Self-care can be bubble baths and sleeping in, but there are also specific self-care tips that you will wish you knew. Here are top tips for each decade of life.
Tips for Your 20’s
1. Cool it on the booze
Go out and live it up! You have time right now to spend with friends and some of those relationships will grow and last. But go easy on the alcohol. It’s more dehydrating than you realize and tough on your skin and liver.
2. Use more sunblock
Your skin is healthy, young and vibrant now, but as it ages every moment in the sun starts to show. Protect yourself with shade and when you want to lay out and enjoy the sun’s warmth, use plenty of sunblock!
3. Get yearly check-ups
You feel invincible now and why not? You’re young and healthy. But even when you’re healthy as a horse, you still need a yearly check-up. Doctors can find early warning signs of potential health issues that might not have any symptoms for years.
4. Start healthy habits
You’re young, your body can still handle whatever you throw at it, but as you progress through life that won’t always be true. Get healthy habits in place now when you have youth and time on your side. Eat more vegetables, find a physical activity that you enjoy and will stick to. Simple steps will turn out dividends as you move into the next phases of your life.
5. Start saving
If you haven’t already, now is the time to start forming a strategy for saving money for retirement. Consulting a financial planner is a good place to start.
(Bonus) 6. Don’t Fret!
There are a lot of unknowns in your life right now but every mystery and challenge grows you. Do your best and let the rest go.
Tips for Your 30’s
1. Make more time for yourself
Your career is in full swing and parenthood has struck. You’re going full bore but beware, you’ll burn out! Make time for yourself and don’t feel guilty about it. You need all the time you can set aside to nurture your energy.
2. Take the stairs
Skip the elevator, take walks at lunch, go for an evening jog– whatever you can to keep active. Your metabolism is starting to slow down and your body is beginning to change. Stay active.
3. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Everyone is on their own path with its own timeframe. Everyone will lead different lives with milestones at different points. You don’t have to “keep up” with anyone and trying to do so will only make you unhappy and unfulfilled.
4. Take stock of your health
Find time to pause and listen to your body. What is it telling you? Does it need a break? Keep getting those yearly check-ups.
5. Mental health is health too!
Make your mind as much of a priority as your body. Talk to your doctor about anything that is interfering with your quality of life, including low energy or mood, inability to concentrate, anxiety, repetitive or consuming thoughts and any sudden changes.
Tips for Your 40’s
1. Cut sodium
A diet high in sodium is bad for blood pressure and hard on your body. Start cutting down as much as you can.
2. Bulk up muscles
You might notice that you’re not as strong as you use to be. Your body will probably have trouble keeping muscle mass. Gentle weight training can offset muscle loss and make you feel stronger than ever.
3. Get good sleep
You made it through your 20’s and 30’s on a handful of hours of sleep but it’s getting more difficult to do that now. Sleep is essential to your health and promotes healing and memory. Make a nighttime routine and try to stick with it.
4. Get those “grownup” plans in place.
You’ve been around the block and you’ve felt life’s ups and downs. Now is the time to take stock of where you’re at and settle your plans. Revisit your retirement plans or start saving if you haven’t yet. Set up your end of life care plans, funeral plans and personal will. Getting everything squared away now can provide peace and a sense of control.
5. Lower stress
You’ve become a pro at taking on high stress situations. But consistent high levels of stress can have long-term health effects. Reduce stressors and ask for help when you need it.
Tips for Your 50’s
1. Reset your goals
A lot of what has kept you busy for decades, like your career and family, might be winding down now. It can be helpful to set new goals. And don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve accomplished so much and have come far.
2. Stay Active
You might find yourself slowing down or managing health issues that are new for you. Find ways to stay physically active. Physical activity is good for the body and mind.
3. Learn new things/Take classes of subjects you love
Whether you’re still going full speed in your career and with your family or things are winding down, now is a great time to take up hobbies. Share your years of experience by teaching others or learn new things yourself– it keeps your mind active and can give you a sense of importance in the years to come.
4. Fill Your Empty Nest
If your children have flown the coop, you’re likely feeling a mix of emotions including relief, joy, pride, emptiness and nostalgia. Use this time as an opportunity to shift into a new stage. Travel, volunteer, foster pets or adopt a pet to give them a loving forever home.
5. Rediscover Love
Love comes in many forms throughout life. At this stage, you’re probably discovering a new type of self-love that is centered on your desires instead of on career and family. Reignite love for yourself and your romantic love. Indulge in date nights and do overly-goofy romantic things. Now is a beautiful time to connect with your partner and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
