Adulting is hard, plain and simple. Feeling anxious about the process or heading into this new chapter is a normal part of growing up. If you don’t have some level of anxiety, you may be in for a rude awakening.
Knowing how to ease your anxiety and cope with stressors can be helpful during this transition phase. Here are some tips to consider.
Think About the Perks
Over recent years, the idea of adulting has grown in stigma and somewhat negative connotation. It isn’t hard to find the woes about adulting plastered all over social media.
Adulthood already comes with a lot of pressure and stress, but the online era is making it more challenging. If you focus only on the bad parts, you’ll end up living in a state of dread.
Try to change your mindset to something more positive. Focus on the perks that come with this next chapter of life. You get to make (some of) your own rules now. You’re in control of your schedule and get to prioritize what you value. You can wear what you want, decorate how you want, and do the things you want—all within reason, of course.
Embrace Your Feelings and Emotions
When you start feeling anxious, instead of trying to avoid or hide it, embrace what you’re feeling. The best way to overcome your emotions is to feel them and then process them.
Some anxiety is absolutely normal. It’s called being human. Your anxiety is there to protect you and give you a warning that danger might be ahead. The more willing you are to accept it, the less disruptive it will be.
Focus on the Present Moment
Anxiety thrives on future worrying. When you start to think about your life in five or ten years, it can start to make you anxious. It’s then that adulting starts to feel overwhelming and makes you spiral.
If you reach a point where you’re starting to feel stressed or overwhelmed, ditch the future planning and focus on the present moment. Focus on what you’re doing and where you’re currently at.
Have Fun
With adulting come the unavoidable chores and responsibilities. If you’re not the biggest fan, you’re definitely not alone. They’re tedious and can distract you from anything else you’d rather be doing.
To smooth over any anxiety, try making those tasks more fun. Listen to music, watch a TV show, or listen to an audiobook or podcast while doing certain chores. If possible, incorporate friends in the activities. Give yourself a “reward” for after the chore is completed, like grabbing a cup of coffee or taking time to engage in a hobby.
You’re in control of your schedule, so you can also dictate how you complete your tasks.
Celebrate Your Wins
One key to happiness, that often falls to the wayside as people reach adulthood, is to celebrate your wins. Take a moment to congratulate yourself on a job well done, no matter how big or small.
As kids, good grades go up on the fridge, trophies are given for performance, and parties are thrown for high achievements. Why stop doing some version of that as you transition into the new chapter of adulthood?
Celebrating your wins will provide motivation to keep on going. It will also give you a mood boost that is more likely needed now than in younger years.
Learn to Make Mistakes
One of the most important things you can do is understand that mistakes are okay. No matter where you’re at in adulthood, you’re never going to know everything nor be great at everything.
Remind yourself that a mistake doesn’t equal a failure. Mistakes are a means for growth and learning. Many of the world’s major success stories came from mistakes. So long as you learn from them, they’re there to make you more resilient.
Reach out to learn more about anxiety therapy for young adults.
