Independence is great. It teaches you who you truly are and which life skills you need to improve upon. Before you move out on your own, you need to learn a few skills that can carry you through each day and help you out in an emergency. These 10 Life Skills to Learn as an Independent Woman’ can lead you to true independence, and once you master them, you can steer your life in a better direction.
10 Life Skills to Learn as an Independent Woman
1. How to Troubleshoot Devices
How often have you dealt with tricky devices that don’t seem to do anything you want them to? You should know how to troubleshoot your devices on your own before turning to loved ones or taking them into the shop.
You can visit online forums to learn more about what might be happening with your device. You should also know or have serial and model numbers handy, just in case you need to post on a forum for assistance in cases where you can’t find the answer online.
2. How to Use Tools
When you live alone, you should have your own toolbox and know how to use certain tools – and the situation each one works best with. These tools can help you with anything from basic house repairs to DIY home projects. How often or infrequently you use them is up to you.
You don’t need a lot of power tools in your toolbox – just enough to help you with anything you need. You definitely need a screwdriver, hammer, and measuring tape if you want to do the bare minimum in your home, like hanging pictures or unscrewing battery doors. Be sure to clean your tools regularly, as a slippery handle could lead to an injury that you don’t want to deal with.
3. How to Clean Effectively
Disinfectant wipes won’t clean as much as you think they will. You also need to learn which cleaning agents you shouldn’t mix, lest you risk your own health. Once you learn the best materials and methods for cleaning, you can deep clean your space without worrying whether you’re leaving any lingering dirt or germs behind.
You should also know how to construct a cleaning schedule that won’t leave you tired but can help you keep your space sparkling.
4. How to Decorate Your Space
If you like to follow trends, staying up on the latest design news can help you have the home of your dreams. Don’t be afraid to experiment with added color, as you may find something you really enjoy, even though earth tones are the most popular colors right now.
Even if you don’t like to go with the flow, you should know which colors complement one another, so your home doesn’t look like it clashes.
5. How to Manage Time
Living alone and being independent means you have to brush up on a bunch of skills you may not have known you needed. If you’ve never lived alone before, you may not have had to wake yourself up for classes, your job, or various appointments. Learning how to manage your time and avoid procrastination can help you feel more productive and reflects better on your work ethic.
6. How to Deal With Cars
Cars don’t come naturally to everyone. Some days, your vehicle might not start, or you may need to look for a new one. People assume women don’t know much about cars, but you can teach yourself – and you can prove them wrong. When buying a car, make sure to examine the interior and exterior thoroughly, especially if you’re buying an older car, so you can know how well it was treated in the past. You should try just about everything out in a car before buying it.
Maintenance is something else you need to learn. You might be able to perform basic maintenance yourself, but you should also have a trusted mechanic you can turn to when you need help. It’s not bad to ask for help, but you should also know how much each service costs so you won’t be ripped off.
7. How to Budget
When living alone, you must learn how to manage your money effectively. Starting with a budget can help you track your expenses and see where your money is going. Building a budget can also help you achieve financial goals you only dreamed about previously.
Once you see where your money is going, you’ll know what you can cut back on and what you can spend a bit more money on. In time, your budget may not feel so restrictive.
8. How to Administer First-Aid
You should have a first-aid kit in your home, especially if you’re living alone and prone to accidents. Basic first-aid is one of the best skills to have, as it can help keep someone safe until they can be seen by a medical professional.
First-aid skills can also be beneficial out in the field, like if you’re going hiking alone or with someone else. Your skills might just save someone’s life – or your own!
9. How to Cook
Teaching yourself how to cook is a great way to impress guests, but it’s also a must-have to keep yourself healthy. You need to eat a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to properly nourish your body and give you the energy you need to get through your day.
Don’t try to cut out certain food groups without talking to your doctor first, as it could lead to health issues. Try to eat a balanced diet, and you’ll feel more energetic and have consistently better moods.
10. How to Ask for Help
Just because you live alone doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. You likely have parents, guardians, or older mentors in your life who are willing to help you out when you may not know how to do something.
It can be hard to admit when you don’t know something, but in the end, you’ll learn more from a trusted professional than you will on your own. Acknowledging that you need help can keep you humble and teach you where you still need to grow.
Learn How to Be Independent
Learning to be independent doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. It just means you can take care of yourself and keep yourself safe while living by yourself. Teach yourself the life skills you need to get through your daily activities, and you’ll feel more prepared – and perhaps more confident about living on your own for the first time. Independence can be taught, and you can feel more self-assured by being prepared for just about anything. Liked reading ’10 Life Skills to Learn as an Independent Woman’? Leave a comment below!