Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

Immerse Yourself in Your Twenties

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hampton U chapter.

Many of us girls feel as though we need to have everything together by the time we hit the big 2-0; WRONG. It’s okay to NOT have everything figured out. I assure you the Glo-up will come in due time, but first, it is important to find yourself. All of this cannot and will not be achieved in a day, but luckily your 20’s are your selfish years. It is a time for you to immerse yourself in everything possible.  Now this doesn’t mean neglect your responsibilities and drop out of college. No, it means be selfish with your time, your energy and most importantly your happiness.   

#1 Cut off Toxic Habits and People:

The first step to happiness is eliminating those toxic draining things in your life, whether it be a friend or a bad habit. If you know someone who always insists on raining on the parade because of their negative attitude, then let’s be clear: They are toxic. If you sense manipulative, jealous, and envious behavior then it’s time for the big chop my friend. Being around someone should never feel like an obligation and you certainly shouldn’t feel like you can pacify their behavior by just letting it go over your head. The moment you come to terms with the fact that this person causes more stress in your life than happiness, is the moment you need to let go. It doesn’t mean you hate the person it just simply means that you care about your well-being.

 

#2 Travel

Traveling to different places is not only life changing but it exposes you to many different cultures’ around the world and can be a very humbling experience. It allows you to go out of your comfort zone and experience new things, as well as people that come from all walks of life. It gives you a chance to get to know who you are as a person.

#3 Delve into your interests

The key to finding yourself is finding what you like. I know we’ve all come across that random hobby that has sparked our interest. Well now is the time to pursue it. It is so important to go after the things that you are truly passionate about.

#4 Dating is great, but love can wait

Finding a soulmate is beautiful but contrary to popular belief, love is not the only and most important thing we should be worried about in our 20’s. I know we’ve all conjured up some type of love story that our life should follow that probably goes something like Nicholas Sparks, “The Notebook”, but don’t be in a rush. It is completely okay to be single. In fact, you’ll find that these are some of the best years of your life. If you spend all of your time focusing on someone else, you’ll rob yourself of the opportunity to do things that are entirely for you. This doesn’t mean you can’t go on dates and mingle, it simply means that you’ve come to an understanding that you are completely fine with getting to know and loving yourself as an individual.

#5 Stay Healthy Physically and Emotionally

Understand that living a healthy lifestyle is beneficial to your mind, body, and soul.  Eating healthy foods and catering to your emotional well-being all play a key part in maintaining good health. So yes, go to that Zumba class that you’ve been eyeing for a while, it’ll be worth it! And if you need to miss that Saturday night turn up that your friends told you about, because you are simply too tired, that is okay! Although our 20’s are known as the infamous party years full of sleepless nights, you’ll thank yourself later when you put your health first.

 

 

#6 Focus on Building Meaningful Relationships

Despite our generation’s stigma on temporary relationships and trust issues, you’ll realize how important it is to build solid, healthy relationships. Of course, you’ll come across your share of temporary people but it should never discourage you from starting new friendships. Go deeper and foster meaningful connections. Partying every weekend does not have to be the basis of a friendship. Go for hikes, watch movies and eat junk food, take road trips. You should always surround yourself around those who elevate you as a person.

Kennedy Brooks is a Junior Strategic Communications major from Sacramento, California. She enjoys listening to music, chilling on the beach, and eating Thai food. She wants to pursue a career in Public Relations and Marketing with an emphasis in the music industry. Eventually, she hopes to travel the world and embark on new journeys that come her way. A quote that she lives by is, "Consider becoming the type of energy that no matter where you go, or where you are, you always add value to the spaces and lives of those around you."
Lauren Hendricks is a Junior, Journalism major at Hampton University. When she's not busy studying, serving as a Campus Correspondent for Her Campus Hampton U or staying involved on Hampton's campus, she can be found at a local Starbucks, mall or on her yoga mat. Lauren is enthusiastic about community service and telling stories. Check here for blog posts and updates.