Your 20s is your time to be selfish. As you’re not juggling as many responsibilities, you have the time to do all the things you have always wanted to do, see, discover and explore. So as you navigate this fun, free, and relaxing time, here are 20 things to do in your 20s.
1. Find what you’re passionate about
With the pressure of figuring out what you want to do with your life, your 20s can be a stressful and confusing time. So an important thing to do in your 20s is figuring out what you’re passionate about, what you like and what makes you happy. Then, from there, it’s all about figuring out how to channel that passion.
2. Get your first place
A right of passage in your 20s is moving out of your parents’ house and into your first place.
Whether it’s an apartment, a house or something in between, having a space that is completely yours is so exciting. While it probably won’t be the most glamorous place in the world, you will feel a new sense of freedom and independence living on your own.
3. Learn how to cook
While ramen and pizza may have gotten you through four years of college/university, learning how to cook real food is a definite skill you need to learn in your 20s. You don’t have to turn into a professional chef or anything, but learning a few simple dishes can lower your takeout costs and build your confidence in the kitchen.
4. Learn a new skill (other than cooking)
Even though it’s not easy, learning a new skill is a great way to not only beat boredom, but also boost your confidence, happiness, and motivation. So rather than starting that new show on Netflix, challenge yourself to learn something you’ve always wanted to learn like a new language, an instrument or a software program like Photoshop.
5. Travel
Your 20s are all about trying new things, so what better way to do that than travelling the globe? From backpacking overseas to local road trips, there are so many ways you can explore the big world out there. Even though it’s so worth going on couples getaways and friend trips, try travelling the world solo too. While solo travel can be hard at times, it’s also so freeing and can help you become more confident in yourself and your abilities.
6. Take up a new hobby
Hobbies may seem like a waste of time for some, but they actually have a lot of benefits. Hobbies can be great for your mental health, they can help you take a break and recharge, and they let you explore new things to see what you like. If you get really skilled in something, whether it’s knitting or soap making, you can even take your hobby and make some extra cash. So rather than spending your free time on a screen, use that time to try out a new hobby or two.
7. Say “yes” to more things
Sometimes, as an introvert, it’s easier to say “no” to things that come your way. Life is pretty short though and your 20s are all about trying new things. So whether your friend invites you to an event or you’re presented with an interesting opportunity at work, every once in a while, get out of your comfort zone and say ”yes.”
8. Take care of yourself
While your 20s are usually known as the time for working hard, partying hard, and getting little to no sleep, it’s so important to take of both your physical and mental health. So try to eat something healthy every day. Meditate or do yoga. Develop a skincare routine. Talk about your feelings in therapy. Do whatever you need to do to feel good.
9. Accomplish something big
Another thing to do in your 20s is to take that big dream you’ve always had – write a book, run a marathon, start a business – and actually make it happen. It won’t be easy and there might be times when you will want to give up, but with some patience and hard work, you will feel amazing once you have accomplished it.
10. Go to a huge event
While many introverts don’t love crowds and prefer alone time, it’s still worth attending a huge event at least once in your 20s. From Carnival to Mardi Gras to Coachella, give yourself permission to let loose, make memories, and have some fun at a big, high-energy celebration.
11. Spend time with family
As you navigate life in the real world, you might find that you don’t have the chance to see your family as much as you used to. Whether it’s attending weekly family dinners or actually picking up the phone when your mom calls, try to make time for family.
12. Spend time with friends
Just like it’s important to connect with family, another thing to do in your 20s is to spend lots of time with friends. From going out to a bar to taking a fitness class together to just staying in with pizza and board games, find fun ways to stay connected with your pals. Even if you’re busy with a full course load or your 9-to-5 job, connect with those people who have been there for you through the good times and the bad.
13. Support a cause you care about
From women’s rights to world hunger to sustainability, find a cause you care about and figure out how you can give back. Sometimes, people are passionate about a social justice issue but have no clue how to help. The good news is that there are so many ways you can make a difference – you can volunteer, protest, sign petitions, donate, or even start a fundraiser. The possibilities are endless.
14. Write your future self a letter
Like a fun time capsule, write your future self a letter, seal it, write on the envelope the date you want to open it on (usually 1-5 years), and then hide it away. This letter can be about anything you want – what your goals are, what lessons you have learned, and what’s important to you. It’s a great way to see where you’re at right now and where you want to be in the future.
15. Fall in love
Your 20s are a great time to meet new people and experience that kind of love that gives you butterflies. Even though the early stages of dating can be draining for many introverts, all the annoying small talk is worth it when you finally meet somebody who loves you for you.
16. Save your money
While it’s fun to splurge on a cute new sweater every once in a while, another thing to do in your 20s is to save your money. There are lots of easy ways to do save – make coffee at home, bring lunch to work, use coupons, avoid impulse spending, and create a budget and stick with it.
17. Be a mentor
Become a mentor and inspire somebody. This could be in an official capacity, like through a Big Sisters program, or even in a non-official capacity with somebody younger than you. Even if you’re only in your 20s and are still figuring things out, challenge yourself to make somebody else’s life better.
18. Read more
With all the mandatory readings in high school and college/university, it’s probably been a while since you’ve actually picked up a book for fun. So whether you’re a fan of the classics or love steamy romance novels, grab a warm drink and a good book and get back into reading for pleasure.
19. Start a new project
Before you have lots of responsibilities on your plate, tackle a project that excites you. This project could be anything from a podcast to a blog to a YouTube channel to an online store. You can do it just for fun or you can really get into it and try turning it into a side hustle.
20. Do something crazy
While introverts aren’t necessarily known for being impulsive risk-takers, challenge yourself to try something that’s totally bananas. It can be anything really – skydiving, dying your hair, kissing a random stranger, singing karaoke, bungee-jumping – there are so many things you can try. Just take a risk and do something you’ve always wanted to do.
Final thoughts on 20 things to do in your 20s:
At this point in your life, it’s all about following your dreams and pursuing the things that make you happy. With this list of the things you can do in your 20s, you can find fun and creative ways to make the most of this time you have.
