Adulthood is a trap. One day you’re cruising through life, free of responsibilities, and the next, you’re drowning in bills, work, and the incessant pressure to “adult” correctly. For those of us who feel perpetually overwhelmed, surviving adulthood can seem like a Herculean task. But don’t worry, my fellow chaos navigators, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my snarky, slightly cynical guide to surviving adulthood when you’re constantly on the brink of losing it.
Embrace the Chaos
First things first, let’s get one thing straight: adulthood is chaotic, and no one has it all figured out. Anyone who says they do is either full of bullshit or delusional. Embrace the chaos. Life is messy, and that’s okay. Once you accept that things will rarely go as planned, you’ll find a weird sense of peace in the pandemonium.
Prioritize Like a Pro
The secret to managing an overwhelming life is prioritization. Not everything on your to-do list deserves your immediate attention. Start by making a list of everything you need to do. Then, ruthlessly cut it down to the essentials. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask yourself, “Does this task spark joy?” If the answer is no, it can probably wait.
Master the Art of Saying No
We’ve been conditioned to believe that saying no is rude or selfish. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Learning to say no is one of the most liberating skills you can develop. If there’s one thing I learned in group therapy, is that people who say yes to everything are putting pressure on themselves to make others happy; but this makes you more stressed.
Your time and energy are precious commodities, and not everyone deserves a piece of them. Practice saying no to unnecessary commitments and watch your stress levels plummet.
Outsource and Delegate
You don’t have to do everything yourself. Outsourcing and delegating are not signs of weakness—they’re signs of smart adulting. Hire a cleaning service, get your groceries delivered, or ask a friend to help with that overwhelming project. Use technology to your advantage. Apps like TaskRabbit and Instacart exist for a reason.
Develop a Self-Care Routine
Self-care is non-negotiable, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed. This doesn’t mean you have to book a spa day or go on a yoga retreat (unless that’s your thing). Self-care can be as simple as taking a long bath, reading a book, or binge-watching your favorite show. The key is to carve out time for yourself, no matter how busy life gets. And fuck anyone who tries to interfere with that!
Create a Support Network
No one can survive adulthood alone. Build a support network of friends, family, and professionals who can help you navigate the rough patches. Lean on them when you need to, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes, just venting to someone who understands can make a world of difference.
Find Your Outlet
Everyone needs an outlet for their stress and frustrations. For some, it’s exercise; for others, it’s a creative hobby like drawing or writing. Find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine. Having an outlet will help you blow off steam and keep your sanity intact.
Break Tasks into Bite-Sized Pieces
Looking at a massive project can be paralyzing. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Focus on completing one small task at a time. This approach not only makes projects feel less daunting but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you tick off each item on your list.
Limit Social Media Consumption
Social media is a double-edged sword. While it can be a great way to stay connected, it’s also a major source of stress and distraction. Set limits on your social media consumption and be mindful of the content you’re engaging with. Remember, people only post their highlight reels—not their blooper reels.
Celebrate Small Wins
In the chaos of adulthood, it’s easy to overlook the small victories. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how minor they may seem. Did you finally tackle that mountain of laundry? Celebrate it. Managed to cook a meal instead of ordering takeout? Celebrate it. Acknowledging your small wins can boost your morale and keep you motivated.
Learn to Laugh at Yourself
Life is too short to take everything seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself and your mistakes. Embrace the absurdity of adulthood and find humor in the everyday struggles. Laughter is a powerful coping mechanism that can help you navigate even the toughest situations.
Keep Moving Forward
No matter how overwhelmed you feel, keep moving forward. Progress doesn’t have to be fast or linear—it just has to be forward. Take things one step at a time, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Adulthood is a marathon, not a sprint.
Plan for Downtime
Schedule downtime as you would any other important task. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday, a weekend getaway, or just an hour of uninterrupted peace, make sure you have regular breaks to recharge. Downtime isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining your mental health and well-being.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you’re feeling chronically overwhelmed, it might be time to seek professional help. There’s no shame in talking to a therapist or counselor. I did it thinking it wasn’t going to do me any good, but it turns out I really learned a lot about myself. It’s quite liberating to open yourself up and get things off the chest. Therapists can provide valuable insights and coping strategies to help you manage your stress and navigate the challenges of adulthood.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
Lastly, remember that you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. Everyone struggles with the demands of adulthood, even if they don’t always show it. Reach out to others, share your experiences, and find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in this chaotic journey.
Adulthood may be a never-ending rollercoaster, but with a little humor, a lot of self-care, and the right support, you can survive—and even thrive. So, take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and remember: you’ve got this.
Stay snarky,
~ Rita 🖤