The Big 25

Your early ’20s may be your prime years, but if you think your coming 25th birthday is reason enough to feel older, Sara Shah tells you 10 things you absolutely need to do before you hit 25

Travel solo

Sure, it’s so much easier to travel with your family or friends. You’re surrounded by people you know, and the fun almost never ends! However, travelling solo can be just as fulfilling, and can help you learn and move out of your comfort zone. Not to mention, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want and, the exposure to different cultures and people will help broaden your perspective on things.

Make an investment

Once you graduate and land a job, spending your hard earned money can be quite liberating. But, the wisest decision and one that you certainly won’t regret would be to invest your money and your savings. Be it stocks, property, education or your first car, invest in something that will help you in the long run and so, make sure that your decision is a practical one. Considering how unpredictable the economy can be, investment will teach you to put aside money for things other than eating outside and shopping.

Spend time alone

Spending time alone is crucial in order to understand yourself better. It also helps to reduce dependency and is a more crucial survival skill than you may think. But, you don’t have to move out of your family home for it. Take up a study program abroad or go on a solo trip by yourself. And once you think you manage on your own, take a step further and move into your own little place.

Get wild!

And by that, we don’t mean throw a party and turn the place upside down. What we’re talking about is try something that you wouldn’t do otherwise like going bungee jumping, skiing, skydiving or even camping out in the wild. 25 is an age when most people conclude that they need to get serious in life and work towards achieving more practical milestones like a well-paying job and a house. So, if you’re one of them, we’d suggest you have all your fun right now.

Get a makeover

Not because there’s anything wrong with your look right now, but if you’re someone who doesn’t really experiment with your looks as much, now is the time to do so. Get that short haircut you’ve always been reluctant to try or buy that outfit you would never be caught dead wearing. For all you know, it’ll be the most drastic thing you will be doing in a long time.

Quit that job

The initial years of your twenties are all about graduating and trying to find your calling. And this is usually done alongside jobs that you probably don’t like or pays you peanuts for. And, while turning 25 is all about having your act together, we’d suggest you set out to do things you actually want to do. If you wish to write, start a blog and keep at it. If you wish to donate your time to a cause, volunteer at an NGO. It might not pay you that well, but you can always pursue it alongside your regular job or until you’ve gathered some foothold.

Fulfil your fitness goals

We’re sure that you’re very busy achieving those life goals, but as you grow older, it is essential that you put in as much effort into maintaining your body. If you’re not happy about turning 25, you can at least turn 25 looking your healthiest best. And so, set some fitness goals by reconsidering your diet and trying on fun new workouts to stay in shape. Rest assured, this is one decision you won’t regret even when you turn 50!

Adopt a pet

Most of us choose to live with our parents because we think we cannot take care of ourselves. And so, we have the perfect solution for this problem – adopt a pet! It could be a puppy, a cat or even a tiny little turtle. The point is that it serves as an exercise in caregiving. If you can learn to take care of a pet (which is no cakewalk, we’d like to assure you), then you can sure as hell learn to take care of yourself.

Go on a sabbatical

If you’re like most 20-somethings, we’re almost certain that you’ve not had a decent break since you’ve started working. And so, it’s essential that you go on a healthy sabbatical to reconsider your decisions and your future plans, or simply to catch up with yourself. It could involve a vacation, or you could make the most of it to just get some sleep or pursue a hobby. The point is taking a breather from your mundane working life.

Go 30!

And by that, we don’t mean act like you’re 30, but rather, try a 30-day challenge. It could be fitness related like a 30-day plank challenge or a more creative one like a 30-day cooking challenge. This will motivate you to get disciplined and will help sharpen your cognitive skills to learn new things faster.

 

Volume 5 Issue 12