How to adult (by someone who thinks they have their shit together)

KARACHI: Have you been feeling super lethargic lately but don’t know why? Not enough hours in the day to get all your work done AND have time for friends/family/your dog? Congrats! That means that you’re definitely an adult, even if you don’t act like one.

The thing is, nobody prepared us for this because things have changed since the last generation had newly become adults. Technology and globalisation have made the world so much harder to live in (the irony, we know) that all 2o- and 30-something-year-olds are trying their best to cope and not really succeeding.

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Here are some things I do that fool my friends and colleagues into thinking that I have my shit together:

1. Wake up at 6 am

It’s true. I wake up at 6 am every day, even on Sundays (sometimes). During the week, it simply gives me a few extra hours in the morning and on Sundays, I sometimes run with a running group near my home. I don’t know how this makes my life any better or easier but it’s just one of those adult things our parents tell us to do and it works for me.

2. Exercise

It’s so important to have your physical health in check that tired-all-the-time feeling we’ve been having is because we aren’t as active as one should be. I work out five to six times a day and go for a walk in the evenings, even if I’ve hit the gym in the morning. Keeps my mind alert and fresh.

3. Say no to caffeine

Yea people do a double take at this but I don’t drink coffee or tea, or soft drinks for that matter. Again, I don’t know how this helps but I like the look on people’s faces when I tell them I don’t do caffeine.

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4. Quit smoking

Or don’t start smoking if you haven’t gotten addicted to it yet. I quit four years ago and my stamina has never been better.

5. Grow aloe vera in your home

Okay that’s a little specific, but grow your own plants at home. If you have a garden, great, if not then get a small pot that you can keep inside your home. Aloe vera is my favourite because it’s so good for the skin. Every week, I break off a piece and scoop out the gel from inside it and then store it in my fridge. It’s also good for scars or marks you might have on your hands or feet (I used it on a jellyfish sting and the scars have visibly reduced since).

6. Don’t give up if you’re still struggling

I’m one of the most disciplined people I know but to be honest, I still feel like I have no clue wtf is going on around me half the time. Just do your thing.