Maybe you had a life changing event, or maybe you are just feeling like it’s time to get out and be more social. Either way, if you’re the kind of person like me that stayed pretty quiet for their mid to late 20’s and are now hitting the town again, you should be prepared. While the basics are still the same, there are some minor yet important changes you are going to need to adhere to these days.

The blunt, sad news? Time has not been kind to you in terms of dealing with lack of sleep and the spoils of excess. Learn from my mistakes in the highly scientific guide below.

Simple Steps to Take to Survive Late Nights In Your 30’s

Dress nicer to work. If you’re already wearing something cute, this makes an impromptu happy hour a solid possibility. Even if you have plans, getting ready in the morning will allow you a power nap before you head out on a Thursday evening.

Repeat after me – “I’m an adult. I don’t have to be in bed by a certain time on a school night.”

That being said, try to get 8 hours of sleep at least every other day.

Water is your friend. Drink it always. Drink it before you go out. Drink it while you go out. Drink it after you go out. Diet coke is not water. Vodka is not water, even though it is clear. Water is water.

Your phone can be a great tool. It gives you something to do when you’re left to hold down the table while your friends are in the bathroom. It gives you something to look at when you don’t want to make eye contact with that slightly creepy person peering in your direction. Remember though, you’re out with your friends and not your phone. You won’t wake up in the morning and think “Man, I really wish I checked instagram instead of listening to what X-person had to say last night.”

Do not be lured in by cheap drinks. If wine or liquor costs less than $5, don’t put it in your mouth. Enjoy the $12 cocktails… you will thank me the next morning. Just because you’re out at bars again, doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to $1 mystery beer night and well tequila like you did when you were working at the Dry Cleaner’s.

Especially get the fancy cocktails with candied ginger on them.

The good thing about being in your 30’s and having 10 years experience with alcohol versus two, is that you should know your limits now. Listen to them!

Don’t neglect that bit about the water.

Twenty somethings fresh out of college might be perkier and more carefree, but you have way more years of traveling, meeting cool folks and learning interesting stuff than they do. Use it. Don’t be afraid to drop buzz phrases like “video game industry” and “traveling through Eastern Europe.” All is fair in the social scene.

Conversation is your friend. Don’t be afraid to talk to a stranger, because you might meet someone who has an interesting story or someone else who has peed on Nicholas Spark’s landscaped yard.

Never pass up an opportunity to insult Nicholas Sparks.

Make sure you always have at least one friend with you that you would trust to come help you on the side of the road.

But seriously – remember that part about the water?

So tell me, what would you add to this list? After all, I am a work in progress!

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