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

[Coveredinweetabix]

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.

[OnlyLovers]

This is purely cosmetic, not a health measure at all, but simply wearing one of my most flattering colours next to my face works wonders for me. A scarf is the easiest way to do it.

I do this whenever I'm feeling and looking particularly tired/blotchy/unhealthy which is most of the time.

Also finding the foods that make you feel good. For me, I sometimes feel like I need some red meat (don't generally eat much of it); if I'm lacking in energy or feeling washed out, a good-quality steak or a burger made with good meat can make me feel much better.

[flowery]

I have two excellent top tips. Not really things that make me feel good in themselves, but the results certainly do.

Top tip number one is sunglasses. Don't ever let yourself be in a position where you are wrinkling your forehead or screwing your eyes up even a bit because of the sun. Even when it's not sunny there's often a glare or brightness. I have sunglasses with me at all time and wear them driving always always. I am 38 and have no wrinkles around my eye area at all, unless I smile.

Top tip number two is before you eat anything, check are you actually hungry or just in fact a bit bored. Don't waste calories on boredom!

[Coumarin]

Good call on the sunglasses Flowery I'm a terrible squinter at the slightest bit of sun. I always find it hard to choose a flattering pair though. Do you have any tips?

[flowery]

Ooh I dunno. I'm no good at face shapes and all that malarkey. I just tend to choose ones I like, which are usually not too huge, with no corners or edges, and more on the oval side than round. Hopefully they suit me...!

[unhelpful]

[Coumarin]

I think I tend to get ones that are too big. I have a little face iykwim but want massive Audrey style sunnies. It's the whole trying 3000 pairs on in Boots whilst peering into those 3 inch long mirrors that puts me off. Maybe I need to buy a load online and pose try them on at home.

[MissAnnersleyismyhero]

running. I have lost about 1.5 stone, dropped 2-3 dress sizes, feel great. Have gone from being unable to run for a minute to finding a 5 mile run easy. It keeps me sane!

[Lottapianos]

Loads of us are into running and exercise in general. I used to think that people who ran by choice or went to the gym were sad gits. Now I could never go back to my non exercise days!

[HowAboutNo]

• taking the time to give my skin a good massage and cleanse with a muslin every night. Has really made my skin so much better
  

• accepting that this my is face and that I've got to work with what I've got

[MarcusAurelius]

Exercise and weight loss are the big life changers but Botox, for me, is my instant happy place. I can't frown and that actually stops me being a grump.

A Hipanema bangle on my wrist makes me feel great too, as if I'm young and fun and have been to loads of festivals and parties.

[deepinthewoods]

Exercise- by a long shot. Means I can eat more too and still stay a size 10!!

[mckenzie]

Exercise and fresh air. I go a little bit mad without those two things.

[MissAnnersleyismyhero]

marcus damn you I want a hipanema bracelet now!!!!

[Shockers]

I go to a personal trainer once a week. She's helped me build up the stamina to cycle up hills, so now I can get around the fells behind our house on my bike. Great exercise that the whole family can join in with! I agree with drinking water too, plus getting enough sleep.

I also take a Berocca tablet (not the effervescent one, it has aspartame in it) every other day.

[PrincessChick]

I have a teething horror bag dd too, the little things that make me feel lovely:

• a spot of make up (DH said I looked hot the other day... It's been a long time!!)
  
• amazing sun glasses
  
• long walks in the sunshine and fresh air always feels like such a tonic plus it makes dd smile
  
• exfoliate and face mask once or twice a week
  
• dancing with large 10 mo in a sling: exercising and placating our little darling (sometimes to sleep) and making me smile (preferably in pjs with a large glass of )

[BastardDog]

Not style and beauty related, but for me its meditation. Keeps me sane and helps me keep life's ups and downs in perspective.

[StampyIsMyBoyfriend]

Nice nails, groomed brows.

[RhondaJean]

Interesting to see mines are very similar to those on here already.

Regular (and vicious) exercise, I do train with a pt once a week at the moment, it's taken a few weeks for me to feel the love again but I'm getting there

Eating well - not necessarily low carb but "good" carb, brown rice, sweet potato, nothing processed nothing with added sugars

Actually not drinking alcohol although sometimes I do find a few drinks mentally is good (social)

Sticking to a skincare regime which works for me

Getting my hair cut well

It's all quite simple really but it's also hard to do. But when I do, I feel great.

[RhondaJean]

Oh yes and the brows, need to have the brows done, it the biggest difference to my face.

[williaminajetfighter]

I'll echo what many have said. Instant pickups and some real life changers include:

• getting brows threaded and dyed. Amazing.

• lasers to reduce the thread veins on my face. I'm 44 and it's made a big difference.

• the occasional Thai massage. Takes out all the kinks.

• no drinking except glass of wine now and then. So much better for the skin.

• no meat and limited caffeine.

• a goodnight a sleeps few times/week.

• weight loss important but having a capsule wardrobe that's your 'style', fits well and feels great when you wear each outfit. Makes life so so much easier.

[NoBusinessLikeSnowBusiness]

Running. Changed my attitude to myself more than anything as I was just not that sort of person, so I thought. I've been unwell and iron deficient so forced to stop for a bit which I hate but as my iron levels pick up I'll be back at it.

I'm in need of an overhaul generally (waxing, haircut, new clothes). Again, need the energy to get these things done!

[Coveredinweetabix]

I'm still reading this and continue to be grateful for all of your tips. Four days of Shred, very low sugar (no biscuits, cake, chocolate or sweets), no alcohol, using moisturiser, wearing make up & doing my nails has made me feel much better.
I need to get back into running. I used to be able to run 10k but I'm too scared to start again as I'm not sure I'd make it to the nearest lamppost.

[HellonHeels]

Nice work weetabix! I love this thread, thank you for starting it.

[MissAnnersleyismyhero]

weetabix the hardest bit is getting yourself out the door - once you're out you'll be fine. I have never, ever regretted going for a run!

[Dudess]

I wear BB Cream (George if I have time to add more make up, No7 otherwise) if I've had no sleep and have to go out, and in this weather sunnies!

Both regain my inner calm.

Size15Stylist

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Botox
Being the weight I'm happy at.