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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what your best investment in yourself has been?

604 replies

HeyItsPickleRick · 04/05/2025 23:08

Come on mumsnet, creep my lifestyle!

Inspired by the personal stylist post - I’m wondering what is the best thing you’ve bought for yourself?

Mine has 100% been my peloton and all the dumbbells. First exercise I’ve ever stuck to!

OP posts:
SparklingMetre · 05/05/2025 07:50

The calm app! My sleep was so poor before and now I get to sleep more easily and if I wake can get back very quickly. This makes me feel so much better in the day.

Proper curly haircut, it’s done with the hair dry initially, it’s expensive but since then I’ve actually started to like my curly hair!

Whatkatyforgottodo · 05/05/2025 07:46

crystalize · 05/05/2025 06:26

Doing pilates at home on YouTube. At 55 I never thought i could get so toned and fit... Ive got strong abs now and toned arms! It helps to ease my achy back and stiffness. I used to go the the gym but for me, pilates beats it hands down for results.

Who do you watch please? I go to one Pilates class a week (would like to do more but have to work) so an online lesson I can do anytime would be great! Thanks.

Jk987 · 05/05/2025 07:46

Laser hair removal on full legs, bikini line and underarms. Did this 20 yrs ago and it’s been a brilliant investment!

A fasting retreat in France a few years ago.

Lense replacement eye surgery today. All being well, it will be a long term life changer!

PS - love this thread- thanks @HeyItsPickleRick!

TheChosenTwo · 05/05/2025 07:42

Mounjaro and cold water swimming (now just open water swimming as it’s not really cold anymore!).
Both have had such a mind blowingly significant impact on me.

Titasaducksarse · 05/05/2025 07:42

Laser eye surgery in 2013.
EMDR therapy for PTSD but I actually only needed 5 sessions as it was highly effective but has been life changing

The 2 aren't linked!

DouDouBob · 05/05/2025 07:41

For those recommending laser eye surgery or other types of eye surgeries, is there a surgical option for people whose vision has only deteriorated after the age of 40, particularly those who need separate glasses for both reading and driving? I’m really frustrated, as I don't get on with verifocals and am constantly switching between glasses, it is so limiting.

daisychain01 · 05/05/2025 07:39

TheCountofMountingCrispBags · 05/05/2025 06:50

But warch for the varicose veins from standing up all day!

I agree. I make sure that I blend standing and sitting, as I got the electric desk option so it's easy to move it up and down. Plus a wobble board to mobilise my hips.

I don't think a standing desk alone can be responsible for significant weight loss. Perhaps it's due to a change in general lifestyle ie being more active in general,

Hibernatingtilspring · 05/05/2025 07:39

Music lessons. I never had the opportunity to try an instrument as a child, and sitting at home practising and unlocking a skill I've always admired just feels magical. Very therapeutic, and it's nice to be away from a screen.

Two things I'd love to do would be to fix my teeth and get surgery on my eye bags but it'd be a long time to save up that I'm not sure it would be worth it - wish I could have had them done when I was younger (the eye bags are genetic, now worse with age)

Nowstrong · 05/05/2025 07:39

Eye surgery, personal trainer, giving up alcohol, monthly massage, divorce (again, now learnt my lesson), learning to travel solo. Also learning how to budget properly in order to be able to do all that on a small pension.

Jk987 · 05/05/2025 07:38

measureofmydreams · 05/05/2025 07:00

lens replacement surgery. about £8k but worth every penny.

Glad you’re happy with it. I’m getting mine done today! Nervous but excited for the results!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 05/05/2025 07:33

Monthly massages - I was suffering from a lot of neck and shoulder pain and headaches and this has really helped.

Somebody earlier in the thread mentioned DMs and I would absolutely agree that they’re a good investment.

A sewing machine- bought it in lockdown and I’ve been having a lot of fun learning how to do dressmaking. I’m not great yet, but wearing something that you’ve made yourself feels great! I feel like it’s helped my mental health too. It’s also made me less inclined to buy so many clothes.

Deleting Twitter when Trump won - the single biggest investment in my mental health ever.

LillyPJ · 05/05/2025 07:33

Doing a degree at 40 and retraining to go into a job with a pension. Retired at 57 and so grateful to have invested time and energy into those years. Well worth it.

Austenpirate123 · 05/05/2025 07:32

getting my colours done about eight years ago. Seemed ridiculously self indulgent at the time but turns out I was wearing all the wrong colours. Everything I’ve bought in the colour spectrum has generally worked and I’ve worn a lot.

have rosacea and sensitive skin and after years of flip flopping between products and trying out cheaper brands to save money and then throwing them away because my skin would react, I’ve settled on using Clinique for skin (not crazy expensive but still not cheap) and bobbi brown for make up.

as pp have noted, whenever I’ve bought an expensive piece of clothing, I’ve worn it so much more than something from H&M.

Mmmkaay · 05/05/2025 07:32

Jacarandill · 05/05/2025 07:16

Another vote for this!
.
People ask me if I spend hours in the gym as I looked so toned. They can’t believe it’s just from ten minutes of Pilates once a day.

Do you have any recommendations for good instructors to watch? I've never found one I liked (not that I've tried very hard, the choice is overwhelming!)

EleanorReally · 05/05/2025 07:27

work part time

LoveWine123 · 05/05/2025 07:26

Education - I got a degree from a US university and I’m now doing an apprenticeship to be a solicitor (in my 40s while being a primary caregiver to two children, one with SEN). My first degree has resulted in a very well paid and flexible job and continues to provide opportunities for personal development. It’s never too late to invest in your education.

ADifferentSong · 05/05/2025 07:25

I school at 16. Going back to education when I was 25 changed my life for ever, and without any doubt for the better.

Magentaflies · 05/05/2025 07:25

Spending more time with my kids. It’s really deepened my relationship with them ( they are 9 and 12).

Maye88 · 05/05/2025 07:22

NoTouch · 04/05/2025 23:19

Weight loss injections, life changing.

Helped me lose a significant amount of weight over the last year, off two medications I no longer need, blood pressure normal, more mobile and starting to exercise again.

I second this, best investment so far 😊

Doyouthinktheyknow · 05/05/2025 07:22

Gym membership. It’s a pricey gym with pools and spa but I use it 4 times a week and I feel so much better in myself. Lost weight for the first time in years too.

FlatFlatEric · 05/05/2025 07:22

Itsawildridealright · 05/05/2025 06:35

Love the user name! 🍄 I find this so fascinating, I have recently bought some GT to try to do some microdosing but would love to do one of those retreats since hearing about them last year - can I DM you about the places you've been? Unless you're happy to share them on this thread?

I find the concept of psilocybin therapy so interesting!

(Edited for typos)

Edited

I'm really interested too!

Harrumphhhh · 05/05/2025 07:21

divorce!

Observed · 05/05/2025 07:19

@Shoezembagsforeverwere his initials KN? If yes, the same doctor did CVS for me when I was pregnant with my first baby in the 90s. He was incredibly kind and reassuring 🙏

Jacarandill · 05/05/2025 07:16

crystalize · 05/05/2025 06:26

Doing pilates at home on YouTube. At 55 I never thought i could get so toned and fit... Ive got strong abs now and toned arms! It helps to ease my achy back and stiffness. I used to go the the gym but for me, pilates beats it hands down for results.

Another vote for this!
.
People ask me if I spend hours in the gym as I looked so toned. They can’t believe it’s just from ten minutes of Pilates once a day.

Flamingoknees · 05/05/2025 07:15

TippledPink · 04/05/2025 23:48

Laser eye surgery in 2020. Was the best thing ever did!

Same for me, 23 years ago! £2000 very well spent

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