How to Deal with Anxiety around “Adulting”

You have probably seen and heard the word “adulting” in memes for years. Maybe you have even used it in a joking manner, yourself, suggesting that you do not want to “adult” on a certain day when it would have been easier to stay in bed.

While we have turned the phrase into something meme-worthy, it is really a word that can trigger a lot of fear and anxiety in some.

There is no denying it — adulting is hard. It is much easier to be young without the burdens and uncertainties of so many things.

If that sounds familiar and you are struggling with anxiety around adulting, you are not alone. But it is also not impossible to manage those feelings. While seeking therapy for anxiety may be the best road for some, there are some things you can do at home to lessen these concerns.

Let’s cover a few strategies you can use to deal with anxiety around adulting, so you can embrace this stage of life without letting worry take over.

Acknowledge Your Anxiety

One of the worst things you can do is try to ignore your anxiety or push it down. It is not silly to be worried about adulting. In fact, it happens to a lot of people. Acknowledging that anxiety is the first step you should take if you are trying to fight back against it.

Anxiety thrives on the “what ifs” of life, and it is very easy for it to plant little seeds that will grow and fester if you do not pull them out right away. You cannot do that if you are trying to ignore them.

So, acknowledge your feelings and consider where they might be coming from. Doing so will make you more equipped to deal with the anxiety that often comes with adulting.

Build a Better Routine

Being an adult does not have to be as overwhelming as you might think. One way to promote stability and consistency in your life is to establish healthy routines. Since anxiety is often fueled by the unknown, routines can give you a sense of control

Start by establishing a daily schedule. Wake up around the same time, eat meals at certain times, and go to bed at the same time each night. Obviously, there should be some wiggle room, but having a routine is something you will be able to look forward to. Even when things seem to be out of control in so many ways, a daily routine will provide comfort.

Be More Mindful

Mindfulness is a self-care practice that goes a long way when it comes to combating anxiety. Again, anxiety wants you to focus on the “what ifs,” which often means thinking about the future. If you’re already worried about adulting, that can quickly become overwhelming.

Mindfulness allows you to stay grounded in the present. Take a few slow, deep breaths, and take in your surroundings. Just a few minutes of mindfulness can cause those “what ifs” to pass you by.

Other self-care practices are also important for managing anxiety, so do not hesitate to try different things in an effort to find what works for you. Everything from physical exercise and healthy eating to meditation and journaling can make a big difference in your well-being.

Talk to Someone

Anxiety of any kind is often manageable. However, determining where it started is often the best way to tackle it. When it comes to anxiety about adulting, learning where those feelings might have come from can help you better manage your thoughts.

Therapy can help.

Consider working with a mental health professional for anxiety therapy to dig deeper into your concerns around adulting. Not only will you learn how to manage it more effectively, but you will be able to assuage some of those worries about your adult life and what the future might hold. If you are ready to take that step, do not hesitate to contact me for more information.