Women have shared the top 50 pieces of advice they wish they could tell their younger selves – with being more confident topping the list.
Learning to love and accept yourself, learning to say no, and not caring so much about what other people think, were other pearls of wisdom they would pass back through the years.
And having faith in yourself, and not letting opportunities pass you by, are also considered important with the perspective of age. Meanwhile, others would simply advise their past selves to try and live in the moment, and simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
The research, of 2,000 women, also found that more than a fifth (22%) consider health and nutrition tips to be a priority – as looking after their physical and mental health better, and eating a healthy, balanced diet, was also among the top advice.
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.
Martin Lewis issues 8-week warning to phone users ahead of huge price hikesOther 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% 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.
It also emerged 52% 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% have also given advice to an older person that they went on to take. Meanwhile, 88% 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% feel January is a great time to reflect on advice they’ve received, and act on it.
Boots annual 70% off sale is returning with some deals already availableHealth 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.”
TOP 50 THINGS WOMEN WOULD TELL THEIR YOUNGER SELVES: