16 Best Things You Should Do In Your 20s

The ultimate list of things to do in your 20s to make the most of these special years of your life.

Your 20s can be a wild ride. One minute you’re conquering the world, the next, you’re questioning your life choices over a tub of ice cream.

You want to figure out everything so badly, but even being an adult seems to be a hit-and-miss.

It can be a scary and confusing decade, to say the least.

But at the same time, it’s also the perfect time to experiment with yourself and make the best of what life hands to you.

At this time in life, you are full of youth and energy.

Even on those nights when you’re eating ramen noodles for the fourth time the week, you have the potential to do more.

And that doesn’t necessarily mean figuring out all of life; I don’t think we can do that even in a lifetime.

Instead of trying to make sense of things, maybe you just need to ‘do things’.

In this post, we’ll look at 16 things to do in your 20s to enjoy life more and set yourself up for a good future.

Read on to make your 20s more fun and make the best of these youthful years.

16 Things To Do In Your 20s

1. Live Alone

The thought of living alone can be scary, but it’s the ultimate way to figure out life on your own terms.

Consider it your master class for self-dependency.

Imagine decorating your space exactly how you like it, eating cereal for dinner if you want, and singing at the top of your lungs with no one to judge you.

Sounds cool, right?

There’ll be challenges along the way too, but you’ll learn a ton while dealing with them.

Once you master the art of being alone, you’ll seldom find yourself feeling lonely.

2. Read As Many Books As You Can

You know what they say about a well-read woman? She’s a dangerous creature.

The more books you read, the more power you gain.

Doesn’t matter whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, every book is a source of knowledge and imagination.

In your 20s, make it a habit to read as much as you can.

Set reading goals every month and year. Romance, suspense, self-help, read whatever intrigues you.

Books will open your mind, expand your vocab, and even offer escapism from the unnecessary drama of your 20s.

3. Fall In Love

Falling in love is scary as hell, but your heart should be on the line at least once in your 20s.

Why? Because there is no other feeling like it in the world!

You can’t force yourself to fall in love, of course.

And I definitely don’t suggest wandering out in the world looking for love.

Just keep your heart open to prospective partners and don’t let your fears hold you back.

You won’t know whether it’s the right person or the wrong, but your heart will be in for a wild ride.

4. Go Solo Traveling

Traveling with someone is fun, but a solo adventure is the ultimate way to discover new parts of yourself.

It teaches you to rely on yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and make decisions on the fly.

You get to plan your itinerary exactly how you want it. It can be as meaningful or as random as you want it to be.

Once you cross your 20s, you might not get as many chances to be a solo explorer.

So, while you still have time, take as many solo trips as you can.

Hike the mountains, explore a new city, visit new beaches, and check off your dream destinations.

It’ll change the way you look at yourself and the world around you.

5. Take Risks

You might feel like there isn’t enough time for risks in your 20s, but once you get into your 30s, you’ll look back and regret not taking chances.

Be calculative if you must, but give yourself the permission to step out of your comfort zone and see what happens.

Curious about a new career? Do enough research and try it out.

Want to move to a new city? Find out more about it and if it keeps calling out to you, then make it happen.

It’s better to try and fail than to regret not trying.

Don’t miss: How To Become Your Best Self – 8 Awesome Tips

6. Learn Cooking

Cooking is a basic survival skill that everyone should know.

You could have a classy chef at your disposal or be surrounded by eating outlets, but none of that would bring you the joy that comes from eating the food prepared by yourself.

Plus, cooking at home is often healthier and cheaper than eating out.

Start with simple recipes and gradually challenge yourself with more complex dishes.

This is a hobby that your future self will thank you for working on in your 20s.

7. Pour Into Meaningful Relationships

It can be easy to fall into the wrong circles in your 20s.

By wrong, I don’t mean bad people. I mean relationships that are wrong for you.

You might find yourself hanging out with certain people in the name of ‘trying new things’ and before you know it, they could end up defining your lifestyle.

Instead of chasing meaningless and toxic relationships, prioritize the ones that bring you happiness.

Spend time with your family, try rekindling old friendships that were good to you, and pour into new relationships that give you the space to be yourself.

Take care of those who support you and show them that they are loved.

The bonds you make in your 20s might end up being your lifetime support system.

So, choose with care, and pour with love, please.

8. Make Bucket Lists

Life in your 20s can be hectic and confusing, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeking fun.

Make your life more interesting by creating bucket lists, be it for a new year, a new month, or a new season.

Skydiving, learning a new language, visiting every coffee shop in your city – whatever it is, write it down and make it happen.

This is the time to ditch your excuses, do crazy things, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

9. Create A Side Hustle

For most people, the 20s can be hard in terms of money and career.

You might be stuck in a job that you don’t enjoy much and chasing what you love might make you peanuts.

In any case, it never hurts to create an extra source of income for yourself.

It can be really fun to work on a side hustle and figure out stuff on your own.

No matter what your day job might look like, you get to be your own boss with your side hustle.

And think of all the skills you’ll pick up on the way!

Pick something interesting and give a few hours to it each week. You never know where your side business could take you.

For some ideas, see: 15 Hobbies That Make Money And Are Excellent For A Side Income

10. Enjoy Being Single

I think love and relationships are complex and beautiful. Everyone deserves to experience love and what it’s like to be with someone.

But there should be a period in your 20s when you are single.

Why? Because it’s the best time to date yourself and fall in love with your unique traits.

You think, act, and behave differently when you are single.

Before finding your special someone, you should know who you are and what you want from life.

You’ll respect yourself more and won’t let the wrong person into your heart, saving you from time waste and hurt.

11. Master The Art Of Self-Care

Your teen self is too busy figuring out its mind to know the real value of self-care. But your 20s self needs real self-care to thrive and shine in life.

Self-care is about finding what makes you feel good and making it a priority.

It’s not a luxury, doesn’t make you selfish, and is a necessity more than anything else.

When you practice self-care with intention, your mental health thrives and your body glows.

Here are my favorite everyday self-care rituals:

Guided meditations
Taking long baths and showers while listening to music
Reading before bed
Eating healthy
Comfort eating when I need it
Sipping green tea
Cooking dinner
Regular skincare
Long walks while listening to podcasts

Bookmark now: 101 Quick 5-Minute Self-Care Activities For A Refreshing Time

12. Visit A Foreign Country

You have your whole life to travel and go places, but it’s a different feeling entirely to check off a foreign country from your travel bucket list.

Why? Because doing it in your 20s will make you feel accomplished.

It’ll be one of those things that will raise your self-worth and inspire you to dream big.

You don’t have any obligations at this age and can afford to save money to travel to a foreign land.

Experiencing a new culture, trying different foods, and seeing iconic landmarks can be life-changing.

13. Attend The Concert Of Your Favorite Artist

Have you attended the concert of your favorite artist yet? If not, then make it a goal to do so before you turn thirty.

The love and admiration you have for an artist in your 20s might not necessarily be the same as you get older.

While you’re still a crazy fan, go and attend a concert of the music genius who has your heart at the moment.

That might not be as easy as I am making it sound, but then making it happen is in your hands.

It all depends on how bad you want it to happen and whether you’re willing to give it a priority over your other dreams.

Attending a Taylor Swift concert is at the very top of my insane bucket list for 20s.

I say insane because TS has never come to India, so I will need to plan a trip to the closest country when she comes performing this side of the world.

I hope your meet-up with your favorite music star isn’t as complicated.

14. Bring A Pet Home

Your 20s can be the most thrilling and exciting time of your life, but often, it can also get lonely and scary.

Not knowing who you are can make you isolated and like you don’t belong anywhere.

A pet will erase your loneliness and make you feel loved.

No matter what you’re struggling with, your furry friend will make every day of life worth living.

Plus, they’ll teach you how to be more responsible and organized in your routine life, which are necessary skills to have in your 20s.

Dog, cat, fish, turtle, whichever animal fits your lifestyle demands, bring them home and experience the unique joy of becoming a pet parent.

15. Plan Your Finances

It’s never too early to start thinking about financial security and building a nest egg.

As soon as you cross your mid 20s, start taking your finances seriously.

Start budgeting, save more money, and invest in places that can give you high returns.

Whatever goals you have for your 30s, be it starting a family, launching a business, or buying a home, your 20s are the time to start working toward them.

Consult a professional if you need to.

Any money-saving skills you learn right now give pay you back in the form of a secure future.

Don’t miss: How To Organize Your Life – 10 Helpful Tips That Work

16. Work On Your Health

Lastly, work on your body and pour into your wellness during these precious years of your life.

Your body is easy to work on during this age.

If you can teach yourself to find joy in healthy living, you’ll find it easy to be fit in the coming years of your life.

Health issues will be minimal too. Make use of your crazy energy and try different things.

Run marathons, do yoga in the morning, lift weights, and do HIIT to strengthen your heart.

Experiment with your food to learn how to balance fun eating with healthy eating.

Drink your water, be regular with skincare, and stay positive in the face of health setbacks.

Your body is a temple, and you should know how to treat it as such.

Make Your 20s Count!

Your 20s will act as a blueprint for the rest of your life. It’s up to you to make it a good one.

Do these 16 things in your 20s to level up your life and make the best of these energetic years.

I hope you are able to give yourself relentless patience, understanding, and love during this age.

Happy 20s!

What are your plans for your 20s? Suggest something for our readers and me! It’s always a treat to read your ideas.