emma sumrell

by: emma sumrell

Remember in your 20s when your idea of balance was chugging five beers, scarfing down Taco Bell at 2am, and then magically waking up the next morning ready to do it all over again after one (1) sip of blue Gatorade? Ah, yes. The unkillable energy. The reckless optimism. The spine that still worked.

Fast forward to your 30s, where the mere thought of “going out” past 9pm is emotionally draining, and “plans” often come with a built-in cancellation policy. But hear me out: it’s actually fabulous. Being in your 30s is like finally figuring out you’re the main character in a cozy indie movie—just with better throw pillows and a dog that follows you everywhere.

I love my house. I love my bed.  My home is my sanctuary, and yes, my dog Riggins is basically my co-pilot. But here’s the thing no one warns you about: doing absolutely nothing all the time can low-key make you feel like a hermit with a Wi-Fi addiction. So what do you actually do in your 30s when you don’t want to do sh*t—but also kind of have to?

1. Bookstores

Yes, I know. It sounds aggressively wholesome. But trust me—grabbing a coffee and wandering aimlessly through a bookstore is pure serotonin. You don’t even need to buy anything (but let’s be real, you will).

2. Coffee Shops in Tiny Towns

Get in your car. Drive to the nearest small town that looks like it has seasonal festivals and stars on the sidewalk. Order an oat milk latte. People-watch. Romanticize your life. It’s very “Gilmore Girls” meets “I have a 401(k)”—and it’s instant joy.

3. Walk Your Dog Like It’s a Hobby

Riggins and I hit the streets like it’s our job. If a place allows dogs and mild loitering, we’re there, and yes—he comes with me almost everywhere. Not only is it grounding and good for the soul, but it turns a regular Tuesday into a little adventure for both of us. It’s our low-effort version of adventure. His tail’s wagging, my anxiety’s quiet—everyone wins.

Look, I get it. You’re in your 30s, and you genuinely don’t want to do a single productive thing most days. But—and I say this with love—you kind of have to get out of the house. Not for society, but for your own sanity. The good news? “Doing something” doesn’t have to mean bar hopping or staying out till sunrise anymore. It can be peaceful, cute, dog-friendly, and done by 3pm.

Now, grab that coffee and stare into the void like the functional adult you are.