6 Strategies for Tackling the Anxiety that Comes with Adulting
Many young adults today feel like they’re falling behind their peers, or like they’ll never achieve the stability that their parents enjoyed. Others struggle to adjust to the increased levels of responsibility that come with adulthood. They might feel like they’re drowning in obligations as they struggle to balance work, time with friends and family, romantic relationships, and hobbies, all while trying to get their finances in order.
Taking on adult responsibilities can feel trickier today than it did for previous generations. With the cost of living increasing, it’s tougher to become financially independent. Plus, social media can make it seem as though everyone is thriving except for you. But a shift in habits and perspective can help you build confidence. Here’s how to manage your anxiety around adulting.
1. Establish an Organizational System
First, it’s important to get organized. While an organizational system is not a cure-all for adulting anxiety, the right planner or digital calendar can help you keep track of all of your deadlines, appointments, and commitments. When you have a record of all of your obligations, from due dates for rent to important work events to friends’ birthdays, you can stop stressing about whether you’re forgetting something important.
2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Chances are, you’re not giving yourself enough credit for your achievements. You might have earned a degree, taken steps forward in your career, made new friends, started budgeting and saving, mastered new hobbies or skills, or overcome mental or physical health challenges that were hurting your quality of life. Yet it’s easy to diminish your accomplishments when you’re constantly looking at the highlights of other people’s lives online.
Try taking a social media break so that you can focus on your own progress. You might be surprised by how much calmer you feel!
3. Ignore “Timelines” for Milestones
Perhaps you felt like you would achieve certain things on a particular timeline. But the world has changed drastically since your parents were your age, and many “milestones” are outside of our control. Letting go of a specific timeline, and allowing yourself to learn and grow at your own pace, can help you find freedom from anxiety.
4. Practice Self-Care
If you’re busy, it can be tough to take care of yourself. If you’re not spending any time on self-care, you might end up on a fast-track to burnout. Make sure that you’re falling asleep and getting up at a reasonable hour each day, and keep your phone away for an hour or two before going to bed. Try to move your body every day, even if you’re just taking a short walk or doing some gentle yoga.
5. Seek Advice and Mentorship
Maybe you feel like your parents or older siblings haven’t been very sympathetic when it comes to your career struggles, or their circumstances were so different from yours that they aren’t able to offer you helpful advice. If you feel like you’re treading water in your career, you may want to work with a mentor in your field, or a career coach who can help you figure out your next steps.
6. Consider Therapy
You don’t have to navigate this confusing chapter alone. It’s okay to seek help from outside of your family or social circle. Talking to a therapist can help you identify the specific problems you want to address and map out realistic goals so that you can gradually build an adult life you’re proud of.
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Are you struggling with anxiety about managing adult responsibilities? A therapist can help you find your footing. Reach out to us to learn more about our anxiety counseling services for young adults.