How to Live Independently and Healthily at 27 -

You are in your late 20s, and you have already ‘been there, done that’. Although the 20s can be a time for experimentation, endless parties and generally having a good time, it can also be a very stressful period. As a ‘20s veteran’, you have most likely been dragged out of your comfort zone multiple times, changed jobs and moved cities, more than once. Everyone around you seems to be adulting like a pro, getting married and sailing through life, with promotions. So, as you juggle between domestic responsibilities and the demands of a promising career, it is very easy to fall off the elusive work-life balance wagon.

Though you can get away with a lot of things in your 20s, it is the habits that you follow in this first decade of your adulthood that will lay the foundation for a successful life in the future decades.

Here are some simple but effective suggestions, to start in your late twenties, so that you get a head start on living a well-rounded, healthy life.

Schedule your day

Creating a schedule helps you better utilize your time and get things done. When you have your ‘to-do’ list in front of you, you can prioritize the tasks according to their urgency and the time available. Multitasking, contrary to popular belief, weakens your focus as you toggle your brain between different activities. By replacing random activities with the ones you have planned for, you will find that you are being more productive. Find a scheduling strategy that works for you, set your priorities and conquer the day.

Exercise daily

No, you don’t have to break the bank and get yourself that new gym membership to lead a healthy life. A simple 30-minute walk could work just as well, provided you are consistent. Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy doing. This way, you are less likely to skip it. The goal is to incorporate more movement into your life in doable ways. Is your apartment on the 20th floor? Get off the elevator on the 15th floor and use the stairs for the remaining steps. Have a short brisk walk in the middle of your work day. Honing a habit of exercising consistently is one of the best things you can do for your future self.

Have a healthy diet (at least most of the time)

A healthy and nutritious diet, despite the cliché, is a factor that cannot be ignored. You cannot ‘Swiggy’ your meals every day without serious health repercussions. So, learn to cook simple healthy meals or invest in a cook or an app that provides healthy, dietician-backed meals, to get your nutrient quota for the day.

Consume safe drinking water

Drinking uncontaminated, pure water is as important as staying hydrated. Unbranded water cans may not be a reliable option as we cannot be sure of their source. Many water purifier brands, like DrinkPrime, now provide the option of getting access to water purifiers, suited to water quality in your area, on a subscription basis. This ensures you access to safe drinking water on a budget.

Get adequate sleep

The often touted 7 hours of sleep is crucial for you to optimally function throughout the day. Compromising on sleeping hours is something that is second-nature to most of us. Those extra cups of coffee you down, to stay focused, will not help you in the long run. So, prioritize sleep and give it the importance it deserves and your body and mind will thank you for it.

Managing time in your twenties may seem like a daunting task as you are inundated with responsibilities while still trying to experiment and have fun. The 20s can be a defining decade in your life as the decisions and choices you make now may have a lifelong impact. So, enjoy the good side of the 20s and live your life to the fullest while laying down habits that can set you up for your best shot at success and happiness in the future.