Possibly the hardest year of your life, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I may as well be. Not a girl, not yet a woman, or a man! Too young to be taken seriously, and yet old enough to know better.
Chances are you have finished your education, and probably have had to move back in with your parents or in cramped, shared accommodation. If you’ve managed to find a job, chances are it's not even in the industry you want to work in, or you are not getting nearly as many hours as you would like, or you’re just being overworked and underpaid.
However, there is good news, you will make it through and good times are just around the corner! Whatever your dreams are and wherever you are going you just need to make it to 24. So here are my top tips for surviving 23.
1. Remember, everyone’s in the same boat.
If you’re a big social media user, chances are you see too many pictures of your friends living “the dream”. They are not. Well, maybe one or two are, but the rest of them are in the same boat as you. We all share the best parts of our life on social media and there’s a good chance your friends are jealous of your Instagram pics too!
2. Nobody cares if you have a master’s degree.
Get one if you really love the subject, need one for your career, or just love learning. Employers, however, really don’t care, and if you are considering getting one because you’re not sure what you want to do with the rest of your life, it could well be a very expensive and stressful mistake. Also, if you don’t have bachelors yet the same applies, don’t get one if you don’t need one!
3. You don’t have to like fads to look cool anymore.
Not a fan of Game of Thrones, baking, or fidget spinners? Nobody cares! You’re too old now to like things just because your friends do. Nobody is going to tease you for it on the school playground anymore. Actually, you will find people will like you more if your interests are authentic.
4. Remember that you are still young.
It's very easy to start thinking that you have to have your life figured out by now, and should have figured out exactly who you are. You still have years to decide though! You are still young enough to be trying different things, reconsidering careers, and making mistakes.
5. Try new things.
This advice seems to be everywhere, but that doesn’t make it any less true. You’re young enough to probably not need to worry about mortgages and children. You are also old enough to not care about what others think of your hobbies. So go! Travels, read Shakespeare, take dance lessons, or take up dungeons and dragons. Whatever it is that you’ve always half considered, do it, because why the hell not?
6. Remember that it will get better.
One day you will be in your dream house/cabin in the woods/narrow boat with your ideal husband/wife/dog/pig and preparing to go to a job that you really enjoy. It might not happen this year, or in the next five or ten years, but one day you will wake up and be completely happy. For now, all you can do is try your hardest and keep your head up. Don’t worry about what others are doing and try to remember that life is not a competition or a race and just enjoy the here and now.
About the Creator
Ann Couldwell
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Top 3 Indian Towns with Sub-Zero Temperatures: Experiencing the Frozen Extremes
India is a land of contrasts. From tropical beaches to arid deserts, the subcontinent boasts an incredible diversity of climates. While most think of India as a warm, sun-drenched country, it also has regions where winters are harsh, and temperatures plunge well below zero. These towns, located mainly in the Himalayas, challenge the very notion of life in extreme cold. For travelers, adventurers, and researchers, they offer a unique experience—a glimpse into a frozen, high-altitude world where survival is a skill and winter reigns supreme. Here, we explore the top three Indian towns known for sub-zero temperatures. 1. Dras, Ladakh: India’s Coldest Inhabited Town Nestled in the Kargil district of Ladakh, Dras holds the title of the coldest inhabited town in India. Sitting at approximately 3,300 meters above sea level, Dras experiences winter temperatures that often plummet to –30°C or lower, earning it the nickname "The Gateway to Ladakh." The town’s extreme cold results from its high altitude and the valley’s geography, which traps frigid winds. Winter in Dras is not just cold; it is long and harsh. Heavy snowfall can isolate the town for weeks, making access to essential supplies a challenge. Roads often close, and the local population relies heavily on stored provisions and community support. Despite the harsh climate, Dras is rich in culture and history. Its proximity to the Line of Control makes it strategically important for India, and the military presence is significant. Locals have adapted with sturdy stone houses, traditional woolen attire, and high-calorie diets to withstand the biting cold. For visitors, Dras offers breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped peaks and frozen rivers, a rare glimpse into extreme high-altitude life. 2. Leh, Ladakh: The Cold Desert Capital Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is perhaps India’s most famous cold-weather town. At 3,500 meters above sea level, Leh regularly sees winter temperatures fall below –15°C, and nights can be even colder. Despite being a major tourist hub in summer, Leh transforms into a cold desert in winter, where life slows down, and survival becomes the primary focus. Leh’s unique climate—dry, thin air combined with intense cold—creates one of the harshest living environments in the country. Snowfall is lighter than in Dras, but the cold is uncompromising. The frozen Zanskar River becomes the site of the Chadar Trek, an adventure that attracts thrill-seekers worldwide but demands careful preparation against frostbite and hypothermia. Residents of Leh have mastered the art of enduring the cold. Homes are built with thick walls and insulation, heating is often solar-assisted, and winter diets are rich in fats to sustain energy. Leh illustrates human resilience in extreme conditions, combining traditional knowledge with modern adaptations. 3. Keylong, Himachal Pradesh: The Frozen Heart of Lahaul Keylong, located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, is another town where winter is a formidable force. At an altitude of roughly 3,100 meters, Keylong’s temperatures can drop to –10°C to –20°C during the coldest months. Unlike Ladakh, Keylong experiences heavy snowfall, which often blocks roads and isolates the town. Life in Keylong is shaped by the winter’s harshness. Locals store essential supplies months in advance and rely on traditional wooden houses and insulated clothing to survive. The town, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and monasteries, holds cultural and administrative importance in the region. Infrastructure projects such as the Atal Tunnel have improved connectivity during winter, making Keylong more accessible. However, the town remains a challenging environment, reminding visitors of nature’s power and the endurance required to live in high-altitude cold zones. Why These Towns Are Significant These sub-zero towns highlight India’s climatic diversity and showcase human adaptation in extreme conditions. They are living examples of how culture, infrastructure, and survival strategies intertwine to sustain communities in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Furthermore, these regions offer important insights into climate change. Shifts in snowfall, glacier melt, and temperature extremes directly affect local life, agriculture, and water resources. Studying these towns helps scientists understand high-altitude ecosystems and develop strategies to mitigate climate risks. Final Thoughts India’s frozen towns challenge the perception of the country as a land of heat and humidity. Dras, Leh, and Keylong not only experience sub-zero temperatures but also demonstrate resilience, tradition, and adaptation. They are destinations for adventurers, scientists, and travelers seeking to experience life where winter dominates, nature is formidable, and survival is a daily achievement. Visiting these towns is more than sightseeing—it is an opportunity to witness human ingenuity and endurance against some of the harshest winters on the planet, offering a perspective of India that few outside the Himalayas truly understand.
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