Really struggling to like myself

[bunglegeorgeandzippy11]

I'm 38 and for the past while I have really begun to dislike how I look. I have always taken good care of my skin, am slim and dress lovely, but I just feel inadequate all the time. I used to be really good friends with an aesthetic nurse who would constantly put me down and say that I needed this, that etc. I had people tell me I needed botox when I was just 26 and my self esteem was so low that I listened. I was also in an emotionally abusive relationship that I am still recovering from and lost 2 friends at a really young age ( 33 and 35). I feel the stress has really aged me and I am still trying to get my life back on track from these things

I am looking to stay away from botox and fillers because I already feel I did a lot of that upto recently and it just made me look weird and puffy I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am looking for more natural tips that will boost my confidence again and allow me to look after myself a bit better. I feel I have neglected myself for far too long

I’m sorry you feel like this. You know you need to surround yourself with positivity, and you got out of the abusive relationship and away from the awful friend, so that’s a really good start.. I’m sure there are whole courses to go on for people who feel like this. But I think you could start with getting a bit more beauty in your life. Think about your favourite places, and go there, or get pics.Find the art and colours you are drawn to. Maybe start some yoga, it’s really peaceful and can really help to appreciate one’s body. Start taking some care with yourself, turn meals into little jewelled masterpieces, shake up your routines and wear the stuff at the back of the wardrobe, it sounds weird but treating myself really well helped me get out of a serious depression, and unleashed my creativity. You are perfect right now, you just need to feel it. And 38 is the prime of life!

hey sorry you're feeling like this.
I have gone through a few brutal years and it took months of working out, eating really well and 'clean' that is no processed food and I tried to avoid sugar as much as possible. I upped the skin care, the water, cut out booze completely, religious about sleep and in about 6 months I looked so much better. I'm in my 30s so go back to basics and try a holistic self care approach that tackles sleep, stress, nutrition, skin, hair and work outs.

@Zebracat thank you so much for your kind words. You have given some wonderful suggestions. I've realised it's about being kind to myself again and doing the little things that used to bring me joy. I also always loved colour so will definitely bring more of that back into my life.

@TigerStripesRoarrr so sorry you went through a difficult time aswell and that things got better. As you said, I think for me, it's about stripping back all the things in my life that are not good for me and making the small changes around diet and sleep etc

Good wisdom above. Short term things that may help, if you can run to them, are things like a good facial. An upgrade from the basic one if you can. I have a good one, but less often. Also getting your nails done. I always have a normal manicure, as gel etc plays havoc with my nails. I will have a gel pedicure for my hols, so my feet are presentable, but will have normal varnish the rest of the time. I occasionally have the CACI eye lift facial, and I'm told (I know, I know) that i look younger than my age, which is considerably older than you. All is not lost. Have faith

The main thing is definitely a good sunscreen with UVA1 and UVA2 protection, I used Currentbody LED mask as well and it’s worked miracles for me.