Whether or not you live with your parents, once you graduate high school and move on to college or a career, you’re becoming a full fledged grown-up. Grown-ups, it seems, have a universal goal of getting and keeping their stuff together. No matter where you are in your quest to adulthood, you’re going to need a few things, and once you have and use them, your life will be easier, less stressful, and all in one piece.
1. A planner you actually use
So maybe your school gives out those free planners, and for whatever reason, using them just isn’t for you. Some people use websites or apps on their phones, like Cozi. Some people like to purchase paper planners that include day-by-day planning, calendars, to-do lists, spots for groceries, etc. The point is, you can spend $80 on a planner and never use it, which is the same as throwing your money away, so figure out what works best for you. Personally, I like to use a planner book, and when I finish each task, I get the satisfaction of crossing out the item or checking it off. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you’ll actually use to keep track of homework, errands, or work hours. If it helps, personalize it. Sometimes it’s more rewarding to write in a cute, patterned book than it is to set a reminder on your phone.
2. Recreational reading
Being in college, we know that reading is usually required, and usually it’s dry, academic readings. Reading, especially on paper, is actually really good for you. Reading anything from novels to newspapers to nonfiction selections will help give you a few minutes to step away from your day and potentially learn about something you’re really interested in. It also helps break up the academic readings by throwing something fresh and interesting into the mix.
3. Emergency supplies
This goes for just about everything. In Florida, we get hurricanes, so it’s in your best interest to have a few emergency hurricane supplies, especially water, canned foods (and a can opener!), a flashlight, candles, and a supply of batteries. If you live with your parents, they likely have a stash, and if you live with roommates or a significant other, make it a point to take a trip to Target or Walmart to pick up some essentials.
In addition to this, you likely want some type of emergency kit for at home injuries, like cuts and scrapes. You don’t need anything particularly fancy, maybe some bandages, gauze, and a booklet on how to take care of minor injuries.
Lastly, if you menstruate or have friends or girlfriends who do, you want to have a small period stash in your purse/backpack. Preparedness is key, and to your friend/SO who got her period unexpectedly, you’ll be a queen/king. In addition to the obvious menstrual supplies, it’s good to keep a few ibuprofen in your stash, because your cramps/headache/backache isn’t going to fix itself.
In general, preparedness never hurt anyone.
4. A healthy hobby
Whether you’re swamped or have some extra time on your hands, it’s good for your mental health to have a healthy hobby. Video games, Netflix, and hours of scrolling through Facebook with your laptop on your chest aren’t healthy hobbies. Healthy hobbies include yoga, exercise, art, journaling, music, and more, which are healthy because they allow you to be creative, active, or both, while taking you away from screens, work, etc. Not only this, but healthy hobbies help teach time management as you learn to balance your work, school, and any other responsibilities you have.
5. A workspace
Having a designated workspace helps accomplish a few things. First, it gives you a place to work comfortably on homework or any other obligations, and secondly, it allows you to separate your work and your play. If you only work while sitting at a desk or specified workspace, you’ll begin to associate that place with work, just as only being in your bed for sleep helps you associate your bed with sleeping, and helps you sleep better, which is why your workspace should never be your bed or other area typically associated with lounging.