30 Things You’re Definitely Still Allowed To Do In Your 30s

1. Hibernate for the day.

Oftentimes as adults, it feels like there is no longer any allowance for relaxation – now disparagingly thought of as laziness. Reconceptualize it as self-care, and take time once in a while to lie around. Give yourself some slack.

2. Indulge in rich food.

It’s okay if you aren’t healthy all the time. Yes, you’re getting older and it’s tougher to keep weight off … not to mention the fact that you know the facts of nutrition now! You no longer have that youthful ignorance as an excuse. Still, enjoying what you like once in a while won’t hurt.

3. Day drink.

Okay, so you won’t have a productive day, obviously. Give yourself a break and live a little. As long as you’re careful, you can even avoid that dreaded mid-afternoon hangover. Brunch it up!

4. Change your career.

It’s never too late. Repeat that to yourself. It’s honestly, truly never too late. You can do anything you want to do, provided that you really want it badly enough. Lay a foundation and get out of your comfort zone.

5. Stay single.

One of the most important things you can do as an adult is take some time all to yourself. That’s how you grow and learn who you truly are. If you can learn to be comfortable alone, you can do anything else you want.

6. Have slumber parties.

Yeah, the term is juvenile, but make it an upgraded adult version. You can host it – or invite friends to go spend the night at a hotel and pretend you’re on vacation. It’s actually quite fun. You don’t have to sleep on the floor or anything, and it’s a great, easy way to bond.

7. Go to the movies in your PJs.

It’s so underrated – and who cares? No one’s there to look at you anyway. Slum it up, especially if you’re going to a late show. Honestly, though, you could even do this in the middle of the day and totally get away with it.

8. Eat kid snacks.

You might feel secretly embarrassed, but the thing is that every single adult has nostalgia for some kind of food from their childhood. Take a trip back in time and go find that treat you loved so much.

9. Enjoy carnivals.

When was the last time you went to the fair and did all the stuff you used to do when you were young? Ride the rides, stuff yourself with funnel cake, play silly carnival games – hey, maybe you’ll even win a giant toy or something. You’re never too old to act like a kid at the fair.

10. Rock out at concerts.

Instead of worrying what some random stranger thinks of you, enjoy the event you spent your hard-earned money on. When you think of it that way, it’s a lot easier to let loose. They didn’t buy you the ticket. Why should you harness your enjoyment?

11. Appreciate small victories.

Just because you’re an adult that doesn’t mean that you can’t congratulate yourself for the little things. That’s what life is all about, no matter what age you are. All the tiny accomplishments are what eventually lead you to the big goal.

12. Opt out of what you don’t enjoy.

As a grown-up, it’s often assumed that you will accommodate out of a sense of politeness. It’s somehow expected of you, so you’ll follow through. Buck this tired notion and listen to your gut instead. If you can’t approach something with genuine enthusiasm, it’s better for you – and everyone else – if you don’t engage.

13. Call in sick just because.

Sometimes you just need a damn day to rest. That’s okay. Kids do it, teenagers do it, maybe you did it as a young adult with less responsibility. Guess what? No matter what guilt trip anyone tries to put on you, the world will not fall apart if you are absent once in a while.

14. Quit your job.

This is more drastic, but if you’re not happy, stop procrastinating and figure out what to do instead. You only get this one life and it’s far too precious to waste time doing something that makes you miserable. Trust that you will figure out something better.

15. End toxic friendships.

Sometimes the temptation is to let them drag on. After all, you hardly see each other anyway. What’s the harm in letting it slowly fade away? Unfortunately, toxic people rarely let go. They’re too invested in sucking up the energy of others. You’re never too old to cut someone off.

16. Move to a brand new place.

You’ll tell yourself all kinds of excuses, even if it’s something you want deep down. It’s too difficult. Everything you know is where you already are. The truth is that you are never too old to start over and maybe it’s something you need. Think of it as an adventure rather than fearing it.

17. Travel spontaneously.

You may think you missed your window when you were younger and now you have to wait until you’ve retired. That’s not true at all. There’s no time like the present, and if you’re creative, travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Make it happen.

18. Spend the holidays however you like.

Not everyone is a fan of the festive season because you are expected to do so much. It’s overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. If you dread the holidays, modify your plans to something you can enjoy. If that offends some people, they’ll have to get over it. Remind yourself to pay attention to your best interests. If they care about you, they will understand.

19. Let someone take care of you when you’re sick.

It can be a significant other. It can be a friend. It can even be a pet, to some extent. You’re never too old to let your guard down and admit you need help. If you feel crappy and you have someone who is willing to jump in and assist, forget your pride and allow it.

20. Cry to your parents.

Sometimes you just have to do it. Believe it or not, they usually don’t mind. It might even make them feel good like they are valuable and useful in your life like when you were little. Trust that they of all people would never make you feel bad about having a tough time.

21. Wallow after a tough breakup.

Don’t do it forever, but give yourself some time to get over it. Acknowledge the pain so that you can eventually let it go. If you push it down and deny it, it’ll just bubble up again when you least expect. It’s actually the more adult behavior to address the situation honestly.

22. Dance like no one is watching.

It’s super fun – try it sometime. Let your body fling free with abandon, just like you did when you were a child. It’s good for your mind and your spirit, and if anyone is concerned with how you look when you dance, they need to get themselves a life.

23. Enjoy cheesy, silly movies.

Everyone else is doing the same thing, seriously. You’d be amazed by what people love if they actually admitted it freely. Don’t be embarrassed if you secretly adore the romantic comedy with the terrible reviews. That says nothing about your maturity or intelligence.

24. Laugh your butt off at nothing.

Just because you’re an adult with bills and responsibilities doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your life. The best times come out of simplicity. Sit around with friends, talk, and just have a damn good time like you would’ve back in the day.

25. Get crafty.

Remember when you got to play around with arts and crafts as a kid? You still can. A lot of grown-up people still love doing that stuff, so go ahead and join in. There are even clubs and groups and all kinds of social activities geared around homespun endeavors.

26. Make mistakes.

It’s a bit more abstract, but the fear of doing the wrong thing can seriously hold you back from your full potential. As you get older, the perceived window of opportunity is narrower, so you have to ignore the pressures that society perpetuates. Take risks and know that if you fall you can and will pick yourself back up.

27. Start something totally new.

So you’re not super young anymore. So what? You can still learn new languages and skills and anything you want, pretty much. There are some additional challenges as you age, but if you want it, you’ll get it done.

28. Treat yourself.

Just do it. You’re still allowed to do nice things for yourself too. Take yourself on a date. Go to the spa. Get a massage. Do something that nurtures your body and soul, and do it more often than you think you should.

29. Take solo time away.

It’s important to travel alone. Maybe you feel like you can’t spare the time for yourself like there are too many obligations pulling you every which way. It’s time that you make yourself a priority too. Escaping on your own heals you so that you have the strength to be there for everyone else.

30. Change your mind – about anything.

You have to remember that no matter where you are in your life, you cannot allow yourself to get stuck or settle for anything that doesn’t make you happy. You have the right and the power to change your mind at any given time about anything you want.