Becoming an adult is a wild ride full of new responsibilities and, let’s be honest, a lot of confusion. But thanks to a viral revelation from @johnfluenzer, there’s a comprehensive list that might make adulting a tad smoother. Here’s a deep dive into the eight things you need to start doing once you enter the realm of adulthood.
1. Prioritize Your Health with Annual Doctor Visits
The first item on John’s list is an important one – annual visits to the doctor. “Go to the doctor once a year if you can.“1 While healthcare systems may differ across the world, the point remains universal—regular checkups help catch potential health issues early, possibly preventing larger problems down the line. This advice isn’t just for the physically ill; it’s about preventive care, and safeguarding your well-being proactively. Be the adult in your life, make sure you’re taking care of your body.
2. Dental Care: More Than Just a Cleaning
John also emphasized dental care: “Just one cleaning a year. One checkup, okay?” The truth is, oral health impacts more than just your teeth—it affects your overall health – and your wallet. As adults, neglecting a $300 cavity can very quickly balloon into a $1,500 root canal or worse. John’s does give alternatives like dental schools to help ease financial strains while ensuring dental hygiene remains a priority.
3. Regular STI/STD Checkups
Being sexually active comes with responsibilities beyond contraception. John strongly advises individuals to prioritize regular STI/STD checkups in his video, stating, “It’s better to know.” This advice underscores the significance of being proactive about sexual health, not just for oneself but also for your partner’s well-being. By now, I’m sure you’ve noticed that being proactive about one’s health is a common theme for adulthood.
4. Stay Updated on Vaccines
John’s advice on vaccines extends beyond the seasonal flu. He highlights the importance of vaccines like Gardasil 9 to prevent cancer-causing HPV. In many places, certain vaccines (like Gardasil 9) are covered by government health programs or insurance plans for both children and adults, ensuring accessibility for a healthier future. Go check out what you have coverage for.
5. Act Swiftly with PEP After a Risky Encounter
Highlighting PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) within 72 hours of a risky sexual encounter, John stresses its urgency in preventing HIV transmission. We’re all adults here; sex can be messy or not be what we thought it was. The important thing is to make sure if anything happens to jeopardize health, we immediately check to make sure. This recommendation aligns with medical guidelines and underscores the importance of timely action for effective prevention.
6. Prioritize Rent: The Roof Over Your Head Matters Most
We are in a housing crisis. John’s advice to prioritize rent over other expenses echoes a crucial reality. This isn’t just about following a financial checklist; it’s about ensuring stability and avoiding eviction, emphasizing the necessity of a secure living space. Food will go on sale, and clothes and toys will have deals. Rent is due every month, and it doesn’t change. Make sure you have what you need to keep living indoors. Nobody should be getting kicked out of their place, especially in the winter.
7. Maximize phone use: Stick to Your Current Device
John’s insight on holding onto your phone, regardless of model, highlights financial prudence, responsibility, and freedom – all cornerstones of being an adult. It’s a reminder that staying off the “upgrade treadmill” can save substantial money in the long run. Do you really need a camera that is 1.2x better in quality? Does the extra quarter second in processing speed for the first six months justify the $900 purchase?
8. Subscription Services: Rotate and Save Money
John’s subscription suggestion is to rotate them monthly, allowing for cost savings without sacrificing entertainment. This practical tip aligns with further frugality, and emphasizes the importance of managing expenses smartly. How many shows from each streaming platform are you actually using it for? Is it worth $12.99 a month to watch the office a seventh time?
John’s list isn’t just a compilation of advice; it’s a crash course in adult essentials. And beyond these eight, there is one more hidden gem: building an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. John’s insights provide a glimpse into the maze of adulthood, offering guidance to navigate it a bit more smoothly. Make sure you stay proactive with your health, and be prudent and frugal with your purchasing decisions!
Is there anything missing from this list? If there is something you wished you knew earlier in adulthood, drop a comment and join the conversation!
You can watch Johnfluenzer’s full TikTok Vide Here.
Keep Reading: TikTok Is Watching You – Even If You Don’t Have an Account
H/t Buzzfeed
