How To Upgrade Your Life In Your 20s

Your 20s are an interesting time in your life. You may have graduated college and entered the workforce, you may be single or married, and everyone around you seems like they’re ahead of you in some way. If you’re career-focused, your social life might be lacking. Or maybe it's the other way around. Wherever you’re at, we see you! 

Today, we're going to dig into 11 practical ways to upgrade your life in your 20’s! Let's get started.

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Exercise

If getting to the gym is just not something you enjoy, that’s okay. You don’t have to show up at a location to work out every day. Finding an exercise you enjoy is the most important step in creating an active schedule because you’re more likely to stick to something consistently if you enjoy it! 

Take your dog on a walk and listen to a podcast. Buy one of those viral desk treadmills and exercise while you work at home. Meet up with your friends and do something active. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard is this: You make time for what matters to you. Exercise is a great way to breathe some life back into your daily routine, and sunshine is good for the soul. Make it a priority! 

Take Care of Your Hair

We consistently update our skincare and makeup routines, but we don’t often refresh our hair care. A haircut is not only an acceptable response to a breakup, but can be a great way to refresh your look and bring you out of a rut. Take a few days to research haircuts and decide if you want to make a major change or simply bring a freshness to your hair. No rash decisions! 

One easy upgrade you can make this month is to replace that curling iron you’ve had since…well, too long. I recently made the switch from my 8-year-old curling iron to the BioIonic Long Barrel 1.25’ curling iron, and it was a worthy upgrade for my hair. But this could also mean being more consistent with your curly hair routine, using less heat every day, or upgrading your products to address your hair care needs. Take care of yourself! 

Find a New Hobby

The college routine doesn’t leave much room for hobbies outside of schoolwork and other social activities. But now that you have that 9-5 down, you might be wondering what to do with your 5-9. While I’d highly recommend creating a nighttime self-care routine to wind down after a long day, you just need something to look forward to after work. Whether you want to get together with friends, try a new recipe, or paint, a new hobby will definitely upgrade your life on any budget! 

Refresh Your Bedding

If your bed is reminiscent of your college dorm room, complete with the same comforter and blankets, it might be time to upgrade to something a little more suited to your adult lifestyle. Neutral-toned bedding is a great way to bring calm vibes into your sleeping environment, especially when paired with comfortable fabrics and soft pillows. And speaking of pillows, do those need to be replaced as well?

Here’s some inspo: 

Manage Your Money Well

We all know that we should be saving more than we spend, and that maybe those long walks down the aisles of Target aren’t always in our wallet’s best interest. However, in order to stick to a habit, you need to balance the restrictions with the fun! Add a spending sum to your monthly budget, so you don’t have to feel guilty about small indulgences but won’t overspend on unnecessary items. And you get closer to your financial goals; it's a win-win!

Build a Better Wardrobe 

Take yourself shopping. And while that may seem like a contradiction to the save money message above, you’re less likely to overspend or “bored buy” (online shopping due to boredom) if you have a closet that inspires you every day. But don’t shop without a purpose and a list. Absolutely no trends you will hate next year! Buy pieces that will fill in the closet gaps in your current wardrobe, giving you more outfit combinations and an easier time getting dressed each morning. 

Need more ideas? See these tips for a style makeover! 

Stay Organized 

Staying organized and on top of your life is a key aspect of upgrading! A daily planner is the one product you need to stay organized in your 20s, and I highly recommend choosing one you love. Schedule work-related goals and events, time with friends, and phone calls home. You can add things to your calendar on a monthly basis, which will inspire you to make plans and try new things! 

Read

There is nothing hotter than a well-read woman! Reading increases your vocabulary, is a great way to relax and reset at the end of the day, and it opens your mind to a wide range of interests and places. If you need ideas for your book list, hit the local library for bestsellers or my top 10 and start building that habit! 

Eat Healthily

When you’re in a rut, it can be easy to rely on fast food or freezer meals. But, to feel and look your best, eating healthy is a much better option. Meal prepping is easier than it sounds, and cooking at home is good for your body and your mental health (just saying). Pull out a recipe for a favorite dish and start feeling inspired by your kitchen! 

Elevate Your Jewelry

If you’ve been wearing the same cheap jewelry since high school, I know exactly where your spending budget should go this month! You don’t need a vast amount of jewelry to look and feel good. You really only need 2-3 solid pieces of jewelry that go together. My go-to jewelry pieces are a pair of Gorjana gold huggies, a basic gold ring, and a dainty necklace. 

Sunday Reset

And finally, the Sunday reset is not just a TikTok trend. Start the week fresh with clean sheets, folded laundry, and a deep clean of your living space. Do a hair mask, dermaplane, face mask, mani-pedi, fresh flowers – whatever makes you feel like the best version of you! 

Closing Thoughts

Your 20s are an interesting and exciting time. Be comfortable and content with where you are in life while working toward your goals, and enjoy these simple upgrades! 

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