10 Habits Every Woman Should Embrace In Her 20s & Beyond

It’s great to be young and carefree, but there comes a time when we have to grow up just a little and start taking better care of ourselves, in every sense of the word. If you’re nearing 30 and ready to get real about YOU, here are some habits you should adopt to help you live your best life.

  1. Stop comparing yourself to others. Just stop. There’s going to be points in your life when you’ll think that other people are smarter/more attractive/successful/have their act together more than you do, however it’s all relative. Sure, that person may seem like their life is so much more awesome than yours, but here’s the thing: you never know the full story about other people’s lives. Comparing yourself to other people is pointless and a waste of time because you’re. not. them. What’s right for one person, might not be right for you. So, stop measuring yourself against someone else’s yard stick. (The sooner you come to terms with this, the happier you’ll become.)
  2. Protect your skin. For the love of god, slather sunscreen stuff on like your life depends on it – because it does. Wear it everyday, come rain or shine, summer or winter. Your skin and health will thank you in a few years.
  3. “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” Take it from Maya Angelou (the author of the above quote), putting your time and energy into people who aren’t willing to do the same for you is a dead end street. This means stop obsessing over that guy or girl who won’t text you back (or only texts you really, really, late at night with vague invitations to “hang out.”) – you’re better than that. If someone wants to be in your life, they’ll make it happen and actually respect you. Let go of dead-end relationships. The time you’ll save you can devote to things and people that actually bring you joy.
  4. Stop sleeping in your makeup. I know washing your face might seem like a hassle, especially when you’ve come home exhausted from a night of drinking and dancing, however it’s must if you want to keep your skin in good shape for years to come. Too lazy to get up? Keep a package of makeup-removing wipes next to your bed for quick access. Clean your skin and find a moisturizer you like, that you can then use religiously. Once again, your skin will thank you.
  5. Trust your instincts. A person or situation feels bad or “off” to you – trust that. It’s probably because it is. Have the courage to listen to yourself and what your heart/body tells you.
  6. Show your body some love. Honestly and truly. You’re young and beautiful. Give yourself permission to honor that. There’s always going to be a time when you thought you looked better or worse than you do right now. By obsessing over these moments, you miss out on living in the now. Instead, pay yourself a compliment every time you walk by a mirror.
  7. Stop spending recklessly. Sure, that shopping spree at Anthropologie (where you totally max out your credit card) may feel good in the moment, but it’s probably going to feel less good a year down the line, when you still haven’t paid it off and your credit score has gone to crap. Instead, save your pennies so that when you do want to treat yourself (or run into a legit emergency that isn’t fashion related), you have a reserve fund and can buy a couple of nice things that will feel really special (that won’t send you into financial ruin.)
  8. Use it or lose it. We’re bombarded pretty much daily about the importance of exercise, but there’s a reason. Find a form of exercise that you actually enjoy and do it regularly. Whether that’s running, pole dancing or synchronized swimming, find something that’s fun and do it regularly. Getting in shape becomes more difficult the older you get, so start early! (Plus, moving your body just feels good.)
  9. Take control of your sexuality. Explore what makes you feel good (alone or with a partner.) Communicate your fantasies. Ask for what you want in bed. Stop dating people who don’t accept you for who you are or love your body as much as you do.  That guy who refuses to try new things in bed because he says “you’re just making things more complicated than they need to be” – ditch him. Acknowledge that as long as you’re not hurting anyone, whatever you’re into is OK.
  10. Do more of what makes you awesome. Figure out what you’re really passionate about and do more of that thing. You never know where it might lead you.
Simone is a freelance writer and author of the sexy and irreverent blog Skinny Dip. When she's not writing her heart out, she loves wandering her city with a large cup of coffee in hand, in search of the next great story.
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