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Original poster

What one thing has made the biggest difference to how you feel about yourself?

140 replies

Coveredinweetabix · 22/04/2014 14:35

I am feeling particularly haggard today as too much cake and chocolate over the Easter weekend has left me spotted and bloated and DS has been up umpteen times in the past few nights with his teeth so I look really tired. I also haven't managed to fit in any exercise for the past month and feel a lot less toned.
I've been making lots of promises to myself today about exercising every day, taking make up off properly every night (which would involve bothering to put make up on every day), drinking more water, eating better etc but, realistically, they are not all going to happen. I've even considered that oil pulling thing.
So, what one thing has made the biggest difference do you think to how you look or feel about yourself. I day dream about daily personal training sessions but they're out on both cost and time grounds.

OP posts:
EasterSundaySimmons · 22/04/2014 14:44

You don't need a personal trainer.

Brisk walk for an hour a day and exercise portion control over your food.

The one thing that makes the most difference to how I feel is my skin. If my skin looks good, I feel good.

Redcoats · 22/04/2014 14:45

Being thin. I've lost 20lbs since Xmas and I'm probably at my pre-wedding weight 10 years ago.
It's really shallow, but I'm delighted with myself.

On the downside, without my extra fat my stomach is awful and saggy. And I've had one too many DIY haircuts and I need a proper haircut.

TheAwfulDaughter · 22/04/2014 14:50

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Custardo · 22/04/2014 14:52

me too re: weightloss

lifes still shit, but now im thin and its shit

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 22/04/2014 14:55

Lipstick - It's taken me until aged 44 to find a brand I like and want to keep wearing.

Hopefully · 22/04/2014 14:56

Cutting down sugar/drinking more water.

Getting my colours and style analysed.

Two things but they both make so much difference to me!

sillymillyb · 22/04/2014 14:56

Fake tan... Not the orange stuff, but the subtle glow that stops me looking like a zombie.

Though to be honest, I think the weight loss one is more effective - but far too much effort for me right now!

Redcoats · 22/04/2014 15:01

Oh yes, I like having a tan as well. And when my nails are all the same length.

So basically, being thin, with a tan and having a manicure. Im goin to have read some worthy novels to counter balance my shallowness.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 22/04/2014 15:05

Spending ££ on some dental work (not pampering in the least but an investment)

Discovering that my painful, bloaty, sore back, stabby pains actually had a reason and I wasn't imagining it.
Once it's sorted , I aim to buy some really good jeans, not Tesco £10 bootcuts,

SirChenjin · 22/04/2014 15:05

Lipstick, my heated eyelash curlers and my Babyliss big hair plus serum. Oh, and enough sleep - but that's v hard when you have young children, I know..

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 22/04/2014 15:08

Oooh yes, after years of searching and wasting money, finding the red lipstick for me in a nice container too.
(It's an M&S Autograph in Mulberry, I can't wear a true red)

nethunsreject · 22/04/2014 15:09

Wine. Till it wears off anyway.

AnyFucker · 22/04/2014 15:10

Having done lots of hill walking in the fresh air over the Easter weekend. I feel fit and happy in my skin.

Oh, and pale pastel tangerine nail varnish Smile

Twinklestein · 22/04/2014 15:26

I agree staying slim and exercising is probably the best tonic.

You don't need a trainer, I've got a treadmill and an exercise bike.

And good makeup.

lurkingaround · 22/04/2014 15:30

I too have eaten mucho mucho crap over the weekend and I feel shit for it. Biggest difference to feeling well for me is to eat well, plenty of veg, and not eating after 7pm. I sleep much better. But in the throes of babyhood this is v difficult to do.

Looks wise I think a good haircut, eyebrows done, being not too fat.

jan2014 · 22/04/2014 15:31

hmmm... gaining weight for me probably helped me feel a lot better, i was underweight before. i look so much better now and feel confident, though still really want to tone. weight loss is over rated.

also, learning how to do good good make up.

MoreSkyThanWeNeed · 22/04/2014 15:31

Taking time to do my hair makes a big difference to how I feel.
I've gotten into the habit of doing my hair while DS naps and I feel more 'me' - despite the dark eye circles and holey jeans - at least my head looks ok.
I aim to work my way down - by the time DS is 15, my feet will look shit hot.

MrsLettuce · 22/04/2014 15:32

Being tattooed

lurkingaround · 22/04/2014 15:32

Ooh just see SirChenjin, heated eyelash curlers?? Who knew. Where'd you buy? Yy I could google...

FiscalCliffRocksThisTown · 22/04/2014 15:34

Staying away from mirrors helps Wink

BikeRunSki · 22/04/2014 15:39

Loosing 3 stone
Running regularly. I've got young, a job and an hour's commute each way, and sometimes it's late when I go out, but I go out at least three times a week. I notice it - physically and mentally - if I don't. I didn't get out til 9.30pm a couple of days ago - was nearly 11pm by the time I got back. Up at 4.30 with dd!

SirChenjin · 22/04/2014 15:40

They are the best things ever - I got the latest set on Amazon for a fiver (I get the wand type as opposed to the ones that look like regular eyelash curlers iykwim?). They're the only things that work on my long, straight lashes.

SirChenjin · 22/04/2014 15:40

Not Amazon, ebay

QueenCadbury · 22/04/2014 15:45

More than one thing but..
Regular exercise in the fresh air
Cutting out sugar (mood swings/pms are much more manageable)
Having colours analysed and style day done

MaryWestmacott · 22/04/2014 15:46

Being able to wear pre-baby jeans. So, weight loss too. I've regained 2kg this weekend (since only Thursday), so back to watching what I eat.

Can you fit in more walking if not formal exercise? Theres a couple of baby & toddler groups I go to that I make myself walk to even if its pissing down - makes me feel like I'm doing something even if I can't get to a class or gym.