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35 Pieces Of Advice Adults Share That Would Have Made Growing Up Way Less Stressful
Once upon a time, several years or even decades ago, articles like "Advice I'd Give My Teenage Self Today" were quite popular. The selections varied wildly - instead of practical tips like “Buy bitcoin while it’s cheap" or "Buy Apple stock now!" we got moral lessons such as “Do the right things, and don’t do the wrong things"
In fact, any advice, practical or theoretical, is relevant for its time, and if my younger self had followed any of my older self's advice, I wouldn't actually be me now. But various "adult cheat codes," based on universal life experience, are a completely different matter!
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#1
Stay away from people who speak poorly about others behind their backs. They will do the exact same thing to you.
RELATED:
#2
Clean.
As.
You.
Cook.
Tabitha 22 hours ago
When I was first on my own, I didn’t have an abundance of cooking supplies, so I had to get used to cleaning as I cook so I’d have a bowl/pan/casserole dish/etc to use for the next step in the recipe. Yeah, being poor and struggling to stretch your paycheck when you’re in your late teens/early twenties and in your own place for the first time can actually help you develop some pretty good habits it’s for later in life. I’m 65 now, and have A LOT of cooking supplies, with plenty of repeats, and I STILL wash them all between steps in a recipe, or when cooking a full meal. Keeps me from ending up with a mountain of dishes to wash when I’m done.
#3
Eat the frog. If you know the worst part of your day is going to be, say, eating a frog, it's best to get that out of the way early and have a whole day of clarity instead of having that weigh on you until it gets done.
It takes a truly special occasion nowadays for a thread that starts with a question for netizens to skyrocket instantly, but this one, created by the user u/massCMP on AskReddit, has gone truly viral. In just two days, the thread has already received over 10K upvotes and around 4,1K different comments, all of which are being lively discussed.
The question that sparked such heated debate is actually quite simple: "What's one 'small adult cheat code' you wish you'd learned earlier?" So today, we, Bored Panda, offer you a selection of just over thirty of the most interesting and sometimes downright unexpected pieces of advice and worldly wisdom from random peeps from across the globe, based on this thread.
#4
Doing favors for my future self as if they are a completely separate person who I love and appreciate and want to succeed.
The Other Guest 1 day ago
Ha - not 5 minutes ago I told Mr Other Guest, "Today Me is very annoyed with Yesterday Me for not washing the dishes & vacuuming the rug." I knew I was going to regret it, and I did.
#5
A good driver never misses a turn. A great driver does.
It’s always safer to go to the next exit or find somewhere safe to turn around than slam breaks, make tight turns, and potentially get injured in the panic of trying to make a turn at the last second.
Tabitha 21 hours ago (edited)
Or do like the idiots I have seen on the free backing up in the shoulder because they missed the exit. I clearly remember my driver ed and driver training classes in high school—-in 1977!—-drilling it into our heads to go to the next exit and turn around because it’s d****d dangerous and foolhardy to use the shoulder to back up, ffs! Of course, I was in high school in SoCal (SGV, to be precise), so freeway driving was high on their list of important skills to teach students about.
#6
Every time your spouse mentions something they like, make a note of it (I keep a document just for this in the Notes app on my phone). Then you won’t have to scramble to think of presents when Christmas arrives.
Among the advice and opinions expressed in our selection, there are points of view that touch on both the physical and mental aspects of our lives. For example, the advice to always stay in good physical shape - simply because it's much easier to get in shape when you're young than a couple of decades later (I've personally verified this, I can confirm).
Or, perhaps, a strong recommendation not to take everything that happens around you too seriously. Otherwise, as many netizens rightly point out, you simply won't have the emotional resources to withstand the constant pressure from your external environment. Well, and this external environment can sometimes be incredibly toxic...
However, we receive advice like "Take it easy" at almost every turn, and sometimes from the most unexpected sources - at least, I can think of a dozen well-known songs with that title off the top of my head. The problem is, we don't always follow this wise advice. But that's another matter, isn't it?
#7
Try to be early to most things, with a few exceptions. Life happens, and lateness can cause all kinds of issues and leave lasting impressions. Backwards plan whenever you can and leave buffer room all over the place. Life happens.
#8
Don't put it down, put it away. Saying it to myself helps curb my ADHD habit of leaving things laying around everywhere.
Rick Murray 1 day ago
I'm trying so SO hard but it's difficult to change a lifetime of habits. I am proud of myself for fixing a screwdriver holder to the wall and replacing the screwdrivers in their correct places at the end of each day. Small steps...
#9
When making something like soups, stews, chilis or sauces do a bigger batch and freeze the rest. You’ll thank yourself later.
sturmwesen 1 day ago
always...but everything that takes effort but is freezable. I made chocolate salted caramel sauce yesterday and froze some. I think I will make something tiramisu style with it christmas
What I personally really liked from these nearly four dozen pieces of advice was the idea of having three hobbies: one for yourself, one for your friends, and one for your significant other. I think the idea certainly has a grain of truth to it - the key is to find enough time in your life for these three hobbies.
Incidentally, this idea, as I understand it, is a development of the three hobbies concept, expressed several years ago from a slightly different angle: one to make money, one to keep you in shape, and one just to stay creative.
"Everyone is going to have hobbies throughout their life. If you are able to align your hobbies with money, staying in shape, and being creative, you will have built a foundation for greater growth and set yourself up for success in life," this dedicated post at The Public Health Millennial says. So having 3 hobbies could really be a nice idea.
#10
When you decline an invite, it’s ok to just say “Thanks for the invite, I can’t make it.” No need for any explanations.
#11
Sleep is a magic problem solver. I most often did this with coding problems, but it works with anything. If you're stuck on a complex problem and feel like you're getting nowhere, sleep on it. I don't know if your brain works on it while you sleep, but you will find solution very quickly the next day.
Edit: I remembered this also works for learning practical skills, like learning an instrument. Quite often I'd struggle for hours to play a song well, only to nail it on 2 or 3 attempts after a night's sleep.
Tabitha 22 hours ago
Your mind can become clearer the closer you get to being asleep, especially if you’re able to relax and put most of your thoughts out of your mind so you can sleep, like powering down before shutting off. That can often allow you to concentrate on one thing, and if that thing is something you have been trying to solve, that clarity and (metaphorical) extra space in your head can help you think it through and see the solution.
#12
If your boss talks to you in person about something, immediately send them an email confirming everything they said/agreed. It helps to a) nip any misunderstandings in the bud, and b) deters them from just straight up lying about what was said later because they know there's a paper trail.
In terms of advice on physical well-being, I think the most important and most useful is a whole collection of recommendations regarding sleep quality. However, it's very difficult to follow the advice to sleep at least eight hours a night in early youth - when even after a sleepless night we sometimes look fresh.
Unfortunately, even in middle age and closer to old age, we sometimes find it difficult to overcome bad sleep habits. For example, we all know perfectly well that it's best not to look at our smartphones or tablets before bed, that we should avoid watching TV late at night...
But how can we do this when the entire powerful modern entertainment industry is literally doing everything possible to prevent us from doing so? Unfortunately, our collection of tips and helpful opinions doesn't include ideas on how to combat the negative aspects of the modern world... Perhaps they will appear over time, but certainly not now.
#13
Mine: if something takes less than 2 minutes — do it immediately. Changed my life.
#14
When someone complains about something, don't offer a solution at first, say you understand that must be frustrating.
Michael Largey 1 day ago
No, when I bring up a problem I am not necessarily frustrated since it may not affect me. But I am seeking a solution if you have one. Save the "Poor baby" for those who are looking for it.
#15
“Stocking”, or what I call pre-buy; if I see something that I WILL use in the future and it’s on sale/good deal, I go ahead and purchase it even though I don’t need it then. Stuff like medicine, paper goods, coffee, etc. When you NEED those things, you can’t wait to get a good deal, so get it on the deal when you can.
Tabitha 21 hours ago
Just keep a sharp eye out for expiration or sell by dates, depending on what it is and how it’s to be stored. I mean, why buy ten extra loaves of bread that you’re not going to freeze or use in the next few days, so they get moldy before you even reach for them? Now, most stuff you freeze can go months past that date, though not everything can so do a little research first, and if you’re not freezing it, there’s no point stocking up if it’s going to be long past that date when you finally need to use it. Medicines don’t go bad, necessarily, but can lose efficacy so not work the way they should. It’s just my husband and I, but we do go through certain items regularly, so buying extra when they’re on sale makes sense. Of course, we don’t buy out the store—-ffs, leave some for someone else to get a good deal on—-we just buy a few extra at the discounted price.
By the way, perhaps you can share something useful from your life experience, too? For example, what exactly do you do in a certain difficult situation, and what pieces of advice have helped you live better? If so, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If not, well, just read this selection, and maybe it could be truly wholesome for you.
#16
I am teaching my children that they will unlock a cheat code if they can do three things:
(1) Show up on time.
(2) Be Polite.
(3) Do what you say you are going to do.
I tell them if they consistently do these three things, they will establish a reputation for being trustworthy, and that will mean they will be on better footing than 95% of other people and they will never have to worry about having a job. Even if they're not necessarily the *best* at doing the work, someone will always want to employ a worker they can trust.
#17
You can just say what you want and then ask for it. As long as you do it politely, most people will give you an up or down answer. It's also okay to say "no" to almost anything. There may be consequences, but you don't have to do anything just because social pressure suggests you should.
Serena Myers 43 minutes ago
And never forget, people, the word No is a complete sentence. If you say "No" it means just that. No.
#18
Never underestimate the power of what you can get done in 10 minutes.
Rick Murray 1 day ago
I did about two hours of coding today. It took eight hours and included repairing a clock, walking around in the rain with my cat, and baking a cake. Never underestimate how easily an ADHD mind can be distracted by almost anything. Ten minutes? That's long enough to lose the plot several times over.
#19
Never stop working out. It takes FOREVER to get back in shape when you are older. Also everything hurts more.
#21
Live beneath your means, ignore what other people do.
Chich the witch 1 hour ago
Learned this from the bad example my parents provided. They would buy things none of us wanted or used just because the neighbours had one.
#22
Don’t fight about hypothetical situations.
Rick Murray 1 day ago
My mind insists of a Plan B and a Plan C in case the original plan blows up. 99% of the time it's a waste of time getting in knots of something that won't happen. But that remaining 1%... that's when you'll be glad you planned options.
#23
Having a boring “life admin” routine once a week. I sit down for 30 minutes to pay bills, reply to emails, clean a bit, plan meals and budget. It sounds dull, but it stops 90 percent of the stress from “adulting emergencies” before they even start.
#24
Being kind and a smile cost you nothing, but they sometimes go a long way - worked in my favour when I was applying for a visa lol.
S Bow 18 hours ago (edited)
Whenever I go out into the peopley public I smile at anyone I make eye contact with. Not a creepy toothy grin, just a kind, crinkly eyed smile. I find that I get one of three reactions: either a happy return smile, a look of startlement or a look of mild suspicion. I've found it makes my day a little brighter if someone randomly smiles at me so I do it to others. It's a small kindness.
#25
Not everyone is asking you to help solve their problem. A lot of people just need to vent and for someone else to hear them.
Jeff White 7 minutes ago
I am, at my very core, a problem solver. How do I politely communicate that?
#26
Pad your time.
For example: if you need to be somewhere at 6, and it takes you 30 minutes to get there, plan to leave at 5 so you have 15 minutes before hand for traffic, lost keys,etc, and 15 minutes when you get there to find parking, get where you're going, use the bathroom, take a deep breath, etc before it starts.
If you have a deadline of Friday, plan to be completely done by Thursday.
Planning for a few minutes before and between each thing you're going to be doing, gives your schedule breathing room, instead of always being rushed.
Tabitha 21 hours ago
I always scramble to get everything done early so I have time to relax afterwards, especially of that time is my weekend. Do all your homework Friday after school, so you can relax all weekend. Do your housework after work, so you can relax all weekend. Besides, if you have it all done and in the bag early, then you won’t be caught short trying to finish it when some unforeseen emergency or earlier than usual business comes up.
#27
Have 3 hobbies. Something for you. Something with your friends. Something with your spouse. For me, it’s guitar, golf and bird watching.
#28
Not caring about the opinions of strangers.
#29
When you buy your child a Christmas stocking for Santa to fill - buy an extra identical one.
Have one pre-filled with the goodies then swap it for the empty one - it’s so much easier than trying to fill it quietly at some ungodly hour on Christmas Eve.
Michael Largey 1 day ago
You mean we're allowed to shop for presents before Christmas eve? Seems like cheating.
#30
Show up. Show up for people when they need it. You'll have to rationalize how many you can show up for.
I don't mean get played or manipulated.
A friend's starting a new business? Show up as a customer or find a suitable customer. Or put them in touch with an investor/peer/supplier/evangelist,...
Your kid's nth school recital. Show up and cheer them on still like it's the first one.
A colleague is going through a tough time in their personal life. Show up with whatever support is appropriate.
Someone is moving houses. Yes they paid for movers, but still show up and help where you can.
I don't mean spend all your life doing thing for others. You define your limits.
You give to get. This is networking.
#31
“No wasted motion” but my mom has been trying to teach me it for years.
If I’m on the couch and need to go to the bathroom, I’ll tidy up the bathroom counter while I’m there and bring something out that’s meant for the living room. I struggle with cleaning (depression and cptsd) so this has really helped me stay on top of it.
Janissary35680 10 hours ago
For a long time, I needed at least two reasons for getting up and moving from where I am. I upped that to three a couple of years ago. 😄🦥
#32
Always ask how to spell someone's name when you first meet them. Oh, your name is Mara? Is the M-a-r-a or M-a-u-r-a. It forces your brain to encode their name rather than immediately forgetting it. .
Apatheist Account2 23 hours ago
Had an office manager ask someone to spell their name to cover up the fact that she'd forgotten it. He said, very slowly, "P.A.T.E.L", then smiled.
#33
Decide in advance if something actually matters enough to have an argument about it. Many of my friends disagree with me about a lot of things and almost none of them are worth the friction of an actual argument .
#34
Wake up and do what's most important for you. IE. Exercise because when you get home from work, you'll be tired and push it off.
PS. I just used exercise as an example. It works for me for most things, such as catching up on house chores, studying another language, etc. It motivates me for the rest of the day. Of course, it's not going to work for everyone or every thing you do.
Michael Largey 1 day ago
If I wake up and do what's most important to me, I will immediately roll over and go back to sleep. Then rinse and repeat.
#35
If you have to wonder if they like you, they don't like you.
This would have saved me from many pointless and harmful relationships with men who didnt really care for me.
What do you think ?
Rick Murray 1 day ago
Buy an air fryer. Chicken nuggets and chips? Fish and chips? Anything with chips? Just put it into the panier (maybe alone at first if fish, add the chips later) and cook it. Shake it every once in a while. Nicely done in 10-20 minutes with very little effort.
Chich the witch 1 hour ago
It is OK to loose interest in something you were once passionate about. Don't hang onto it. Let go and move on.
Rick Murray 1 day ago
Buy an air fryer. Chicken nuggets and chips? Fish and chips? Anything with chips? Just put it into the panier (maybe alone at first if fish, add the chips later) and cook it. Shake it every once in a while. Nicely done in 10-20 minutes with very little effort.
Chich the witch 1 hour ago
It is OK to loose interest in something you were once passionate about. Don't hang onto it. Let go and move on.
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