Adulting and Anxiety: Navigating this Major Life Transition

There is no question that life seems just a little bit easier when you are a kid. You have someone looking after you and do not have as many responsibilities, such as worrying about things like money, a career, and a family of your own to care for.

While you might not want to turn back time and be a kid again, the reality is that “adulting” is hard. For some, it can even cause anxiety.

Whether you are overwhelmed by adult responsibilities, worried about “messing up,” or feel anxious about what your future might bring, it is understandable to deal with negative thoughts.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to manage anxiety around “adulting.” Let’s cover a few tips that can make a difference.

Break Things Down

If you find that you are consistently overwhelmed making you feel stuck, break down your regular tasks into smaller pieces. Consider making a daily list of everything you need to get done and breaking it down into steps. Each time you complete a small task, you get a motivation boost that keeps you moving to the next one without feeling overwhelmed.

Organizational tools like apps and planners can make it easier to stay on track without getting overwhelmed. These will also help you stay focused, so you will not have to worry about forgetting things.

Be More Mindful

Anxiety increases when you think about the “what ifs” of the future, or you dwell on things in the past you wish you had done differently.

One of the best ways to combat those thoughts is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness helps to keep you grounded in the present. Engaging in techniques like deep breathing, spending time in nature, or even listening to music can help bring you back to the present so the “what ifs” don’t feel so overwhelming and scary.

Limit Media Consumption

We live in a tech-forward world. Media is at your fingertips all day long. While that might seem like a good thing, at times it can overwhelm you. News is often negative, and social media paints pictures that can contribute to mental health issues.

Take breaks from the media. That might mean only engaging for a short time each day or doing a “digital detox” to make it easier to manage your anxiety. Whatever the case, make sure you are not doom-scrolling or spending most of your time online taking in different types of media rather than spending time in the world experiencing things first-hand.

Focus on the Positives

Anxiety can cause you to feel stuck in a pattern of negativity. You might start to think that adulting will never feel any better. You will always feel anxious, overwhelmed, or pinned down by responsibilities.

One way to counter the pattern of negative thoughts is to focus on the positives of being an adult. You have more freedom than ever. You can make your own choices and pursue your own interests. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and filling it up with the things you love about your adult life.

Seek Support

You are not the only one dealing with anxiety around adulting. Lean on family members and friends for support as you try to manage anxiety symptoms. Or, consider joining a support group with others who might be struggling with the same issues. Hearing how other people are handling things can help you realize there is hope for your future.

Seeking support with anxiety therapy is another great way to manage your symptoms and move forward. Therapy can help you better understand why your anxiety feels so strong and why it’s creating such a problem in your life.

Therapy can also give you the tools needed to manage your symptoms and eventually overcome those anxious thoughts. It is a great self-care practice and an opportunity to show yourself kindness and compassion.

If you are struggling with anxiety around adulting, you do not have to work through it alone. Contact me for more information or to set up a consultation soon.