How to Navigate Major Life Changes in Your 20s
Written by Cora Gold
People often call your 20s the "defining decade." This nickname might come from all the different changes you should expect in your life over these 10 years. People typically graduate from college, get their first job, move into a new place, buy a new car or house, get married, have their first child, and so much more in their 20s.
Still, your life isn’t over if you don't get to experience some of those things in your 20s or even at all. Unfortunately, even experiencing just a few of these changes can cause you some stress. Here's how to navigate through every change while loving every second of the adventures they bring.
1. Lean Into the Constants
When your life feels like it's constantly changing, you need to lean into the constants – the things that will always be there for you. If you have a house or an apartment, that constant might be your home. You might also have friends and family who love you unconditionally or an animal who loves you and relies on you to stay healthy. It might be a hobby you love, such as crafting or exercising.
When you're not sure what else to do, always focus on what you can control. Change is one thing that's guaranteed in life, whether you're going through a major life change or celebrating a significant accomplishment. Focus on how you feel during this time, not on challenging yourself more. The constants will help you stay rooted in the present.
2. Reduce Your Stress
Life changes can stress you out. High-stressor events, like planning a wedding or packing up your whole life to move, can leave you near tears sometimes. Things that seem less important, like your job or personal friendships, may take a hit as a result or just add to the stress you experience as you try to juggle everything. Exercise is one way to force your stress levels down, but relaxation can do just as well to help you see your worries from a new perspective.
When you don't know where else to turn, you need to relax. Committing a day to your self-care can help you relieve stress and understand how important, valued, and loved you are. While it might not take the stress away forever, it can help you realize just how insignificant your worries will be in just a few months.
3. Practice Gratitude
When everything feels overwhelming, you may find it difficult to see what you already have to be grateful for. Practicing gratitude can keep you humble and make you realize just how blessed you are.
It's OK to lament a stressful situation, but don't let those negative feelings cloud everything that has gone right for you recently. If you have a home that shelters you from the elements or food that can nourish and keep you healthy, you already have so much to be grateful for. Lean into your gratitude, and you may see some of your stress melt away.
4. Be Present During Important Moments
When life is moving so fast, it can be hard to stop and enjoy the ride. From the moment you graduate from school, new experiences are neverending. New jobs, new apartments, new relationships, new expenses.
If you want to remember these moments, try to remind yourself to be present. Some life milestones, like getting engaged or buying your first house, can fly by before you know it. Try journaling to document your emotions during these milestones. That way, if you find yourself forgetting just how you felt during a certain time in your life, you can go back and reminisce through your words.
5. Think of Your Goals
When in doubt, your long-term goals should keep you going. A bit of financial stress right now will mean nothing to you once you've closed on your new home and started paying off your mortgage. Everything you do should work to fulfill your long-term goals, but it might be hard to feel motivated about them, especially if they feel so far out of reach.
If your long-term goals are too difficult to foresee, work on your short-term goals. Maybe moving into a house you own is a long-term goal, so you could work on short-term savings goals or move into a leased apartment first. These short-term goals should be more achievable, and they're a good way to measure success and give you the feeling that you've accomplished something – keeping you motivated throughout your journey of change.
6. Only Accept Advice When You Ask
Many people offer unsolicited advice because they like to help, but you must realize that you don't need to take anyone's advice. Other people's opinions on things like your choice of college major or how you're planning your wedding don't matter. Some advice might work for other people, but you may find that you have to carve your own path through what you consider are the "right" options for yourself.
When you ask for advice, make sure you’re asking the right person who won't lead you astray with their own preferences.
7. Embrace Your Support System
No matter where you're at in life, you should have a support system that cares for you dearly. Your friends and family love you and want to see you succeed. They also know that you're probably under a lot of stress with these constant changes.
You might seek out a valued loved one who's already been through several of the same experiences. They can understand you better than anyone else and give tips on how to push through it. Remember, all your loved ones are cheering for you to succeed.
Remember That You’ll Be Just Fine
In the end, everything will work out okay. Your stress from this specific change won't matter in just a year, maybe less than that. What will matter is how you choose to handle the situation and take care of yourself. Dealing with stressful situations throughout your 20s helps you feel more prepared for those situations as they arise in the future.
You might buy more than one house in a lifetime, and you'll undoubtedly work at more than one job. Despite all the stress of significant life changes, you're learning who you are as a person and growing into who you were meant to be. Embrace every step of your journey, even when it's challenging. In the end, it will all be okay.