ADULTS ARE SHARING THE LIFE-CHANGING HABITS AND ROUTINES THEY WISH THEY'D STARTED WAY, WAY EARLIER IN LIFE, AND THEY'RE SO INSIGHTFUL
People can start new habits and routines at any age, but sometimes, it certainly would've been beneficial had those habits begun sooner. Recently, BuzzFeed Community members shared the practices they currently do that they wish they'd started way, way sooner, and they're so insightful. Here are some of the habits adults are doing now that have genuinely benefited their health:
1."Counseling has helped me learn how to let things go and stress less. I'm naturally a 'fight back' kind of gal, but that always did more harm than good. Now, I know how to identify my boundaries and understand the power of walking away and not escalating the situation."
2."I wish I'd realized sooner that I could try new things without needing to be good at them. My perfectionism has stopped me from trying new things that could be good or fun experiences because I felt premature shame about being bad at them."
—Anonymous
3."I used to focus all my energy on men and finding 'the one.' I wish I'd spent that time taking care of myself, developing hobbies, and paying attention to fitness rather than just trying to be thin for a relationship. Every time a relationship failed, I hated working out because it was like all the physical work I'd done was for nothing. Now, I have no patience or energy to put in all that work to attract the male gaze. I'm single and love it. Turns out, the thing I wanted the most was what destroyed me."
4."I wish I had a better sense of self-control. 'Lady Reefer' ruined my life. It kept me from forming solid romantic relationships for a very long time, wrecked my lungs, and stole all my money and ambition. I was obsessed with it for decades. Finally, I gave it up for good about 10 years ago. It was harder than quitting cigarettes."
—Cliff, 67
5."Using sunscreen! I've worked outside for most of my life and spent my 20s trying to hold a good tan. I'm 45 now and look like an old pair of boots!"
6."Having a daily routine: brushing my teeth, washing my face, eating breakfast, taking out the trash, washing the dishes, putting clothes in the hamper, and making my bed. By keeping myself and my surroundings tidy, I've improved my mental attitude, and I'm much happier."
7."Sobriety and learning how to PROPERLY weight train. I've always thrown weights around and would randomly join gyms and do a few sets, but I'd end up in the sauna sweating out the beer from the night before. Then, I'd quit going and use excuses like 'I'm too tired' or say, 'Let's just hit the town instead.' I quit booze on October 23 and had my first sober birthday, Christmas, and New Year's since I was 18. It was so much better than I expected. I then dug out my old bench and weights and started training at home, watching videos to learn the proper form. I've lost 'bad' weight and gained 'good' weight,' and it's surprising that, with consistency, patience, and eating better, how much the body can still change when you're over 40 years old. Little changes add up to big differences; keep going, and you'll start to feel better inside and out!"
8."I finally asked to be evaluated for ADHD last week. I started medication three days ago, and — HOLY CRAP — it's made a world of difference. My brain is quiet; it's a miracle. I'm almost 36, and I've been struggling my whole life."
9."Despite some of my physical shortcomings, I wish I'd hate a more positive view of my self-image. I withdrew from a number of activities that I enjoyed because I did not feel accepted by my family and friends."
10."For the most part, I've lived a great life, and there is nothing I regret not doing. I did everything that brought me joy. I traveled and pursued my passions, but I wish I'd been less hurt by others and didn't waste so much time in court with the father of my child. I also wish I hadn't advocated for the truth and my point of view because, at the end of the day, nobody really cares about them. I live an easier life now that I don't hold onto feelings! As human beings, I think we tend to conceptualize everything as a fault. I believe we need to get more comfortable with living a more freeform type of life and let the energy shape us rather than us trying to control every aspect."
—Aurora, 50, New York
11."I now try to say YES to all the fun life offers! Float in the creek on an overcast spring day when I'd rather wait for the sun? YES! Take an early walk on the beach to look for turtles even when I'd rather stay in bed? YES! Take up Mahjong even though I don't know anybody else who plays? YES!"
12."Advocate for yourself when it comes to healthcare! It took moving halfway across the country and having to find new doctors to find out I have fibromyalgia and an autoimmune form of arthritis. For years, I had no idea I could push back against the advice doctors had given me and that I could change my doctors whenever I wanted. I have a great team now that listens to my concerns and actually talks to me about my options and the risks involved to help me make educated decisions about myself."
13."Waking up early! Not just early enough to run out the front door, but a few hours ahead so I can wake up slow and start the day off on the right foot."
14."I always wished I took ballet. It's too expensive now, but I did take a belly dancing class years ago. Now, I micro-run — running for less than 30 seconds at least once a day alongside my walking. I love it! I'm a sprinter girl, not a marathon girl, for sure. I wish I'd started doing it sooner."
—Anonymous
15."I should have embraced my oily skin and realized that, yes, oily skin needs moisturizer, too! Now, my skin is dry and flaky like an alligator's. I would give anything to have my oily skin back now so I could've taken care of it better."
16."Getting more sleep. The importance of a good night's rest — sleeping early and starting my day early — has allowed me to accomplish infinitely more things throughout the day and has improved my mood!"
—Anonymous
17.Lastly: "I wish I'd ignored all the teachers who'd told me I could never act or dance in public because I am hard of hearing. So, instead, I concentrated on analog photography, which I still do today as a career in fine art. I wish I had the power to do everything I wanted as a kid. Now, I ignore all negative people and do my own thing. I wish I'd practiced believing in myself more. I would've done all the arts and went to art school."
I've personally been trying to be an early bird, but I love lying in bed and having a (very) slow morning! If you're an adult older than 40, what's a habit you recently picked up that you wish you had when you were younger? Let me know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit using this form!