Picture yourself in your mid-twenties; what were you doing? Were you out until 3am, eating a kebab or pulling all-nighters so you could get the assignment done that was due the next day? The feeling of invincibility, because you would wake up without a hangover, running on three hour’s sleep and had the metabolism of a hummingbird? These things ultimately change, and your body will definitely punish you for those choices made. So, if you could go back in time, what health advice would you give your younger self?
Take Sleep More Seriously
“Sleep is for the weak”, pfft! More like, sleep for a week. Sleep is such a fleeting concept when you’re a child. Most kids would do anything to avoid nap time, and as adults, we crave just the thought of a nap. When you’re a teenager, and when you’re in your twenties, you can pretty much survive on a few hours of sleep, be that due to school stress or social activity. However, sleep, or lack thereof, can do far more harm than good for a growing body. Sleeping on a bad mattress can hurt your joints, so make sure you’re sleeping on a quality mattress from MyDeal.
Don’t Be Dictated By Society’s Beauty Standards
Sarah Liddle from NOW by sml offers her advice to her younger self. “I would tell my younger self that the world has all sorts of messed up concepts about what beauty and health is. Don’t let the world dictate what health and beauty means for you. You are a strong young woman, do not feel you need to conform and change your body or yourself for the world. In particular, do not get breast implants, despite them making you look good, they will kill your health slowly. Be strong, stay grounded, think for yourself. Your body is perfect as it is, use common sense to guide you throughout your life. Your body is perfect, even if you think it is imperfect. Go slow, eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of water and live in the moment.” Find out more about NOW by sml by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Laugh A Lot
Claire Anderson from The Volte shares her advice to her younger self. "Laugh more! I took myself way to seriously when I was young. No one's perfect and no one expects you to be. Having fun and laughing is important. Being healthy doesn't happen all at once. It might take a while, but you can constantly make changes to improve your health and who you are! Read as much as possible, it keeps your brain sharp. There's a lot to learn from all kinds of books, whatever the genre." Find out more about The Volte by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Pick Up A Hobby Outside
Whether you decide to start gardening or parkour, enjoy a hobby that is physical and outdoors. You can amp up your vitamin D, stay active and learn a new skill. Plus, if you do pick up gardening, you can reduce your stress levels, and have a really cool looking garden when you have a place of your own. So, go ahead and fill up your large garden shed with shovels, you’re going to gain a skill for life.
Get A Fitness Buddy
Sam North from Easy Shed shares their advice. "Having a friend alongside you helps keep you motivated. Find somebody that will inspire you to get out there and get active. Can you friend exercise regularly? Are they supportive? Will they push you to our limits during each workout? Find your fitness buddy at a young age will set you up for later in life!" Find out more about Easy Shed by following them on Facebook.
Take your Health Seriously
James Norquay from Prosperity Media offers his advice to his younger self. “Drink less alcohol - limit alcohol consumption where possible. Walk more - If you have the chance to walk take it over getting the train or an uber. Eat more healthy options - Aim to have salad 3 or 4 times a week where possible and limit burgers and junk food. Sleep more - Aim to get at least 8-9 hours sleep a night.” Find out more about Prosperity Media by following them on Facebook.
Don't Eat less, Eat Better
Emma Lewis from Spacer shares her advice for her younger self. "Eat food that will help you maintain energy instead of eating less food. I tried to eat less to lose weight when I was younger, I now realise I need the energy to get in a proper workout. Choose high-carbohydrate meals for breakfast. Have a well-rounded meal post-workout to help with recovery." Find out more about Spacer by following them on Facebook.
