Post break up makeover

[lizardqueenie]

Yes it sounds like a teen movie title but I need help. I broke up with my soon to be ex H 6 months ago. I wasn't happy, he wasn't happy but within 2 weeks he had someone new. I'm not jealous but can't help but feel shit he found someone new so quickly (if they didn't start seeing each other before ahem)

Anyway, he's just come over to see Dd after getting back from a work trip somewhere v warm & sunny. He doesn't just look tanned but looks really well. J don't fancy him now but can't help but feel jealous about how well he looks.

Where do I start ladies? I work PT but next month will be going back to FT working in an office. I'm trying to rebuild my career with divorce on the horizon. I'm carrying a stack of weight that I've never got quite around to loosing & I'm a size 20/22 5' 8 olive skin & brown curly hair. I've just shut myself in the bathroom to cry. I feel untidy in myself,& just not well looked after- tend to be quite sloppy (baggy jeans & faded cotton T's on my days at home) Grateful for any ideas on things I can do post breakup to get my self confidence back even if just faking it until I feel it

To add to the list:

Shopping trip for clothes with a friend who makes you feel amazing.

Doing a Marie Kondo on your wardrobe.

At some point over the years I went to a nutritionist, at the time being handed a tailor made system of eating (don't want to call it a diet because it really was a way to eat that suited what I needed) was amazing and ended up being very good therapy. I started to feel good and look better fast.

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your crap time. I hope you will feel better about yourself soon.
For me, I like to set myself small, achievable goals.
How about trying to fit in a 30 minute walk every evening-the nights are getting brighter now. You only need t-shirt and trainers.
Make one change at mealtimes- whether it's swopping potatoes for sweet potatoes or just including fruit for snacks instead of digestives (I'm trying).
The one thing that has helped me is eating porridge for breakfast. Never ate the stuff before in my life- now it's been every morning for the last three months and I like it.
I think if you take small steps in exercise, eating a little better and knowing that you are doing this for you, it will make it more achievable. Keep company with positive people. You have a lot of life to live and have a great time.

If you start losing weight you will feel so much better. Buying clothes is a pleasure once you're nearer your target weight! In the meantime test yourself to a haircut and a pedicure

Thank you all so much for your wise words & kind thoughts

Yes exercise is key- not only to how I feel physically but also mentally.
My folks(bless them) have re- subscribed me to the gym as an Xmas present & it's only now I'm starting to find the confidence to go/ they also have a crèche so dd can go in there.

Currently siting with a colour On my hair, I do have it done sometimes at hairdressers but can't really afford at the moment & the greys were really pissing me off.

I know when I can buy smaller clothes I will feel better about myself- at the moment I'm quite limited as to where I can shop but being able to go in and buy something even in a 16 would be amazing.

The suggestion of uniforms for work & home sound good- can anyone suggest some ideas? I find work smart stuff easier than the weekend wear/ days at home but they are always days you run into people who ask you how you are coping & I inevitably look like shit.

Ex h will be picking dd up from nursery tomorrow eve so I wonder if there is anywhere open ok the way home from work for a manicure.

That's brilliant present from your folks. I say that now but wasn't always so enthused about it. That is a great incentive to spend an hour out to clear your head/have time while DD is safe.

For 'work uniform'- I love a black midi skirt or black trousers. I feel smart and can play with colour for tops. They both look smart casual with a Mac.
Enjoy manicure.