To use my two young kids as an excuse?

[MsFrog]

I know that really IABU and I think I need a kick up the arse.

I feel shit physically all the time. My back and hips and shoulders ache, I have heartburn all the time, I could do with losing a stone or so, I'm exhausted, I always have headaches. I look shit - my hair needs dyeing, my eyebrows need plucking, my clothes are a joke, my skin is shit.

In my head, I keep thinking "well this is what it's like with a baby and a toddler, you don't have any time for yourself". But I suddenly thought today when I saw another mother with kids the same age as mine who looked lovely, that I think I'm using this as a lazy excuse not to eat well, exercise, generally look after myself and perform basic self-maintenance.

How do other people with two young kids get on? Do you have any time for these things?

It is hard with a baby. Just focus on the basics, some walking and fresh air every day, shower every day, light make up if you like it. I aim to look "presentable" rather than attractive!

I've definitely neglected my appearance since having DD in 2018. Well,.nore since I returned to work after mat leave cause I'm so overwhelmed. Since restrictions lifted I've been forcing myself to dye my hair every couple of months, have now got a proper skincare routine and have started to wear makeup to work again. It does make me feel so much better when I put the effort in. Do you have much help? You sound really stressed and exhausted.
Oh and in terms of exercise I do dance aerobics and pilates videos at home. Lots of fruit, veg and nuts and I batch cook soup on Sunday afternoons and freeze it.

It’s hard.. sooo bloody hard! But I would give yourself a year after your baby to just relax and enjoy them. You might look like a tired mum but essentially that’s what you are!
My son is 16 months (DD 3.5) and I’ve only just started to really try and get back into shape. You do have to give yourself a kick up the arse though. Plenty of times I’ve thought I can’t be bothered to exercise or make the effort but you honestly do feel so much better when you do!
Having a supportive partner really helps. DH is happy to sort the kids out if I want to go to the gym, or get dolled up for a girly night out.