15 Make-Ahead Lunches That Will Solve Your Sad Desk Lunch

It’s 12:30pm. Your stomach is growling. You woke up too late to make a lunch, so you head to the closest deli to get a sub-par salad that you eat your desk. It leaves you unsatisfied and at the vending machine a few hours later. Womp womp. But girl, it really doesn’t have to be this way. Save yourself from this fate by resolving to whip up make-ahead meals on the weekend to last you through the week. Meals like pasta salads, soup and kale salads get better after a few days in the refrigerator, making them prime candidates for this kind of meal planning. Dedicate your Sunday to whipping up one of these easy healthy lunch recipes and save yourself from #SadDeskLunch.

No summer weekend is complete without a backyard BBQ. But sometimes running around trying to get everything prepared and decorated can quickly turn into a hassle, and by the time dinner's ready, you'd rather go to bed. Well, not anymore! These 31 delicious make-ahead BBQ recipes are exhaustion-proof and will ensure that you *actually* get to enjoy the seasonal festivities, all while looking like a total badass in the kitchen.

Spicy Sriracha Dip

Brit + Co

Whip up this spicy-hot dip for a snack that guests (and you!) won't be able to get enough of. (via Brit + Co)

Homemade Southern Biscuits

Brit + Co

Sink your teeth into the flaky goodness of these Southern-inspired biscuits. They're easy to prep ahead of time, and they can be enjoyed with layers of fried chicken and honey *just* as good as on their own. (via Brit + Co)

Rosemary Watermelonade

Brit + Co

Whether you like your lemonade spiked or prefer to go the traditional route, a big batch of this refreshing sipper will be delish either way. (via Brit + Co)

California Black Bean Burgers

Brit + Co

These veggie patties beg for just 15 minutes of prep time. From there, you can keep them locked-and-loaded in the fridge to be cooked at a later time for your barbecue party! (via Brit + Co)

Bacon Chive Dip

Brit + Co

Any reason to indulge in a big batch of creamy bacon dip is a good one, and when it's this easy, there is never an excuse not to. File this under your go-to make-ahead barbecue recipes for big crowds. (via Brit + Co)

Gooey Banana Boat S'mores

Brit + Co

With this easy dessert, just bundle up your fave s'mores accessories with a banana into some foil. These are an exceptional choice to make if you're already grilling, because all they need to be done is a few minutes over the coals! Prep them and keep them safe in the fridge until your sweet tooth calls. (via Brit + Co)

Taco Dip

Brit + Co

Once you've got an abundance of veggies on-hand, build your taco dip within 10 minutes to be devoured the next day! (via Brit + Co)

Easy Cheezy Soft Pretzel Bites

Half Baked Harvest

Top these pretzel bites with the cheese of your choice – we promise anything will go well with this pick. Serve alongside some burgers and hot dogs, and your barbecue function is all set! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Asian Meatballs

My Foodbook

Serve up an unexpected twist on the typical BBQ fare with these Asian-inspired meatballs served in crispy lettuce cups and drizzled with a sweet chili soy sauce. (via My Foodbook)

Vegan Grilled Peaches and Pimento Pizza

The Edgy Veg

This vegan pie is so full of freshness. Top your crust with summer peaches, arugula, onion, vegan cheese, and more, and toss it on the grill for a BBQ-worthy bite. (via The Edgy Veg)

Slow Cooker Mini BBQ Pork Sliders

Table For Two

The slow cooker is *the* holy grail appliance when it comes to make-ahead barbecue meals. Throw all your ingredients in, and you can forget about your barbecue dish for the next six hours. From there, just shred and serve! (via Table For Two)

Caprese Sticks

Wholefully

There's a reason why some flavor combinations just keep coming back, and mozzarella, tomatoes and basil are one of them. Keep it nice and simple with this easy skewered appetizer. (via Wholefully)

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

The Girl On Bloor

Wings are *so* much easier to make with an air fryer. These easy bites get tossed in a thick, spicy sauce that'll get cooled down by a creamy blue cheese dip! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Love & Lemons

Grab that can of garbanzo beans hiding in the back of your cabinet and make them the star of the show. These are so good, that you might just want to save them all for yourself. (via Love & Lemons)

These Make-Ahead BBQ Recipes Are Too Good To Pass Up

Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites

Well Plated

Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this appetizer a cinch to put together. Their grab-and-go size also ensures that your guests will be able to socialize instead of waiting forever in line. (via Well Plated)

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

This Wife Cooks

This colorful pasta pick will stay good in the fridge for a few days, so you can totally make it ahead of time! Crunchy veg meets a creamy coleslaw flavor that'll help you beat the summer heat. (via This Wife Cooks)

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

No. 2 Pencil

Make these mashed potatoes up to two days in advance and pop them in the oven the day of the BBQ. Your guests will think you spent all morning slaving over the hot stove. Don't worry, though — your culinary secret is safe with us. (via No. 2 Pencil)

Pesto Turkey Meatball Sliders

The Yummy Life

Make some meatball patties in advance and store them in your fridge for three days – or the freezer for up to two weeks. Then, you can just top them with cheese and heat everything up 30 minutes before serving. (via The Yummy Life)

Easy Grilled Chicken for a Crowd

Cook The Story

Standing over a hot grill all summer afternoon is no way to enjoy your day. Pre-cook your chicken in the oven the night before, and it'll only need a quick reheat on the grill the day of. (via Cook The Story)

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Pink Owl Kitchen

It's really not a real barbecue feast if you don't have a cheesy mac to go on the side. This one takes notes from traditional soul food methods, adding in three, yes three different types of cheeses for texture and taste. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Make-Ahead Frozen Fruit Daiquiris

The Yummy Life

Whip up a big batch of frozen daiquiris the day before, and you'll get to enjoy them instead of being tied to the blender all barbecue long. (via The Yummy Life)

Mini Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Home Made Interest

Mini sandwiches FTW! These buffalo beauties are made with pre-cooked deli wings, so they'll be ready before you even know it. (via Home Made Interest)

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

The Fast Recipe

This cheese ball is a big dill to us. Generously coated in pickle pieces, sesame seeds, and cheese, each scoop you take will fulfill the salty cravings. (via The Fast Recipe)

Saucy Sesame Noodles

Tadka Pasta

Another take on traditional pasta salad, this one is covered in a delicious sesame-peanut sauce and topped with peanuts and fresh cucumber right before serving for a fresh crunch. (via Tadka Pasta)

Muffaletta Dip

Southern Spicy Kitchen

This dip might have a lot of ingredients, but it comes together in an instant with just a little choppin' and droppin'. (via Southern Spicy Kitchen)

Make-Ahead BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Sliders

Cozy Cravings

Eliminate the need for a long prep time with this easy BBQ-friendly recipe! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is the star of the show here, covering tender slider buns in juicy texture. Take the rest of the toppings as a choose-your-own-adventure job! (via Cozy Cravings)

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

Family Fresh Meals

Trying to cook enough potatoes for everyone in the oven would take all day, not to mention your house would turn into a sauna. Cool off and let your crock pot do the work. Did we convince you to buy one yet? (via Family Fresh Meals)

Green Bean Casserole Cups

Let's Dish

In less than 30 minutes you can have the perfect easy-to-eat appetizer thanks to a package of frozen phyllo shells. You can thank us later. (via Let's Dish)

Summer Panzanella Salad

Chef Bai

Panzanella provides the perfect balance between carbs and veggies. This well-seasoned one is constructed from only *the best* produce. (via Chef Bai)

Mini Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pies

Barley & Sage

Why make a big, heaping batch of chicken pot pie, when you could playfully serve it up personal-sized? These pockets get prepped ahead of time, enveloping a veggie medley in tender puff pastry. After that, just bake them golden brown, according to the recipe! (via Barley & Sage)

Spicy Watermelon Salad

Amanda Wilens

BBQ goes super well with fresh watermelon. This recipe pick makes a spicy twist on your regular fruit salad, adding some zing to your outdoor dining game. (via Amanda Wilens)

What tips do you have for planning a backyard BBQ? Will any of these recipes make the cut? Let us know @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

Trader Joe’s always knows exactly how to get us excited for new products – and this time, it’s rumored that the grocer is bringing back their viral Mini Canvas Tote Bags in four brand-new colors that are all perfect for spring! Speculated to hit stores around April 8, you’re not going to want to miss this TJ’s drop.

Here’s everything you need to know about the return of Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags for spring 2025.

@traderjoesobsessed

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed first circulated the rumor that the Mini Canvas Tote Bags are set to return to Trader Joe’s this spring.

“Rumor has it that the pastel mini canvas bags will be here in April. Usually, they do release these on a Wednesday. How excited are you for these colors? I can’t wait to customize them!” the caption reads.

Another source, @zuncola, hinted that the totes could hit stores as early as April 8 or 9.

@traderjoesobsessed

It appears there will be four different colorways in this season’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag drop: pink, blue, green, and purple. But they’re not your ordinary pinks, blues, greens, and purples – per the rumors, they’ll come in pastel hues that all look stunning. From carrying your quick grocery hauls to toting each and every picnic essential you’ll need this spring, these bags get it all done in sheer style.

Trader Joe’s

In the past, the Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags have been a limited-time item that garnered plenty of attention from shoppers, even sparking a massivefrenzy inside stores with customers racing to snag their own tote. Some TJ’s locations have also placed a buying limit for bags like these, typically 1 per customer. Based on the reception of the rumors for this year, you’ll likely want to plan when and how you’re going to get your hands on one.

Instagram

Tons of Trader Joe’s fanatics sounded off in the comments of @traderjoesobsessed’s post about the rumors of the Mini Canvas Tote Bags’ return:

“Stoppppp no way!! 😱😱” one person wrote.

‘Yes! These will make great bags for Easter gifts,” another said.

“Looks like I need to buy camping gear cause I'll be in that line before sunrise 🤩,” one more fan commented.

Reddit

In previous years, the Mini Canvas Tote Bags went for $2.99 too $3.99, and we expect this pastel-filled drop to cost about the same.

Reddit

Though there’s no official release date for the mini totes, they’re speculated to hit shelves sometime in April 2025, possibly the 8th or 9th. Stay tuned here for more updates!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all the best Trader Joe's news!

This post has been updated.

Keep your summer cookouts fun and stress-free with Crock Pot recipes (they do most of the work for you), cold dishes like pasta and potato salad, and these cookout recipes! They can all be made in advance, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend. We have you covered with 30 make-ahead dishes, from fruit to homemade hamburger buns, that will make your Memorial Day cookouts and beyond a total success. Prioritize cookout recipes that are easy to assemble, can be made in large batches, and are versatile enough to be served as a main course or side dish.

Cookout Recipes You Have To Try

Mexican Chicken & Avocado Wraps

Wraps are a super tasty and super easy meal to make before any group dinner. We're filling ours with spiced chicken, red peppers, spinach, and avocado. Our mouths are already watering. (via Brit + Co)

Black Bean Burgers

Prep these black bean burger patties for any veggie guests coming to the BBQ. This cookout recipe can be personalized to your tastes with your preferred bean style and only take about 15 minutes to prep. (via Brit + Co)

Homemade Salsa

Save the jar salsa for another time and whip up this super fresh, spicy, and chunky homemade version. Be careful when blending the ingredients so not to turn it into a gazpacho. (via Brit + Co)

Elote One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Name a better group food than pasta salad. We'll wait. (via Brit + Co)

3-2-1 Ribs Method

The 3-2-1 method of cooking ribs refers to the number of hours spent at each stage. Three hours are spent smoking the meat, unwrapped and at a low temperature. Then there are two more hours of continued smoking, this time wrapped in foil. Lastly, there’s one final hour of smoking. This method ensures flavorful and tender ribs every time. (via Fox Valley Foodie)

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheese and potatoes are one of the best combos ever, amirite? These scalloped potatoes can be made way in advance and reheated right before serving. Just try not to eat them all before your guests arrive. (via Chew Out Loud)

Strawberry Oreo Chocolate Icebox Cake

Icebox cakes have been a potluck staple since… forever. This strawberry Oreo recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will be loved by adults and children alike. The cake needs to be made at least eight hours before your party so the cookies have time to soften, so allow for plenty of chilling time. (via Sweetest Menu)

Crockpot Corn On The Cob

Give yourself at least two hours before your dinner to make this dish. The key to making a corn on the cob that everyone will remember until next summer's cookouts is the garlic herb butter. Yummmm. (via Brit + Co)

Honey Strawberry Basil Margarita

Not only is a marg one of our favorite poolside sips, but strawberries, basil, and honey just all hit different in the summertime. This recipe only makes sense. (via Brit + Co)

Hailey Bieber's Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These drool-worthy wings have a secret ingredient in them for maximum crispiness: avocado oil. You can prep the buttermilk marinade and refrigerate the wings in brine for a few hours before they're ready to quickly cook in an air fryer. (via Brit + Co)

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs Cookout Recipe

With tomatoes, avocados, and corn, this cookout recipe is making us seriously consider chopping up a hot dog the next time we make burrito bowls. (via Brit + Co)

BLT Deviled Eggs

Sundried tomatoes, green onions and bacon are the delicious threesome that makes up the filling of these delightful deviled eggs. Be sure to make extra, because these will fly off of the platter as soon as you set them out. (via Ketogasm)

Cowboy Caviar

If you’re interested in testing out your knife skills, this dip is great for practice. It’s full of hearty beans, cilantro, chopped peppers and onion. You can even try adding a chopped avocado if you’re a major guac fan (and who isn’t?). (via Culinary Hill)

Homemade Hamburger Buns

If you really want to impress a crowd, show up to a party with homemade hamburger buns. They’re not at all as difficult as you would think, and they’re the best accompaniment to a gourmet burger. (via Domestic Dreamboat)

Your Summer Won't Be The Same Without These Cookout Recipes

Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad

Pasta salad is a must-have cookout recipe, but you may not have had it with orzo. It’s just the right size to mix with finely chopped veggies and goes great with the fresh flavors of lemon and cucumber. Allow this to sit in the fridge overnight so the pasta can absorb all that delicious flavor. (via Give Recipe)

Fruit Salad With Lemon Dressing

By the time everyone has scarfed down their burgers and potato salad, dessert might be an afterthought. This fruit salad is a wonderful post-dinner treat that eases your sweet craving without being too heavy. (via Paleo Leap)

Vegan Bacon + Cheese Loaded Potato Skins

With spicy cashew cream sauce and mushroom bacon, these potato skins might just become your favorite summer dish. We'll be making these for every cookout forever and always. (via Brit + Co)

Boozy Sangria Popsicles

We love sangria. We love popsicles. This is a match made in heaven. You'll definitely want to make these ahead of time so that they have enough time to freeze, but make sure you wait to take them out of the freezer so they don't melt ;). (via Brit + Co)

Make-Ahead Layered Picnic Salad

Your mom will be so proud when you bring out this dish she made when you were a kid. There’s a reason this type of layered salad has stood the test of time: It’s easy, delicious and can be assembled way before your barbecue. (via The Kitchen Is My Playground)

Grilled Maple Sriracha Chicken Skewers

These simple skewers have only four ingredients, but pack some intense flavor. The chicken is best marinated overnight and takes only 15 minutes to grill the next day. Score! (via Table for Two)

Minty Pea Salad

We’ve all had those moments when we forget about a barbecue until the day before. Those times call for this easy salad that can be made on the fly or ahead of time. (via Budget Bytes)

Potato Salad Bites

It’s just not a Memorial Day cookout without potato salad, but the same-old-same-old can get a bit boring. These little two-bite potatoes are a mix of potato salad and a twice-baked potato. They’re perfect as an appetizer or as a cute hand-held side dish. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Blow Your Own Mind With These Tasty Cookout Recipes!

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon With Sage and Black Pepper

Class up any outdoor party with these sweet and salty prosciutto-melon bites. The mix of flavors is addictive, but there’s no cooking involved. That means you can wrangle in just about anyone to help you assemble. (via The Homemade Haus)

Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Put together all of these shrimp boil packets whenever you have a spare moment — that way, all you have to do is throw them on the grill come party time. Did we mention there’s also ZERO cleanup involved? (via Damn Delicious)

Vegan Barbecue Baked Beans

When hosting a cookout, it may be tempting to grab a can of baked beans from the store and call it a day. Refrain from that temptation and you will *not* be sorry you took the time to make your own. The flavor is unreal, and you can even mix everything up and throw it in your crockpot if you like. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Easy Cheesy Hot Corn Dip Cookout Recipe

This dip is chock full of enough cheese to please the kids, and enough veggies to please the parents. Everyone will be happy! Serve with chips or just dig in with a spoon. (via Brit + Co)

Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad

This pasta salad could be a whole meal in itself. It’s packed with veggies, protein and whole grains that will keep you energized for all the fun outdoor games (lookin’ at you, volleyball). (via Well Plated)

Vegan Mexican Sweet Potato Salad With Avocado Dressing

You’ve never had potato salad like this before. If you’re dying to switch it up, go for this Mexican version with corn, avocado and chipotle. Everyone will be begging you for the recipe. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Cajun Crawfish Queso

When you think of queso you might not think of seafood, but you'd be surprised how tasty this crawfish cheese dip actually tastes. Don't forget the cajun mix! (via Brit + Co)

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Cold treats on a hot day are absolute summer perfection. These pops last in the freezer for weeks, so don't be afraid to make a big batch… just in case. (via Tastes of Lizzy T's)

Healthy Coleslaw

A coleslaw recipe is a pre-req for any Memorial Day or cookout bashes! Carrots and celery come together with a healthy swap for the classic mayonnaise dressing made with yogurt. You'll love it and so will your guests. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Carrot Hot Dogs

Prep your carrots with maple syrup and coconut aminos to give them a surprisingly meaty flavor. Whip up some BBQ sauce and aioli, and throw your favorite hot dog toppings into tiny bowls for everyone to serve themselves. (via Brit + Co)

Breakfast Burger

There's a chance you've had an egg on a burger before, but have you had an egg *and* sausage *and* hash browns?! If your answer is no, it's never too late to try it out. (via Brit + Co)

Decadent Potato Chip Brownies

This cookout recipe is an amazing addition to any #TreatYourselfThursday. There are lots of sweet and salty combos we love, and these brownies take the cake! (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious cookout recipes!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

After only two episodes of Only Murders in the Building season 4, Hulu renewed the series for season 5! I'm so excited that the show breaks a recent pattern of cancelling shows after the third or fourth season, giving us more time with our favorite characters, and I'm not the only one.

"Here we go again… my favorite set family. I’m coming home!" Selena Gomez says in an Instagram post, while the official Only Murders account made their own post, saying, "We had our lawyers call business affairs. Turned the 4 into a 5. #OnlyMurdersInTheBuilding is coming back for Season 5!!"

In addition to the show entering production, the one and only Renée Zellweger (Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy) just joined the cast. Iconic!

Here's everything you need to know about Only Murders in the Building season 5, coming to Hulu soon.

Who's in the Only Murders in the Building season 5 cast?

Eric McCandless/Disney

The Only Murders in the Building season 5 cast features all our favorites, and some new faces! According to Dan Fogelman, “we can expect more big guest stars that’ll probably be announced sooner rather than later,” he tells The Wrap.

"I am so grateful that I have been surrounded by human beings that make me better, challenge me, remind me day after day that every moment is a gift," Selena Gomez says about working with Steve Martin and Martin Short. "That’s my pure joy. I thank god for the era I’m in. It’s been the best yet."

The Only Murders season 5 cast includes:

  • Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora: a true crime lover who begins her own podcast after getting sucked into a murder mystery.
  • Martin Short as Oliver Putnam: a theatre director and founder of the Only Murders in the Building podcast.
  • Steve Martin as Charles Hayden Savage: an actor and true crime lover who begins the Only Murders podcast with Oliver and Mabel.
  • Téa Leoni as Sofia Caccimelio: a woman who approaches the podcast trio after her husband Nicky goes missing.
  • Renée Zellweger
  • Christoph Waltz
  • Keegan-Michael Key

What is Only Murders in the Building season 5 about?

Patrick Harbron/Disney

We finally got our first details about Only Murders season 5 — and we're going in a direction I totally didn't expect. When Sofia visits Mabel and Charles in the season 4 ending, and asks them to find her missing husband, she's disappointed when they turn her down. And since Téa Leoni just joined the season 5 cast, it looks like she's not taking no for an answer.

“I think she’s the great tease at the end of the finale and a little bit of an intriguing bump forward,” co-creator John Hoffman says in an interview with Deadline. “She’s an extension of the little news report in Episode 9 that Mabel makes note of at the hospital. [Sofia] is the wife of the Dry Cleaning King of Brooklyn, and maybe a couple of dry cleaning outlets in Manhattan, as well, we may come to know...It’s a world opened up potentially that we haven’t talked about too much yet in New York, so she holds a lot of intrigue.”

Patrick Harbron/Hulu

New York's underground is a wild space that we haven't really seen on Only Murders yet so I know we're in for one very interesting season — because if this show is going to go there, they're going to go there.

Executive producer Dan Fogelman told The Wrapwe can look forward to “another big fun mystery the writers have been cooking up," while Hoffman has gone on the record saying the new episodes will “hit on some very current things going on within New York, specifically very relevant things that are happening in the city right now.”

When is Only Murders in the Building season 5 coming out?

Patrick Harbron/Hulu

There's no Only Murders in the Building season 5 release date quite yet, but the show is in production! Considering we've had a new season over the last four years (with season 1 in 2021, season 2 in 2022, season 3 in 2023, and season 4 in 2024), we're expecting to see season 5 in 2025. Stay tuned for the official Only Murders season 5 release date.

How many episodes are there in Only Murders in the Building season 5?

Patrick Harbron/Hulu

Only Murders in the Building season 5 will have 10 episodes total on Hulu.

Check back here for the latest Only Murders in the Building season 5 news and check out the other new TV shows coming in 2025.

This post has been updated.

You've likely spent your whole life promising yourself that you'd never turn into your parents, cringing at their music taste, fashion choices, and insistence that you'll "understand one day when you're older."

Well, unfortunately, science says otherwise. The quirks, habits, and even opinions you swore you'd never adopt are part of your biology and just waiting for the right time to surface.

In fact, research suggests there are seven scientific reasons you'll end up more like your parents than you'd probably care to admit. Let's dive in.

Scroll to find out the reasons you'll actually turn out just like your parents, based on science...

1. New Music Will No Longer Bring Joy

Tima Miroshnichenko

Whether you grew up in the age of records, CDs, or iPods, discovering new music is always a thrill when you're young. At the same time, the "old" tunes your parents blast in the car seem stale, and they probably scoff at whatever music you choose to listen to.

Yet, as time goes by, something strange happens. The latest chart-toppers will begin to sound like noise, and you'll find yourself defending the music you grew up listening to, claiming it's way better than what younger generations are enjoying now.

Science has an explanation for this shift. As we get older, our brains process dopamine, or the chemical that makes music exciting, less efficiently. That means the songs you once obsessed over still hit you hard, but new ones just don't spark the same joy.

2. Rebellion Won't Be Appealing Anymore

Polina Tankilevitch

When you're a teenager, it's practically a rite of passage to be rebellious. Rules seem like they're made to be broken, and anything from sneaking out to defying authority figures at school feels like fair game.

However, you won't always be so bold. That's because, as your brain matures, the rebellious streak that once fueled the late nights and questionable decisions of your teenage years and twenties will fade. The same neurological shifts that make teens impulsive begin to mellow out with age, resulting in an increased sense of empathy and responsibility.

So, when you see some newly licensed teens racing down the road in their first car or egging houses on Halloween, you'll eventually start to shake your head at the recklessness, just like your parents.

3. Previously Boring Things Will Bring You Satisfaction

cottonbro studio

The idea of cleaning out the garage or tending to the garden on a Saturday probably sounds like a boring nightmare to most teenagers. At that point in our lives, our activities were driven by excitement and chasing instant gratification or an "adrenaline" rush.

Yet, as we mature, those previously "boring" hobbies start to feel, well, satisfying. While teenagers crave high-reward and low-effort activities, older adult brains begin to prioritize long-term fulfillment over fleeting joy or excitement.

That's why, out of nowhere, you may suddenly appreciate slower weekend mornings, organizing the bathroom on your day off, and spending hours picking out home decor.

4. You Won't Be Able To Sleep In

cottonbro studio

Sleeping until noon feels like a basic human right (and quite easy) during your teens or twenties. And back then, when you rolled out of bed in your pajamas halfway through the day, your parents might've called you lazy.

Contrary to popular belief, the shift toward earlier wake-up times in adulthood isn't about discipline; it's biology. Teenagers' bodies naturally produce melatonin later, making it harder for them to wake up early.

Then, as you age, your internal clock gradually changes, making it much tougher to sleep in, regardless of how tired you feel. Someday soon, you might find yourself brewing coffee at the crack of dawn and wondering how you ever wasted so much time lying in bed.

5. Bad News, Men: Your Motivation To Change Will Fade

Yaroslav Shuraev

After you graduated from high school or college, you might've sworn that you'd never "let yourself go." So, you may have hit the gym like it was your second job and chased after promotions like they were candy to further your career.

If you fast forward a couple of decades, though, that drive starts to fade, and testosterone is actually the culprit.

This hormone, which is responsible for muscle mass, motivation, and energy, peaks around age 40 before gradually declining. As it drops, the urgency to push yourself goes with it. You'll no longer be jumping at the chance to stay late at work or stick to your old, grueling six-day workout regimen.

6. Bland Food Won't Seem So Terrible

Pavel Danilyuk

If you're a self-proclaimed "foodie," you love visiting fancy restaurants, trying new cuisines, and think your palate is only getting more refined as you age.

But if you've ever wondered why older adults seem perfectly fine with eating the same old bland meals every week, science has the answer. You may not know that, as you age, your mouth produces less saliva, which is crucial for breaking down food and bringing flavors to your taste buds.

On top of that, appetite naturally shrinks, meaning dinners are more of a necessity than an experience. Suddenly, some plain crackers and apple juice won't seem so bad after all.

7. You'll Reminisce, Just Like Your Parents

Kampus Production

Nowadays, you might roll your eyes when you hear your parents tell the same childhood story (or rant about how things were "so much better" back in the day) for the hundredth time. You may even have a pact with yourself, promising to stay more current and open-minded.

Well, when you get older, your brain actually relies on nostalgia as a sort of built-in natural antidepressant. In other words, reminiscing helps older people counteract the stress and responsibilities of adult life.

This is why long-winded stories about the "good old days" become even more frequent with age, and someday, you'll likely find yourself falling into the same pattern.

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