- A slight increase in employment for young adults was noted from the pre-pandemic period.
- Setting boundaries between work and personal life can help young adults balance the demands of adulthood.
- Finding a hobby and celebrating small victories are beneficial for staying motivated and grounded.
- You should remember that it’s okay not to be okay and to seek support whenever necessary to make adulting enjoyable.
- Enjoying the fruits of your labor is essential to maintaining mental health.
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 55.3 percent of individuals aged 16 to 24 were employed in July 2022. The figure is a slight increase compared to 54.4 percent in July 2021 and 56.2 percent before the onset of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate stood at 8.5 percent, significantly lower than the 10 percent mark recorded last year but analogous to figures observed two years before.
Becoming an adult is no easy feat. It comes with a lot of stress and responsibilities and navigating it all can be difficult while maintaining your mental health. If you’re a young adult trying to balance the demands of adulthood, here are a few tips that can help give you peace of mind.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential, especially if you have demanding family members or friends who expect a lot from you. Don’t feel guilty about saying no if something isn’t in your best interest or doesn’t make sense for your schedule. Setting boundaries is key for keeping your mental health intact.
Regular Breaks
Additionally, it’s important to have boundaries between work and personal life. Make sure that you always take regular breaks throughout the day, and don’t be afraid to turn off your phone or computer when you need a break. It can help create a balance between your work and home lives, ultimately improving your mental health.
Avoid Negative Self-Talk
Finally, make sure to set boundaries around how you talk to yourself. Negative self-talk can be incredibly damaging and lead to poor mental health. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, and try not to focus too much on your mistakes or shortcomings. Instead, acknowledge the progress that you have made and find ways to celebrate it!
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for staying mentally healthy, including getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and taking breaks throughout the day. Make sure you take time out of your day to do something that brings joy into your life. This could be anything from playing video games, reading a book, going on walks, or meditating. Allowing yourself time away from work or school will help keep your stress levels at bay.
Find a Hobby
Good self-care also means doing things that make you feel good about yourself, like finding a hobby or volunteering with a meaningful organization. Taking care of your physical health is as important as looking after your mental health, so make sure you’re getting the necessary exercise and eating a balanced diet.
Celebrate Small Victories
Celebrating small victories is an important part of maintaining mental health. Acknowledging progress and the hard work of achieving goals can help keep motivation high, even when faced with difficult challenges. It is much easier to stay on track and remain focused when celebrating small successes along the way.
Acknowledge Accomplishments
Research has demonstrated the importance of acknowledging your accomplishments, big and small. This can be done through verbal affirmations or even setting tangible rewards for yourself as markers of success. No matter the method, celebrating small victories helps to ground you in a feeling of accomplishment and encourages you to strive forward.
Enjoy the Fruits
You can also treat yourself to a meal at a fancy dinner restaurant. Taking time to enjoy the fruits of your labor can be a great way to boost morale and help keep motivation levels high. No matter what form it takes, celebrating small victories is an essential step toward maintaining mental health.
Find Support
Having supportive people in your life makes all the difference when it comes to mental health. Whether it’s friends, family members, mentors, or therapists—know that there are people out there who want what’s best for you and can provide support during tough times.
Okay, Not To Be Okay
It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to not be okay. Letting people know how you’re feeling is often the first step in getting help, and plenty of services are available to assist with mental health issues.
Adulting isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, either! With these tips in mind, young adults everywhere can strive toward emotional wellness without sacrificing their full adult potential!
Setting boundaries for yourself, practicing self-care regularly, and finding support from those around you can make adulting a little bit easier—and way more enjoyable!
