What can I do to feel more youthful?

[MagicSeeker]

I’ve realised that I have some habits that are giving me a ‘past it’ mentality. To give some examples, most of the music I listen to (if I have any on at all) is 80s and 90s rock (nothing wrong with that but I have no idea what’s current and interesting now), my clothes are whatever fits and covers me up, I watch very little TV (loved Killing Eve though) and I don’t even know what I do for my own pleasure/enjoyment any more. It’s like I had a stereotype of what a great mum should be and decided to jump in with both feet, and that stereotype was all about self-sacrifice and making my life all about my kids. I know this is senseless though, and completely ineffective - my kids would far rather have an energised, happy, passionate mum than the tired, frumpy heap I’ve become and I won’t even begin with how detrimental it’s been to my marriage!

What I’m looking for please is some small habits I could pick up to give me a fresher outlook. Podcasts that might be interesting, music that will bring me up to date and start a renewed love for gigs and singing in the car, blogs with a youthful, current outlook... Anything you can suggest that might help me feel more up-to-date and current please?

Shag a toy boy.

Well I cant beat that first reply...

Try listening to the radio rather than your own music in the car. Ideally radio stations aimed at younger people. Radio 1 isnt too painful for breakfast show/drive time. As well as new music, the conversations they are having/tv they are talking about might interest you.

Do you read a newspaper website? Make a point on going on the culture and tv sections.

It's ok to be old and know what you like, but also nice to open yourself up to new stuff (that might just be new to you, not really new to the world, if that makes sense!!)

Know exactly what you mean, although I'm not a mum myself. In such a rut here, I am looking at houses and thinking of different places I could move to - just to jumpstart my life! Can't afford it though, so just dreaming really.

As to what we CAN do, I am going to check in on this thread. I haven't watched TV in years and we just watch old boxsets of stuff. Currently trialling Netflix for free.

I hear you with the clothes too! My budget is very tight and that doesn't help either!

I read somewhere to try and think of what gave you joy as a young teen and try and get back into that somehow? For me it would be tennis, my recorder (could I learn the flute now, I wonder?) and languages esp French which I really regret letting slide. I think I'll take up a language this autumn when the nights draw in.

I sometimes switch on Radio 1, but switch it off again quite quickly I am early 50s.

Will watch thread with interest...

Also, do you have a local art gallery/theatre/community centre? See if you can subscribe to their newsletter and find out what's going on, not just for kids, but for you to go see something interesting.

How did you spend your free time before dcs?

Get a fab haircut and dye it. I used to dye my hair a light brown but actually when I started dyeing it a dark chocolate brown, it took 10 years off my face!

Good thread, watching with interest.
If you want a tv recommendation try Gameface, it's hilarious.
Do you exercise? That gives you more energy in the long run!

No advice OP but great post, I'm sure you'll get loads of advice on here

@augustagain A tight budget really isn’t helping here either with the clothes. I know lots of people are successful with eBay shopping though, so I’ve written down some brands to look for and will give that a try.

@DisgruntledGuineaPig I’ll get Radio 1 on in the car more often. You’re right - when I used to listen I heard songs I liked. I started up with Classic FM to get the babies to sleep in the car! Beginning of the end!

@IdblowJonSnow Thanks, I’ll look for Gameface later. Actually, I don’t exercise yet, but am considering getting started with a 5am exercise plan to get energised for the day and feel livelier. Running perhaps (plodding in reality , but in my head the wind will breeze through my hair and I’ll be free ) or a Jillian Michaels 20 minute programme at home.

I was coming on to suggest exercise too. The Couch to 5K podcasts are brilliant for getting you into running. You start running / walking for 30 seconds & build up.

This is pretty much me too. Cant say Im overly bothered. But the following things have energised me recently :
Political campaigning - specifically feminist related issues
Park run
I can't bear to listen to radio 1 and dont care about being behind with music. I quite like Dermot Oleary and Jo Whiley and theu do play quite new stuff and up and coming too

God no, not Radio 1, a step too far. Try Radio 6 for a mix of older and new stuff.

Oh and I'd think of the whole thing as being more about doing and finding new things you like now to energise you. Rather than being youthful as such.

Thank you @thedevilinablackdress I agree - it’s more about feeling alive again than youthful.

For me, it’s about feeling informed and connected to the world out there. I want to be a part of it.

I let the dcs choose the music in the car. They mostly like Capital Extra so I get to hear what’s current. Most of it is dire but I’m surprised I like some of it.
I listen to a lot of radio at home. In the kitchen I’ll always have bbc London or radio 4 on in the background. I also read news websites so I feel informed on what’s going on in the world.
I watch Netflix and rented all of Game of Thrones from the library as I never watched it and then just wanted to know why people were so hyped (it’s absolutely brilliant!)
I go out with friends regularly. We’ll go to the cinema, meals and do day’s out too.
The one thing I’ve given up on trying to know more about is you tubers. I just don’t understand who’s big on YouTube and don’t get at all why they have such a following.

For me it's about always learning a new skill, preferably in a class environment.

You can download the Duolingo app free of charge to get back into French.
I'd agree with the haircut advice too and I'm always pleased with a cheap new lipstick/mascara.
Clothes wise I wouldn't try eBay. Look on line for inspiration and only buy something you've tried on that you know you look great in!
Good luck!

Recommend the High Low podcast for a witty mix of serious and not serious current affairs. Comes from two women in their early 30s.

I started both running & yoga in my 40s, & they’ve given me a whole new pride in my body as I see what it’s capable of. It’s really satisfying.