Becoming Your Best Self

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Elise DeCamp
Four college women are gathered in front of a banner with the words ‘Happy Friendsgiving’.

Being in your early 20’s can be a whirlwind of uncertainty. What do I want to do with my life? Where do I want to live? Who am I? What do I like, what don’t I like? These questions seem endless. Your 20’s is a crucial time to figure out who you are independently and your experiences and values ultimately shape who you become. The truth is I feel like everyone feels like this and taking the time to ask these questions is already a step in the right direction.

Discovering Yourself through Hobbies

Finding hobbies that are tailored to you is the best way to get to know your interests and values. The key is finding hobbies you genuinely enjoy doing in your free time without feeling like a chore. By incorporating hobbies that fill aspects of your life —social needs, professional needs, creative needs, physical needs and self-care needs— you’ll create a well-rounded foundation for personal growth. Ultimately finding a few hobbies in each of these categories will set you up for success with truly knowing yourself.

Social Hobbies: Building Connections

Fulfilling your social needs is essential for personal well-being. Surrounding yourself with the right people and meaningful activities can enrich your life. Your social needs can be met in a few different ways like hosting dinner parties, joining a book club, going out with friends, going to brunch or visiting some of your favorite places with your friends. When it comes to socializing and friendships, quality often outweighs quantity. Finding like-minded friends and a support system will help you grow in ways you’ve never expected.

Intellectual Hobbies: Expanding Your Mind

Keeping your brain engaged is just as important as staying physically active. Intellectual hobbies challenge you, enhance your skills and help you become a more well-rounded person. Consider exploring activities like reading books, watching documentaries, learning a new language, taking online courses to grow your skills and writing. Engaging in these types of activities will not only sharpen your mind but also enhance your ability to communicate and connect with others.

Physical Hobbies: Keeping Your Body Active

Physical hobbies are so important for keeping both your mind and body sharp. The beauty of movement is there is something for everyone! There are so many different sports and activities you can do like swimming, tennis, volleyball, golf, Pilates, running, dancing and so much more! Finding a physical activity that you enjoy will make it easier to stay consistent and improve your well-being.

Self-Care and Wellness: Recharging your Energy

Taking care of yourself is just as important as any other aspect in life. Prioritizing self-care ensures that you have the energy and mental clarity to pursue your passions. Self-care can be different from person to person, but some great ones are spa days, meditation, journaling, practicing your religion, nature walks, massages and therapy and counseling. These activities should help you feel recharged and ready to take on the world!

Embracing Your Journey

Becoming your best self is not about having all the answers. It’s about being open to exploration, growth and creating your own happiness. Your 20’s are the perfect time to experiment and figure out what truly fulfills you. The key is to embrace the journey, stay focused and build a life that aligns with your values.

So, what’s one new hobby you want to try?

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About the author

A studio headshot of blog author Elise. She has long dark hair and is wearing a white sweater.

Elise DeCamp

Elise DeCamp recently graduated from Appalachian State University where she studied Business Management with a minor in Professional Selling. She loves to hang out with friends, go on trips and travel the world! She has been the ÃÛÌÒapp Campus Ambassador at Appalachian State for two years.