When you are 30, you wish you had the same mind when you were in your teenage years. We all know the saying, “If I knew then what I know now”. Kenny Rogers immortalized this saying in his song.
Sadly, you cannot travel back and tell your younger self what to do. What you can do, however, is start making smart choices while you are young enough, and invest in your future.
The Best Thing You Can Do at 30
On Quora, a user asked people what is the best thing you can do at 30 to benefit your life at 50. And the answers are rather smart, and most importantly, simple. Here are some of the most interesting answers.
Smoking is expensive, smells gross, and it is 100% guaranteed to cause health problems. There is no other way around. If you want to be cancer-free at 50, it is crucial that you stop smoking while you are 30.
When you have money, you can buy the whole world. The one thing you cannot buy is health, and that is the one thing that matters.
Stop eating junk food, fast food, and simply put, crap. Processed foods are just as dangerous as smoking for our health.
Too many families have been driven apart nowadays. People forget how important family is.
Chances are you do not see eye to eye with some of your siblings, cousins, or even maybe parents. But family can help you learn valuable lessons, how to get along with people you do not agree with on many issues.
You might think, “the sun doesn’t do me any damage now”. But wait until you are 50, and you will see the results of all that sun exposure.
Do you want a wrinkled skin or clean skin? Well, if you want the latter, limit sun exposure, and do not go out without sunblock.
Lately, exercise has become a popular trend and topic. And rightfully so. Exercising is one of the best ways to improve the quality of your life.
If you build an active lifestyle while you are in your 30s, you won’t have troubles maintaining it in your 50s. Try not to gain weight, as weight does all kinds of bad things for your body.
It might be boring, trite, and unsexy suggestion, but it is one of the most valuable ones.
Save money in your 30s, when you have a lot of disposable income. Some of that disposable income can easily be set aside for use later in life.
Happiness is what matters the most. If you are content with what you have, you will be a bit less likely to end up a millionaire. But you will definitely have a happier life.
And if you somehow become a very wealthy person, there is no reason why not, you will be more happy. But do not crave millions just for having millions.
Make sure to maintain a proper and healthy sleep management. If you want to sleep well, use sleep shades that will block out light. Try to stay away from bright screens before bedtime. Go to bed at the same time, and wake up at the same time.
That is healthy sleep schedule.
If you want to buy a house, go for it. If you want to write a book, do it. If you want to get a second degree or an advanced degree, absolutely go for it. And if you want to change your career, do not delay pursuing that life goal as well.
Start today, and stop putting things off.
Go to the dentist on a regular basis. Make sure to get cavities fixed as they come up. Dental problems only get worse with times, and things like crowns and implants are uncomfortable, and frankly, expensive.
Give to others, as not all are happy enough to have what they need. Give to those in need. However you give, do it with full heart and soul. Do not expect anything in return.
Do not waste your life gathering possessions. Memories, unlike things, do not fade away and cannot be burned in a fire. They stay with you forever.
Get out of your comfort zone. Get out of the house and have a honest adventure. And do it right now. Make it as big as you can manage, and take as many pictures as you can.
The activity needs to be measured in days, not hours or minutes. You will laugh about it when you are old.
Nobody at 50 says “I wish a spent more time watching TV and playing video games”. Instead, they say “Gee I wish I read more books”. Your brain never stops growing, so make sure you exercise it on a regular basis. And that means at least 10 books per year.
Traveling will change your life like nothing else in the world. Traveling will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger for you. Traveling is all about experiencing true risk and adventure.
The day your body stars to show the signs of all the wear and tear, you will no longer see any fun in partying or trying to impress people around you. Embark on the journey of self-discovery when you are 30, and you will be stronger when you are 50.
There are a number of benefits and reasons to meditate. And it only costs you a small amount of your time per day. Nothing more. The change you will experience is priceless.
When you buy a house at 30, you will nearly pay for it by the time you are 50.
You will forget more of your precious memories than you will remember. Nowadays, with a computer and everything, it is easy to keep a journal and make the archiving easier.
Choose people who make you feel like you already are your best self, but also challenge you by example. Nurture your friends, and contribute to their survival and enjoyment of life. Take the time to be in touch.
About the Author
Vanessa Rhodes is a popular blogger and writer on health related tips and articles. She is head editor at HealthyHomestead.com, and very passionate about health and beauty.
