Did You Save and Invest in Your 20s?
Most people devote their 20s to having fun, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's a formative and pivotal decade in our lives, and we need to make the most of it. However, we can't spend the entire time travelling the world, even though that's important. Here are 20 things you should do in your 20s.
1. Develop Healthy Habits
Your 20s are a time to build healthy habits that will allow you to live a healthier life in your 30s and 40s. During your 20s, establish a healthy sleep routine and adopt a balanced, nutritional diet. While it's fun to eat takeout and stay late at the bar in your 20s, don't overlook the opportunity to develop habits that will pay off for decades.
2. Solo Travel
Travel is a great way to expand your horizons, learn about life, and grow as a person. As you get older, the opportunities to travel alone might become scarce, so take advantage of them while in your 20s. You have the freedom and less obligations, so go for it.
3. Become Financially Literate
Waiting until your 40s to learn about finances could lead to some serious financial problems. By becoming financially literate in your 20s, you will set the foundation for long-term stability. Focus on budgeting, saving, investing, and how credit works.
4. Network
Focusing on building professional relationshipins in your 20s, can open up opportunities later in life. Networking lets you surround yourself with supportive individuals who might be able to help you out professionally down the road.
5. Pursue Your Passion
Your 20s is the perfect time to lean into your hobbies, side hustles, and big ideas. Pursue a creative project, or learn something new like photography or web deisgn. It might eventually pay off, and if not, you got to experiemnt with something that excites you.
6. Develop a Morning Routine
Your morning routine shapes your day and your productivity. Instead of sleeping until noon and going to bed at four in the morning in your 20s, try to develop a healthy morning routine focused on ensuring you get the amount of sleep you need to be productive.
7. Learn to Cook
Cooking is an important life skill, and there's no better time to learn how to do it then in your 20s. Take a cooking class, buy a few cookbooks, and experiment in different dishes, techniques, and cuisines.
8. Read Everything
The older we get, the busier we become, and hobbies like reading can fall down our list of priorities. Your 20s is a great time to read as much as possible, and try new genres and writers to develop your tastes.
9. Practice Public Speaking
Most people hate public speaking. That's why your 20s are a great time to practice this skill and become more comfortable with it. In general, spending your 20s overcoming your fears and anxieties is a smart idea.
10. Focus on Your Mental Health
In your 20s, focus on learning coping strategies and building emotional awareness. It's a good time in most people's lives to start therapy if needed.
11. Learn a New Language
Learning a new language can help you experience new opportunities and cultures. Devote some time in your 20s to learning a new language, since your brain is still adaptable. A new language can lead to a new career, or exciting travel opportunities.
12. Save an Emergency Fund
Unpredictable expenses always pop up, so having three to six months of expenses in your savings account will always be useful. Start this process in your 20s. Trust us, you won't regret it.
13. Volunteer
Devote some time to volunteereing before you commit to climbing the corporate ladder. Volunteering in your 20s can provide perspective, and help you meet new people.
14. Live in a Different City
Before you plant roots in a city because of your career, move to a new and exciting city for the experience. Moving to a different city will introduce you to new surroundings and people, and you can experience a fresh culture and perspective.
15. Take a Career Risk
The best time to take a calculated career risk is in your 20s. If it blows up in your face, you have enough time to rebuild or shift gears. Also, your appetite for risk decreases as you get older.
16. Learn Negotiating Skills
People often overlook the importance of negotiating skills. By developing these skills in your 20s, you will be better equipped to get the salary, business deals, and relatiosnhips you want.
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17. Commit to Fitness
Comitting to working out regularly and being healthy can pay dividends later in life. Adhering to a fitness regimen in your 20s can boost your energy, reduce stress, and prevent the risk of future health problems.
18. Learn Time Management
Time management is a tough skill to learn in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. Learn it early to master your productivity and how to juggle your social life and work responsibilities. Time management can also prevent future burnout.
19. Build Credit
Building a strong credit score in your 20s will make buying a home or a car in your 30s more possible. Pay off debt as you incur it, and never skip a payment. Credit can even affect your ability to rent an apartment.
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20. Take Care of Your Skin
Skincare is often neglected in our 20s because we have healthy skin. Before skin problems arise, develop a routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen. This can help prevent premature aging.
