1. Hibernate for the day.
Oftentimes as adults, it feels like there is no longer any allowance for relaxation – now disparagingly thought of as laziness. Reconceptualize it as self-care, and take time once in a while to lie around. Give yourself some slack.
2. Indulge in rich food.
It’s okay if you aren’t healthy all the time. Yes, you’re getting older and it’s tougher to keep weight off … not to mention the fact that you know the facts of nutrition now! You no longer have that youthful ignorance as an excuse. Still, enjoying what you like once in a while won’t hurt.
3. Day drink.
Okay, so you won’t have a productive day, obviously. Give yourself a break and live a little. As long as you’re careful, you can even avoid that dreaded mid-afternoon hangover. Brunch it up!
4. Change your career.
It’s never too late. Repeat that to yourself. It’s honestly, truly never too late. You can do anything you want to do, provided that you really want it badly enough. Lay a foundation and get out of your comfort zone.
5. Stay single.
One of the most important things you can do as an adult is take some time all to yourself. That’s how you grow and learn who you truly are. If you can learn to be comfortable alone, you can do anything else you want.
6. Have slumber parties.
Yeah, the term is juvenile, but make it an upgraded adult version. You can host it – or invite friends to go spend the night at a hotel and pretend you’re on vacation. It’s actually quite fun. You don’t have to sleep on the floor or anything, and it’s a great, easy way to bond.
7. Go to the movies in your PJs.
It’s so underrated – and who cares? No one’s there to look at you anyway. Slum it up, especially if you’re going to a late show. Honestly, though, you could even do this in the middle of the day and totally get away with it.
8. Eat kid snacks.
You might feel secretly embarrassed, but the thing is that every single adult has nostalgia for some kind of food from their childhood. Take a trip back in time and go find that treat you loved so much.
9. Enjoy carnivals.
When was the last time you went to the fair and did all the stuff you used to do when you were young? Ride the rides, stuff yourself with funnel cake, play silly carnival games – hey, maybe you’ll even win a giant toy or something. You’re never too old to act like a kid at the fair.
10. Rock out at concerts.
Instead of worrying what some random stranger thinks of you, enjoy the event you spent your hard-earned money on. When you think of it that way, it’s a lot easier to let loose. They didn’t buy you the ticket. Why should you harness your enjoyment?
11. Appreciate small victories.
Just because you’re an adult that doesn’t mean that you can’t congratulate yourself for the little things. That’s what life is all about, no matter what age you are. All the tiny accomplishments are what eventually lead you to the big goal.
12. Opt out of what you don’t enjoy.
As a grown-up, it’s often assumed that you will accommodate out of a sense of politeness. It’s somehow expected of you, so you’ll follow through. Buck this tired notion and listen to your gut instead. If you can’t approach something with genuine enthusiasm, it’s better for you – and everyone else – if you don’t engage.
13. Call in sick just because.
Sometimes you just need a damn day to rest. That’s okay. Kids do it, teenagers do it, maybe you did it as a young adult with less responsibility. Guess what? No matter what guilt trip anyone tries to put on you, the world will not fall apart if you are absent once in a while.
14. Quit your job.
This is more drastic, but if you’re not happy, stop procrastinating and figure out what to do instead. You only get this one life and it’s far too precious to waste time doing something that makes you miserable. Trust that you will figure out something better.
15. End toxic friendships.
Sometimes the temptation is to let them drag on. After all, you hardly see each other anyway. What’s the harm in letting it slowly fade away? Unfortunately, toxic people rarely let go. They’re too invested in sucking up the energy of others. You’re never too old to cut someone off.