I graduated a few years ago, but I still consider myself firmly planted in the “postgrad blogger” category. I have friends who are still in school, I’m still finding out what household essentials are actually essential, and I’m still waiting for that moment when it feels like I finally have everything together. I have a feeling I’ll be waiting for that for a while, but until then, here are a few of my favorite postgrad life tips for the days you wish life is as structured as it was in class.
1. Schedule your week on Sundays
I think I might be the strangest combo of Type A and Type B that’s ever existed. Let me explain: I love to plan. I have more planners than necessary (I’m talking three of this bad boy). I used to schedule out time to be stressed in college in my color-coded spreadsheet. Pro tip: that’s actually not a sign you have your life together, despite what you may think.
But despite these plans, I usually underestimate how long it’ll take me to get ready or choose to spend hours scrolling TikTok instead of doing anything I actually planned. I’m still working on the best way to use my time, but I love spending some time on the weekend to schedule my week.
I schedule workouts (whether I’m going to a workout class or doing Pilates at home), add in deadlines, and fill in time with friends and my boyfriend Nathan. I am the quintessential Enneagram 7 who feels major FOMO when I don’t have plans, so I look at my free days and text friends I’ve been meaning to catch up with to schedule coffee or drinks.
2. Plan free nights
Even though I hate free time, I need to schedule it in my week. I like to have a few nights with absolutely no plans—then, I can use those nights to clean and get errands done, lay on my couch like a bum, or make last-minute plans with friends. This is one of my favorite postgrad life tips for people who love to stay busy!
My version of “go with the flow” means scheduling out time to be spontaneous. Fun, right?
3. Find a workout that works
I hate to admit it, but working out a few times a week, especially in the morning, actually does make me feel better. I’ve been a member of Ignite Cycle in Birmingham and I love it—here’s my referral code if you want to try it—but it’s definitely a monetary investment. For now, I’m trying to add in online Pilates classes in the morning, but I think I need the motivation (and pressure) of a late fee to wake up early in the morning.
Do you have any tips and tricks that keep you motivated when working out at home?! Let a girl know, please, and thank you.
4. Make time work for you
As much as I wish I could let passion and drive keep me motivated into the evenings (or early in the morning), I need at least eight hours of sleep to function most days—and on the nights I stay up later, I’m exhausted by 3PM the next day.
Instead of guzzling caffeine or wishing I could have a different need for sleep, I’m working to make a schedule that actually works for me. As odd as it may be, that means I have to relax for a few hours after work (AKA scroll mindlessly on TikTok), and around 8PM, I can actually dig into work.
If waking up at 5:30AM is the only way you’ll be able to function, you do you. If your productive hours are in the middle of the night, live your best nocturnal life.
5. Don’t let your friendships fall to the side
When you graduate, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by life: your new job (or searching for a new job), keeping up with your apartment (who knew you had to do dishes so often?), or just finding time to relax. With everything on your plate, you might let friendships slide—whether they’re old friends or new friends. Making friends is hard—but sometimes it’s just as hard to keep friends.
Here are a few ways I work to prioritize friendships:
- Schedule friendship hangouts like you schedule workouts or meetings. When I do my weekly planning on Sundays, I look for gaps in my schedule and think of friends I haven’t seen recently. Then, I reach out to make plans! Whether it’s coffee before work or a midday lunch, it’s a great way to keep in touch and build those connections.
- Be intentional. Ya know when you run into an old friend (or even just an old coworker, classmate, or gym buddy) out and about and swear you should get coffee? Don’t just say it—make plans then and there. I live by my calendar, so I’m not ashamed to pull out my calendar when I run into someone. Some of my sweetest friendships today are thanks to running into casual acquaintances.
- When you think of someone, text them. If someone pops into your mind, take it as a sign to reach out! Whether it’s a friend you see weekly or someone you haven’t seen in months (or years), I think it’s such a kind and intentional way to let people know they matter to you. You never know when your text will reach someone at the exact moment they need it.
I feel like we’ve just gotten lattes and spent the last hour chatting—so now it’s time for you to dish. What are your favorite postgrad life tips? Let me know in the comments so I can make them part of my life, too.
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