Pearls of Wisdom

Vitabiotics | Published: 19/01/2024

What would you tell your younger self?

Be more confident, look after your physical health – and learn to say no are among the top 50 things women wish they could go back and tell themselves.

A survey of 2,000 females aged from 18 to 65 and over, found stop caring what others think, don’t waste time with negative people and don’t let opportunities pass you by also featured high on the list of advice.

While health was a prominent theme, including to make sure you understand your own body, look after your mental health and consume treat food and drinks in moderation.

But it wasn’t all serious, as women would also advise their younger selves to go on all the holidays they can, take more photos and to leave their eyebrows alone.

Other pearls of wisdom included prioritising friends over romantic partners as they’ll be around longer, being yourself, and that if something needs to be a secret, it’s probably not a good idea.

A spokesperson for Vitabiotics Wellwoman, which commissioned the research, said: “They say hindsight is a wonderful thing, and that is often the case when you look back at things that have happened in the past.

“I’m sure we’ve all got things we’d love to be able to go back and tell our younger selves now we have lived through it and come out the other side.

“It’s easy to look back and think about you would do things differently – life is all about learning from experience.

“But empowering women to share that knowledge and experience with younger generations is key – women should support women to give their health and wellbeing a boost as much as possible.”

The study also found 55 per cent of women admitted there’s nothing they’d like more than to go back and pass advice onto their younger selves, but a quarter admitted they probably wouldn’t listen.

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Whereas Gen Z and millennials are more likely to recommend taking more photos, looking after your mental health better and not feeling like you have to attend every social event.

But 22 per cent of all women admitted health and nutrition related tips would be a priority to pass on to the early version of themselves.

It also emerged 52 per cent sought advice from others when they were younger, with parents seen as the best source of help, followed by grandparents and best friends.

It works both ways though as nearly one in five (19 per cent) have also given advice to an older person that they went on to take.

And 88 per cent think it’s important for women to help and support each other as much as possible.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 46 per cent feel January is a great time to reflect on advice they’ve received and act on it.

Health and fitness are the most common areas to reflect on during the new year, along with finances, diet and nutrition, and their appearance.

A spokesperson for Vitabiotics Wellwoman said: “You often receive advice and tips, but sometimes it’s only later on that you look back, reflect and wish you had taken it on board.

“But the new year is a great time to do this and re-evaluate things to make your health and wellbeing a priority.”

TOP 50 THINGS WOMEN WOULD TELL THEIR YOUNGER SELVES

Be more confident
Stop caring what other people think
Learn to love and accept yourself
Learn to say no
Don’t waste time with negative people
Have faith in yourself
Put into a pension scheme regularly, even earlier in life
If things aren’t working out, make a change
Don’t let opportunities pass you by
Look after your physical health more
Save 10 per cent of your wages every month
Learn from your mistakes
Go on all the holidays you can
Tell your friends and family you love them often
Be yourself, don’t be a sheep
Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your opinion
Make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet
Listen to your gut instinct
Look after your mental health better
Spend more time with your parents/grandparents
Try and live in the moment
Invest in property as early as you can
Just relax and enjoy the ride
Have a good skincare regime early
Worry less about the future
Resolve arguments quickly because you never know when the last time you might see someone may be
Eat more of the foods that are good for you
Never feel it’s too late to change career
Celebrate the little wins
Appreciate your own children more when they are tiny
Take better care in the sun
Dress up for yourself, nobody else
Be more independent
Take more photos
Spend more time with your friends
Consume ‘treat’ food and drinks in moderation
Seek medical/professional advice if something is concerning you
Learn more about ‘female health’ so you can better understand your body (e.g. periods, fertility, menopause)
Leave your eyebrows alone (don't overpluck them!)
Prioritise friends over romantic partners – they’ll be around for longer
Be disciplined with your time
Don't get rid of any clothes because they'll most likely come back into fashion
Don’t settle down with a partner until your thirties
Forget FOMO – you don’t have to go to everything
If it has to be a secret, it’s probably not a good idea
Set yourself physical challenges (e.g. 10,000 steps per day, a 10k run)
Take vitamin supplements to support your diet and health needs
Read better books
Ask for more pay rises or a promotion
Don’t be afraid of rejection when asking someone out