Navigating Your 20s: A Woman’s Guide to Growing Up

Being in your 20s as a woman can be challenging. It’s quite the age. Everything seems possible, and you have so much potential. The entire world is open to you, waiting for you to take centre stage. It’s your time to shine. You’re no longer a teenager, and now it’s time to be independent, start a career, find your passion, flourish as a professional, and grow as a person. Are you thinking your 20s are nothing like what you expected? You don’t always feel like the main character in your story and aren’t quite sure how ‘adulting’ works. Are you desperately trying to have it all under control, only to find yourself trapped in anxiety? Slow down, girl! You’re normal. You’re not failing as a person. If you’re thinking that way, stop and read ahead to understand a few things.

We know you're an adult, and you want to get it all together as soon as possible. But if you want to take your time, figure things out, and go with the flow, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Due to social media and entertainment, our perception of our early 20s has been misguided. Whenever you feel overwhelmed with emotions or stress, it’s better to take things one step at a time.

Yes, this is the time to live your life to the fullest, but it’s also the time to invest in your health. Be mindful of your diet, get into healthy habits, and start exercising. You don’t need a strict diet or long gym sessions every day. But anything that keeps you active – even a 20-minute walk – is beneficial. Also, ensure you have a balanced diet that includes all the necessary carbs, fats, and proteins.

Your 20s mark a distinct shift from your teenage years, bringing changes to your body and hormones. This pivotal time is when you need to take charge of your well-being. To ensure good health, prioritise annual checkups and open discussions with your healthcare providers. Consult both your gynaecologist and regular doctor about necessary tests for your age group. Additionally, you can learn to perform self-checks for breast cancer. By being proactive about your health in your 20s, you set a foundation for lifelong wellness.

While most days during your 20s feel like a rollercoaster ride, remember you're a new adult. Focus on your mental health. Start meditating and consider therapy to better understand yourself. Identify and break away from old patterns and behaviours that no longer serve you. Help destigmatise therapy for yourself and others around you.

You may want to climb the ladder as high and as fast as possible. However, you also need to build lasting relationships that will nurture your growth. Get into the habit of investing, but don’t chase a number. Satisfaction comes from the work you do and the people you surround yourself with, not just from how much you earn.

In your 20s, you might feel like you're done with learning and it’s time to focus on work. But don’t forget to upskill yourself. Learn new things, develop hobbies, and make time for personal growth. These activities will give you the ‘me time’ you need to relax and learn. Don’t limit yourself—continue exploring and acquiring knowledge.

As women, we often succumb to the pressure of being ‘superwomen’ or perfect. But here’s a secret: she doesn’t exist. None of us are perfect. Prioritise your relationships, but set healthy boundaries. Don’t be afraid to speak up and walk away from toxicity.

Remember, your 20s are a journey, not a destination. Embrace the uncertainty and growth that comes with this decade. It's a time for exploration, learning, and self-discovery. Be patient with yourself, take care of your mental and physical health, and build meaningful relationships. Most importantly, cherish the process and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be. Keep shining and take each day as it comes.