If you could go back and give your younger self some advice… what would it be?
Members of the Buzzfeed Community aged 40 and up just dropped some truth bombs, sharing the life habits they seriously wish they’d picked up earlier. From health hacks to friendship red flags, it’s a list worth reading — whether you’re 18 or 38.
Here are 5 things they wish they started doing sooner:
💬 1. Eating Better (a.k.a. Actually Learning to Cook)
“My grandmother raised me, and if I didn’t want to try something new, she’d make me whatever I wanted. I never learned to eat nutritiously or cook, so now I live on fast food and delivery.”
Moral of the story: Uber Eats isn’t a food group.
🧠 2. Going to Therapy
“I regret waiting so long to take that first step to find the right therapist for my issues.”
Normalize healing before you hit a breaking point. Enough said.
🧘♂️ 3. Stretching — Like, Every Day
“In my 20s I dabbled. By my 30s I made it a daily morning habit. In my 50s, I stretch twice a day. It’s kept me upright despite joint issues.”
A gentle reminder from your future self: don’t skip your stretches.
🌞 4. Wearing Sunscreen Religiously
“Yes, for skin cancer prevention. But also to fight wrinkles and skin texture. I wish I started using tretinoin way earlier too.”
SPF is the real anti-aging serum. Just sayin’.
👯♀️ 5. Choosing Quality Friendships Over Quantity
“I bought into the ‘girl gang’ idea to feel like I belonged. But real belonging came when I simplified and focused on friends who truly get me.”
Fewer people, stronger bonds. Amen to that.
So if you’ve been slacking on your skin care, ghosting therapy, or letting flaky friends slide — maybe take this as a sign. 👀
Sign Up
