Having a mentor to talk to is also an important part of maintaining mental health. The early adult years are when you are most susceptible to showing signs of mental illness. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Alliance on Mental Illness Grassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illness Go to source Let someone help you keep your blossoming feelings under control.
For example, if you keep your room tidy and keep track of all your expenses, you may enjoy a job in logistics or data management. Your ideal work environment may be as simple as indoor or outdoor. Or, for example, if you enjoy concerts, you should look into careers in audio engineering or event planning. You shouldn’t forget about your teenage dreams and hobbies, but most people aren’t going to become successful rock stars. Consider putting off spending too much time on unrealistic dreams until they are a viable way to earn a living. If you do want to follow your dreams, you can try following your dreams in a more “scaled down” and realistic fashion. For example, you may want to become a rock star, but think about starting a band and playing in your local community at a local coffee shop or lounge, etc. Getting a part time job while you explore your career options is a great idea. Just don’t get complacent with a job that doesn’t fill you with self-respect just because it puts a few bucks in your pocket.
For example, try to spend less time watching cartoons and more time reading. Or, try going to a music concert that is not rock, hip hop or pop music. You don’t need to force yourself to tolerate activities you still don’t enjoy, but try to expose yourself to them and see how you like them.
Look at the neighborhood. You want to factor in accessibility, safety, public transportation, and nearby amenities. Make a budget. After rent, utilities, renter’s insurance, and any other housing related expenses, you shouldn’t be spending more than one-third of your monthly income. Find roommates at a similar place in life. You may be able to successfully live with older or younger roommates later, but keep your life more simple by rooming with like-minded people in this phase of your life. If you’re still in high school, you shouldn’t move into an apartment just yet – this advice is for a little later.
Long-term goals involve personal relationships, whether or not to attend college, being in an ideal career or job title, etc. These should be something you strive for, so making a plan is a good idea. However, be aware that your plan will change. For example, marriage may happen when you don’t expect it to, and not happen when you want it to. Be ready to roll with the punches. Short term goals may simply be, for example, that you want to start a weekly exercise regimen by next summer. Or, you may want to simply get a part time job in the next couple months while you explore career options.
Parents may be a good source for relationship advice. Now that you’re a little older and more or less on your own, they may be able to identify with your relationship problems better than a few years ago. Seek advice from your parents about your resume. It is never too early to begin racking up experiences that will help you get jobs and promotions, so ask them what you should be doing in addition to school.
This extends to much more serious problems than a clogged toilet. If you didn’t plan your budget well, and are running out of money a month too early, try to find a way to solve the problem. Consider getting a short-term part-time job or checking the classifieds for little gigs.
For example, if you decide to go back for a graduate degree later on, having put in the effort to get a 3. 5 GPA instead of a 2. 5 can be a real life saver.
It is easy for many college students to schedule all classes in the late morning, at the earliest. Try giving yourself a reason to get up earlier in the day by signing up for the earlier courses instead.
Getting a job as a restaurant server is fairly easy, and quick turnover is expected in that industry. Other service industry jobs like cashiering are easy to get and relatively painless to quit. Who knows, this little job may open up a new world to you that you want to work in.
Look at the part-time job for what it is – a way to pay the bills and save up some money while you figure out what you want to do with the next part of your life. Try living day-to-day if you hate your job. If it was a beautiful day and a customer gave you positive feedback, put today in the ‘win column. ’ Being grateful doesn’t mean you should accept your unenjoyable job indefinitely. Look around for openings at night, and apply to jobs you think you won’t get. If you don’t apply for these jobs, you’ll never have the possibility of getting lucky with a job offer from your dream company.
If your paycheck doesn’t automatically subtract income tax, put away some money every month for this. You should be saving somewhere between 20% and 30%, depending on your tax bracket.
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Starting adulthood with a healthy diet is important to form good habits and a good relationship with food.
As far as activities go, consider seeing movies at home rather than going to the movie theater every time, for example. The more you commit to outings, the more time and money you will lose.
This could mean fixing a squeaky chair or identifying a serious problem with the company truck’s hydraulic system. Being handy at home also helps you avoid unnecessary repair expenses.
For example, you may not like paying local taxes. However, this is an important part of maintaining basic services and infrastructure. Get involved in local government to learn more about why the laws and regulations are the way they are. You also may not like that you are expected to get married and have children, especially in more conservative and family orientated communities (think small town and suburban America). Talk to your parents about how and why they eventually came to terms with having children.
For example, if you were in orchestra growing up, audition for community orchestras as an adult. Or, if you were in boy scouts, volunteer as a troop leader. If you are good at public speaking, volunteer to give children’s sermons at church, for example.
Turn off the TV. [9] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Passive activities like this don’t stimulate your brain, and are not as rewarding as other ways of having fun.
Think about fun ways to exercise. Since you won’t have as much time to have fun and get exercise, combining the two is a good idea. Play sports in your community or find a running buddy. This will keep you from having to double book yourself for exercise and social events as well. Engage with fun art forms. Try out painting, or get into art house films. It is easy to turn art into a fun hobby.
