You need to be specific about what you want to achieve. It needs to be measurable, you need to find a way to keep tabs on your progress so you know you are on track.
It needs to be actionable.
Create steps to achieve this goal so you don’t feel too overwhelmed. You won’t land a CEO dream job or build your dream business in one month, but you can take steps to launch your career and/or business.
Lastly, it needs to be timely. You need to pick a firm deadline to keep yourself accountable.
3. Stop Measuring Your Success With Other People’s Success
Everyone’s life has its own timeline.
You might have a friend who is already married with children. Be happy for them, but don’t compare where you are to them.
You might have a friend who has already finished their degree and is working their dream job. That is amazing for them but that doesn’t mean you have to rush through where you are at.
Respect your timeline.
Don’t compare your life with others, you have no idea what their journey is all about. You have your own journey.
4. Start Putting Money Into Your Savings and Investments
It doesn’t have to be a lot, but making a regular habit of saving money will help you build a better future.
It is probably one of the more boring adult things to think about, but it is a really healthy habit to get into.
Trust me, I used to spend like crazy in my 20’s and I learned the hard way.
So, regularly putting money in a savings account will make you feel more responsible and will help you reach your goals.
Plus, you have a rainy day fund for unexpected life events.
5. Learn How to Cook
Learning how to cook good meals is something you need to know.
Ordering take-out has its perks but you need to know at least the basics. This will save you money and you can show off.
Start with learning something easy, you don’t need to make five-course gourmet meals.
There are so many great websites out there or go enroll in a cooking class.
6. Create a Morning Routine
An ideal morning routine will have you feeling energized and ready to take on your day.
A good morning routine will help you set the tone for how you want your day to go.
Immediately after you wake up, do something that gets you moving. Incorporate a healthy breakfast into your morning.
Do things for yourself that make you feel confident and get your energy going.
7. Practice Self-Care
Life can be more than a little stressful.
You have to juggle having a personal life, achieving your goals, and keeping up with responsibilities.
It is a lot for one person to do!
Taking time to care for yourself is investing in yourself.
You are your own most important asset. Find time, even once a week, when you can do something for yourself. It can be anything that makes you feel good.
For some people, it is getting to take a long bath, or read a chapter of a good book or going for a run.
The goal here is to do something that makes you feel good about yourself and to take care of your mind and body.
This dentist in Pasadena also recommends getting health checkups regularly to ensure that your body is always in good condition.
8. Build Healthy Relationships
As you get older, you realize how little free time you truly have.
You invest your emotional energy into so many things, and it isn’t a limitless resource.
Your free time is precious and you need to get into the habit of spending it wisely.
Chose people who support your goals and make you feel good about yourself. The constant drama will weigh you down and causes unnecessary stress.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating these eight habits into your life doesn’t need to be an overnight ordeal.
Habits take time to form and conscious effort. Start slow and stay consistent.
Improving yourself is a lifelong journey and there is no need to rush it.
Enjoy the journey of defining who you are. That is what your 20’s are all about.
This is a time of change and growth.
You will learn how to navigate the real world.
Take it one step at a time and it will work out for you.
What habits have you developed in your 20’s?
Michelle Gagliani
Owner & Founder
Michelle is the Founder of The Balanced CEO and a Holistic Nutritionist + Health Coach. She was born and raised in St.Thomas, U.S.V.I., and is currently living in Austin, TX. When she’s not running this blog and online business, she is cozied up at home watching TV, taking long walks in nature, or trying out new healthy recipes.
Riss says
I love creating healthy habits to implement into my life so I can create the life I really want! Developing healthy habits is so crucial for long term success!
Michelle says
It definitely is Riss!! You have a great mindset! 🙂
cialis says
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for
sharing!
Michelle says
Thank you so much!