We’re constantly being told to make the most of our 20s. Whether it’s from older friends and family or from the millions of online articles on the subject, you’ve probably heard/read the phrase “Don’t waste your 20s!” more than once.

The reality is, every day can’t be a new bucket list challenge. Life happens, which means you can’t always be switched on and ‘living life to the fullest’. If you ever feel guilty that you should be doing more with your life, don’t be. These are the things you shouldn’t have to apologise for if they make you happy.

Saying ‘no’ sometimes

Your friends will probs make you feel guilty about this one. The squad may have planned the most epic Friday night out ever, but you’ve just had the most exhausting week and don’t know if you could stay awake through pre-drinks, let alone survive the night. Even if your friends keep trying to convince you to come, stay strong. Don’t cave in to FOMO – there will be other parties. If your body really needs rest, saying no to plans will be the best thing for it.

Not replying to messages straight away

Sometimes it can be an overwhelming task to check your phone when there’s a million convos happening across different group chats. As soon as you have some downtime, you have to make sure you’ve caught up on all the missed messages or you feel like you need to reply to that friend who has sent 10 messages in a row. But seriously, you don’t have to reply straight away if it stresses you out. If you have a break, make it phone-free.

Your eating habits

No one should make you feel guilty about your diet choices. If you want to get ripped and eat nothing but broccoli and chicken, go for it. If you want to eat Tim Tams whenever the hell you like, eat away. If the only person making you feel guilty is yourself, it might be a sign you need to make some changes towards a healthier lifestyle. But you defs shouldn’t feel bad about the occasional junk binge.

Still living at home

There’s nothing wrong with still living at home in your 20s. If you can do it, you’ll save a lot of money that can go towards travel or just living a baller lifestyle that your fellow students can’t afford. You might even find you have a better relationship with your parents if you get to see them all the time – make the most of it before you do make the move and only call them every now and then.

Watching trash TV

If you want to keep up with the Kardashians, don’t let anyone stop you. You shouldn’t have to hide your love for Bachie, Gogglebox or any TV show that your friends might consider uncultured. After a long day, sometimes the easiest way to switch off is by watching something so light and fluffy you don’t have to think at all.

Having a big night with a lot of drinks

Had a bad day/week/month and need about 10 drinks to help you forget the disaster that has been your life? You shouldn’t feel bad about wanting a night out with friends to drink a lot and have a super emotional D&M. There’s also nothing wrong with drinking by yourself if you need a night with just you and the wine bottle. As long as it doesn’t turn into a daily habit, you should be able to have a few guilt-free drinks without judgement (looking at you mum).

Having a quiet night where you don’t drink

On the other hand, there might be nights where you just don’t feel like drinking. Even if you’re the only sober person, don’t cave into pressure if you really don’t want to. Your friends will bug you but gently remind them that you will be their deso driver and they shouldn’t complain.

Spending money on travel

Don’t let your parents make you feel guilty about spending your money on travel. While they only mean well, they’re speaking from their own experience. They may not have had as many opportunities to travel as you do, which is why you shouldn’t miss your chance. You’re in your 20s and probably not earning enough for that coveted house deposit, so why not splurge on travel while you’re not tied down with commitments?

…or spending money on anything for that matter

You earn dat money, so you spend dat money how you like. Want to splurge on an ASOS shopping spree? Go for it! Been eyeing off that expensive watch? Treat yo’ self! Don’t let others make you feel guilty about buying things that are more of a ‘want’ than a ‘need’.

Taking your time to decide what you want the rest of your 20s to be like

It’s going to take some time to figure it all out. Even the people who look like they have their shit together are often going through their own dilemmas and wondering whether they’re on the right path. You definitely don’t have to know what you want to do with your life when you turn 21, graduate uni or even start working full-time. You have plenty of time, so don’t feel like you have to rush.