Top 50 pieces of advice women would give their younger selves

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, found that other key advice included stop caring what others think, don’t waste time with negative people, and don’t let opportunities pass you by.

And 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, as well as being yourself – and that, if something needs to be a secret, it’s probably not a good idea.

A spokesman 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 how 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 percent 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.

However, there were some generational differences in the advice they would pass on, with older women more likely to tell the younger them to pay into a pension, learn from their mistakes, and have a healthy diet.

Meanwhile, Gen Z and millennials are more likely to recommend taking more photos, looking after your mental health better, and to stop feeling like you have to attend every social event.

But 22 percent 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 percent 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 19 percent have also given advice to an older person that they went on to take. Meanwhile, 88 percent think it’s important for women to help and support each other as much as possible.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed that 46 percent 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.

The spokesman for Vitabiotics Wellwoman added: “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.”