Because of coronavirus, a lot of recent grads are moving back home. After four years (or more) of freedom, being back home is a big adjustment and itās easy to revert back to our teenage behaviors. Here are some of the things Iām doing to feel a little more like a grown up while Iām living at home!
i. make your space your own
Just cleaning out your room can make a huge difference. Donate your old clothes and take your old posters from high school down. If youāve got the time and resources, a fresh coat of paint or new bedding can also do a lot to make your old room feel more adult. You can also rearrange furniture to make a workspace if youāll be working from home or applying to jobs.
Lovingly set some ground rules about how you can best support each other. This is especially important if youāll be working or taking classes from home ā let them know youāll be unavailable during certain hours so they donāt barge into a Zoom meeting.Ā
Even if youāre not working or in class at the moment, itās important to be intentional about your time. The biggest thing that contributed to me feeling like a kid when I first moved back was spending my days watching Netflix and napping. Which are totally valid! But add in other daily activities, like taking your dog for a walk and making yourself a nice breakfast.
iv. make time for friends
I normally hate virtual hangouts, but theyāve been so important for my mental health during quarantine. Schedule a weekly Zoom coffee date with your group of friends. FaceTime your old roommates. Meet your high school bestie in the park and have a distanced picnic (donāt forget masks!). Having a support system is so important right now!
This is the perfect time to try out new hobbies. Plus, craft stores have been having great sales since they know everyone is cooped up all summer. I found some really fun craft kits that I never would have tried normally, and now Iām the proud owner of a woven frog wall hanging. A few ideas: painting, tie dying, embroidery, yoga, running, learning a new language, reading, etc.
Having a long-term project to work towards ā like a larger art project or trying to master a difficult yoga pose ā helps to keep the days from running together.
vi. find ways to feelĀ ānormalā
Everyone, no matter their living situation, is feeling really upended right now. Find the little ways to bring back pieces of yourĀ ānormalā life. Learn how to make your favorite coffee shop drink at home. Cook for yourself. Wake up at your normal time even if you donāt have to. Keep up with your normal exercise and self care routines ā theyāre more important now than ever!