Can I take a look at your manual for life?

[Bubidoo]

Pictures of my son and I popped up on my phone from this time last year and I cannot believe how much healthier I looked. In the last year I have got a new job and have then been promoted. I've found it extremely stressful but am optimistic that with time and communication it will become more manageable.

At the moment however my mood is extremely low and worsened when I look at myself. I'd love to hear how you take care of yourself and maintain your appearance and wellbeing.

For reference -

I have blotchy skin
I eat ok but have a bit of a chocolate addiction
I drink a couple of glasses of prosecco every other weekend
I don't do any intense exercise but generally walk 10000 steps a day
I don't really have many hobbies but try to read when I can and have just started colouring on to relax

Tips appreciated on how to live healthier 😊

It all depends on how much time you get to yourself and how much money you have to throw at it.

The main thing is try to be k8nd to yourself.

Well done on the new job and the promotion!

How much do you sleep? Do you drink enough water? Those are very good starting points if there is room for improvement.

Why do you think you look healthier in the old photo? Is it just skin and hair?

For me this is a thing I need to give constant attention to, because life changes mean you need to pick up different habits. I try to focus on small changes that can all add up to an overall better picture.

Right now, I work FT and have two very young children one of whom is still breastfeeding. So my current rules for looking after myself are:

• 20 mins exercise every day preferably in the morning. Can be a dog walk, quick body weight work out in our garage on a gym mat, a run, or I can go to the gym if I have time.

• use retinol every night

• make breakfast a heavy hitter in terms of nutrition. I prioritise protein, and fibre. So I go for either egg on toast with mushrooms/toms/beans or if I'm rushed it's a protein shake and an apple or two.

• haircuts, eyebrows waxed and tinted, bikini wax all booked in every two months done at the same place. I'm out for one Saturday morning every two months getting it all done but it saves having multiple appointments, and I book the next one when I am paying.

• take my meds and my vitamins every morning when I eat my breakfast

• I separate my work outfits from the rest of my wardrobe so they're easy to find and choose from

• I use an overnight curler in my hair so my hair is done for work with no effort

• I prioritise sleep over socialising or watching tv etc. I have two very young children who are up frequently in the night, so I often go to bed just after them so I get a lot of hours in bed and plenty of sleep even if I have a broken night

• I'm kind to myself. I can't be perfect, and life gets in the way of my intentions sometimes. If I feel like I'm not taking care of myself I talk to my husband and we work out a plan. Usually the fix is us spending a weekend at home, and making time for me to get a gym workout in both days, good meals, food shopping for the week ahead and planning our meals, going out for an hour to have my nails done as it makes me feel put together, and us each taking a nap on one of the days while the other watches the kids. Usually when Monday rolls around I feel better!

As for tips on how I look healthy - I don’t drink enough water, sleep enough or exercise but I generally eat well, have a top notch skincare regime and am well groomed. Good grooming makes up for a lot of my sins.

Inspired by a poster on a very recent thread I dug my nutribullet out from the back of the cupboard and now use it every morning. 5 (smallish) portions of fruit and veg before I eat/drink anything else. Takes 10 minutes to prep, make and drink and I swear my skin is already benefiting.

Absolutely, I'd say not loads of time but willing to put some more money into this.

Thank you! I'm a good sleeper but don't feel I rest much when I'm awake juggling FT work, a fair commute and a toddler. Could definitely drink more water.

In the photo from last year I don't look amazing or anything but I can just see I'm more relaxed. Far fewer grey hairs, skin looks better and not quite pale, maybe weigh a bit less.

This is a great guide! Thank you. I think we are in a similar boat lifestyle wise. Love the idea of getting all the grooming done one Saturday morning every couple of months, it must feel great too. An overnight curler also sounds intriguing. Definitely going to get some retinol serum. Maybe I'll get my steps in and walk into town today.

Love the idea of a good breakfast. I've started filling a bowl with high protein yoghurt, filling fruit and granola this week and it seems to be keeping me fuller.

It sounds like you've managed to strike a great balance! Thank you for sharing.

Oh what a good idea! It's such an effort to get more veg into my diet, this might be a good way to sneak it in!

Do you mind me asking what your specific mixes are? Mine is sitting unused in a cupboard also.
I think stress , alcohol and sugar are the worst wreckers of skin and health . Lack of water also.

I use frozen fruit and veg mainly (my laziness is boundless 🤣), so berries, frozen spinach is good, and weirdly, those little chantenay carrots (also frozen) work well. Non frozen - I’ll often bung in ginger or cucumber or fennel. Ginger is great at the moment as it makes it a bit tastier on cold days. There’s also smoothie mixes that supermarkets sell, which are fine - if pricey.

And I agree with you about water, I always sleep better if I’ve drunk enough.