Adulting is a word that seems to pop up more and more these days, but what does it really mean?
For many people, adulting is about navigating a sea of responsibilities, decisions, and tasks that feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to face it alone. In fact, there are strategies you can use to manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany adulting.
Understanding the Roots of Adulting Anxiety
First, let’s talk about why adulting feels so stressful. It’s not just about paying bills or making big life decisions. Adulting involves balancing multiple roles—worker, partner, friend, family member, and sometimes parent. Each of these roles comes with its own set of expectations and pressures.
The anxiety often stems from the feeling that you have to be perfect in all these areas, all the time.
Add to that the societal pressure of always needing to have your life “together,” and it’s no wonder anxiety can creep in.
The All-or-Nothing Mindset: Let It Go
One of the biggest hurdles to overcoming anxiety in adulting is the “all-or-nothing” mindset. Many adults put tremendous pressure on themselves to excel at everything—perfect job, ideal relationships, flawless finances. This mindset leads to burnout and feelings of inadequacy, especially when we are constantly comparing ourselves to influencers online.
It’s important to challenge this thinking. You don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Life is a series of adjustments, and embracing the messy parts can help reduce the anxiety of trying to maintain an impossible standard.
Break It Down Into Steps
If you feel paralyzed by all the responsibilities you have to juggle, it helps to break them down into smaller tasks. When you have a list of things to do, try narrowing it down to just one or two things that feel doable today. Don’t try to conquer everything at once.
If you need to pay bills, start with one. If you need to address a difficult conversation with a loved one, plan out one thing you can say today. Taking small steps will help reduce the pressure, and you may find that once you take action, the anxiety begins to ease.
Time Management: Finding the Balance
A lot of anxiety in adulting is tied to feeling like there’s not enough time in the day. The key to managing time without feeling overwhelmed is to create a balance between work, relaxation, and everything in between. Schedule time for yourself just like you would schedule work meetings. Your well-being is just as important as any job or task.
It’s also important to practice saying no when you feel your plate is too full. You can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s okay. Time management isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about making space for rest and recovery.
Seek Support: You Are Not Alone
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you reach out to a therapist, friends, or family members, support systems are crucial. Talking to someone who understands can help alleviate the weight of your anxiety.
Therapy, in particular, offers an opportunity to explore the underlying causes of your anxiety and develop strategies to cope. No one has to navigate adulting alone—asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Takeaway: One Step at a Time
Adulting doesn’t come with a manual, and there’s no perfect way to do it. The key is to be gentle with yourself as you navigate the challenges. No one has it all figured out, no matter how “perfect” they look from the outside.
Therapy is a great place to address these feelings and learn how to challenge their impact on your life. we are happy to walk alongside you on the journey to conquer your adulting anxiety. If you’re interested, call or email our office to set up a consultation!
Disclaimer: Our content is on and related to the topic of mental health. The content is general information that may or may not apply to you. The content is not a substitute for professional services. This website does not contain professional advice, nor is any professional-client relationship established with you through your use of this website.
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