How to Stay Fresh, Young, Happy, and Fun!

When you're 20-something years old, you've got a lot on your plate.  You're in perhaps the most important and definitive period in your life, and every move you make has implications near and far. The challenge of this period is only amplified by the fact that most of us are desperately and justifiably holding onto our youth and cravings for fun, adventure, ... freedom.  

Chances are you're  in college, employed, in a masters or PhD program, whatever! No matter what, you need to learn how to capitalize on your fun intake so that the effects or "high" can last you until your next..."hit."  I'm sure if you're reading this, you've already started seeing the signs of rapid fun-loss in your life.  So, based on my experience this past weekend, here's what I propose: High concentrated doses of "fresh thrill."  Trust me and try it. You have nothing to lose

Directions:

a) When you ARE free, don't allow yourself to sulk, relax all your time away, or detox (as appealing as these might be).  Instead, spend your free time having adventures, intense conversations, and new experiences.  I understand you may think after a long week, "I just want to sleep."  Well, sleeping and working is probably all that you've done the entire week (stressing is work, and oftentimes "sulking/time alone = you stressing, thus by deductive reasoning?)!  Rather than continue the cycle, INJECT SOME FLAVA into your life.  Free time is a chance to do something different and create a checkpoint that refreshes you mentally.   Then you can tackle the next few monotonous days without thinking about the previous week's baggage.  Adventures serve as dividers & breaks that help prevent you from being overwhelmed by past unhappiness.

b) I know you LOVE your friends, but you STILL need a "no strings" Play Buddy.  What do I mean?  Friends are great - with you through thick and then, understanding (hopefully), they know your struggles and you know theirs, etc.  Well, guess what.  That's not good to have all of the time.  If you are just hanging with the same person or friend group, most likely you all are simply nursing each others' wounds and entertaining occasional distractions.   "Wound nursing" and group pity sessions are fun, but you've probably already seen the maximum output/benefit from those activities.  AGAIN, rather than chasing the same experiences and people, INJECT SOME FLAVA into your life.  Talk to that random dude or chick that seems to have the great personality.  You're not looking for love, but seeking NEWNESS and FRESH IDEAS.  Play buddies are often more cathartic than friends in that rather than talking about the usual/current aspects of your world, they temporarily divert and focus your attention on new and sometimes more valuable things.  Oftentimes, you'll find yourself feeling more fulfilled, smiling wider, and laughing harder with play buddies, especially if you've been down in the dumps.

*play buddies can evolve into friends, and that's fine!  That just means you'll have gained another intimate relationship and helpful perspective for living.

c) Comfort is important, but it's not always the answer.  For some people, their biggest comfort comes from hitting up the usual spot, chilling with the same crowd, watching the same show or game, or even drinking/drugging up. Come on now!  GO ON, and take a "risk!"  Realize that you're causing your own paralysis and stagnation by only incorporating the same few inputs in your life.  Use the same inputs and you get the same outputs.  Instead of going to the normal bar, go to the jazz club and make a friend.  Rather than ordering your typical burger, try the salmon salad (you may feel healthier and discover a new favorite dish).  Put down the beer for a night and try drinking just water, juice, and soda.  Who knows! You might finally have a Monday where you remember all the fun you had over the weekend  AND you won't have to waste another Sunday in a drunken stupor, looking and feeling a HOT MESS. Certainly, avoiding the "Hot Mess Sunday" might make for a better week in general.

So let's synthesize all of the above points into one phrase for easy digestion: While antiques should be valued and treasured, a healthy life is only sustained by that which is good and fresh.

Go find yourself some new "ish"...seriously.  Don't be boring.  

Be well & Stay Fresh!