Remember being a kid and thinking that adults had it all sorted? They made their own decisions, they made the rules and you couldn’t wait to be one. Except, when you got there, you found out the cold, hard truth. Growing up has more to do with facing responsibilities and making tough choices than eating chocolate for breakfast every day. It often feels like everyone else has their stuff together, while you’re left feeling overwhelmed. But once you have a few of the basics covered, you realize that you’re doing better than you thought…

Develop a Sleep Ritual

Sleep is the backbone of almost anything else in your life. Creative energy, a balanced diet, and exercise all depend on you being well rested. So prioritize building a sleep ritual that relaxes you and winds you down at night. Aromatherapy baths can be intensely relaxing. It could also be slipping on some deluxe pajamas, playing some calm music and sipping on some chamomile tea. You find what works for you. Banning electronics from the bedroom is a good place to start, or explore an app to discover your relaxation triggers.

Get On Top Of Your Finances

There’s nothing grown up about taking the ostrich approach to money. So, take a cold hard look at what you’re spending and what you want your money to do for you. Then make a plan to get there. From how to increase your credit score to getting started with a savings plan. You need to set a direction and follow it. Know the interest rates and monthly repayments of everything you borrow. Set aside regular time to review your financial situation.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to many things in adult life, from close relationships to the contents of our closets, it’s true that less is more. So learn to prize quality over a quick fix and the power that refusal gives you. Whether it’s saying no to those sale ‘bargains’ that get worn once in favor of that investment piece with the crazy good cost-per-wear or trimming unfulfilling duty friendships in favor of spending time on our true soulmates, learn that it’s okay to say no. Having a few good things is a sustainable way of life that leads to richer pleasure, so discover its power.

Nourish Yourself

Your closet may be Marie Kondo-ed to high heaven. You may be excelling in your chosen career and all the bills may be paid. However, you aren’t adulting until you’ve developed a small but trusted repertoire of great home cooking. Eating homemade meals is better for your health and saves you money. Plus, being able to invite friends and loved ones round and feed them something tasty with a few glasses of wine is one of the best ways to celebrate life. It doesn’t have to be complicated – fresh ingredients and a few weekday dishes plus a couple of showstoppers is a great way to get started. It just takes a little practice to uncover a passion for creating great meals, and it will pay you back time and again!