Our early-20s are a time rife with self-sabotage. We don’t do our readings when we really should, we go out drinking all night before family gathos, and we arrive 15 minutes late to work when we’ve already received two warnings (sorry boss).

These are the obvious ones. And tbh, they’re mostly fine in moderation. But there are plenty of other ways we’re completely screwing ourselves over without even realising.

#1 Not Exercising

Please, please exercise. It’s so good for you. It slows down all the bad parts about aging, it’s so good for your mental health, and it keeps you focused and productive throughout the day.

Keeping exercise out of your daily routine means you’re absolutely robbing yourself of endorphins.

#2 Checking Your Phone Before Bed

It seems harmless but scrolling on your phone before lights out is a huge no-no. In fact, research has found that it seriously compromises your sleep.

The ABC reported, “While effects can vary from person to person, it may be as subtle as your thinking not being as sharp as it could be, your energy a bit sluggish, your vigilance a bit down, your mood a bit less stable.” Any of that sound familiar?

#3 Waiting Until You Graduate To Get Work Experience

These days, a degree just isn’t enough to push you over the line into employment territory. It’s scary, we know, but even if you pick up a part-time admin job or intern once a week for a month, it’ll do wonders for your prospects after graduation.

#4 Being A People-Pleaser

You may feel like you need to say yes to people and bend over backwards — especially at the start of your career — but it will do nothing but harm you in the long run.

As pointed out by psychologist Sherry Pagoto, people-pleasing can result in passive aggressive behaviour, self-neglect and depression. Yes, really.

Be open to new challenges and help people as often as you can, but don’t be a doormat.

#5 Taking The Easy Way Out

The best things in life require some sort of struggle. If you forego the difficult thing for the easy option, you’re probably not pushing yourself to the best of your ability.

Next time you’re faced with this sort of conundrum, ask yourself what the hard way will give you. We bet that 99 per cent of the time, it will be so much more worthwhile.