If you had three months to be your best physical self..

[YetAnotherusernamechange7890]

..what would you do?
I’ve handed my notice in and will be starting a new role in 12/13 weeks. Ive been in current role 11 years. Exclusively work from home. Had three babies in that time, looking pretty different from when I started. Gained weight, bit of style funk, skin care down the priorities list.hair is ok, long and thick but been like this forever. I’m a bit knackered and a bit dull.

feeling a pep in my step re the change ahead, but will be going to an office (not in the UK) 3-4 times a year. All fine with that but the thought of face to face work interaction is making me want to present my best self from day 1.

What achievable things can I do consistently to feel more shiny and presentable and less like a tired mum. A 12 week glow up if you will… help! Supplements, lotions potions any other things polished looking ladies do- I’m here for it.

Also any work travel tips welcome

I might be returning to the work force after a couple of years. So am feeling the glow up need too.
So far I’ve started using nail oil. Would love some more suggestions.

Congratulations on your new role OP. I understand wanting to make a good impression.

Do you have much spare time to throw at this? If so, I would start by focusing on exercise, find something like weights or pilates or something that you can do regularly that will give good results in 3 months. You will feel so much better, and have more energy. Even 2-3 times a week would be good.

Also you could revisit your skincare and introduce a retinol serum to your routine, start slowly and build up to using a few times a week. Make sure you are using an SPF daily.

In terms of clothes, you might want to wait until nearer the time as your shape may change, and you could find some nice spring season work basics. Keep an eye out for styles you like, maybe create a pinterest board with looks and colours you like wearing.

Nearer to the time you could get a haircut and colour, or a manicure or something to give you a boost.

Maybe try a new hair colour and cut?
Make up lesson and new kit
New wardrobe
Exercise
Sleep
Eat well
Cut out alcohol
Drink more water

I've just started intermittent fasting. Not the 5:2 version. I eat every day between 12 and 6pm. Nothing outside of that window. Feel great and the weight is falling off.

It's really easy because there's no counting calories. (i take weekends off!)And I'm drinking a lot more water in the fasting phase which has helped my skin.

Botox. I had it done a few weeks ago and I’ve honestly never had some mainly compliments on my skin.

If I had the money I would invest in PT sessions for strength training, then walk 45 minutes a day. It would be nice if it was spring or summer to get some good, healthy sunlight.

Have your hair cut now … and again just before you start your new role

I hadn’t had mine cut for six years and after three cuts it is in much much better condition

Start a skin care regime - even if it is just making sure you wipe off the days grime with a wipe.

Set yourself small weigh loss goals each week - 1-2lb and by the time you start you new role you can be between 1-2 stone lighter

plan a new wardrobe now but don’t buy anything until you have achieved a realistic achievable weight goal

Don’t try to change your whole routine at once as you will fail really quickly - baby steps and growing confidence!

Probs healthy diet
Start yoga for all round physical wellbeing
Eyelash serum - makes you look fresher without make up (ironically after 3 months' use)
Hair masks to get my hair heathly and get a new style at the end of 3 months
Keep drinking loads of water
Go for walks because they are good for body and mind (stick your earphones in for music or a story).

And if you cba - look forward to your job! Congrats 👏

Posture. Look at yourself honestly in the mirror and think about standing up straight and engaging your core. Think about a thread going up from the centre of the crown of your head and lengthening your neck. Do at least a bit of yoga, particularly mountain posture, online if needed. Do some pilates if you can, or if you can't, start some basic planking.

Then just think 'walk like a queen' whenever you can.

Lose a stone

Yoga and check out walking exercise stuff, reps of things that just take a few minutes a day at home. They have really helped me tone up.

So much to kick me up the bum here- all things I can try. Well, lose a stone Would be nice and I will try.. could do with getting 2 off.

Interested in the intermittent fasting - will read up @GordoStevensMustache would love a PT, not in the budget at the moment but will have a look what I can find on you tube.

Absolutely need to get out walking more- I always promise myself and just get sucked into work. Will block an hour a day now I’m one foot out the door.

can start right away with water and walking.

will get a hair cut booked, I have regular trims but maybe a bigger change is needed. Was thinking on getting back to regular professional eye brow shaping too.

@PermanentTemporary such good points re posture, I need to be more mindful of this.

I think the clothes worry me most but maybe I’ll feel better about that after I do some of the above. Shoes also.. what on earth does one wear to a smart casual (huge, fancy) office in terms of footwear??

I would be up for giving this a go.. I’d be worried it would not work out or need longer to settle. Don’t feel it helped generally not just the lines?

Thank you. Nerve wracking but trying to be positive.

not much spare time at all but quite the wave on enthusiasm.

current skin care is a cleansing balm and decent moisturiser. I don’t know anything about retinol or actives. Is retinol the place to start? I’m 38 so I need to up my game here. I keep seeing ‘skin and me’ adverts.. any good?

Make each change separately and layer the habits until they stick. Don't try it all at once!!

Drink loads of water - 2 or 3 litres
Walk outside at least 15 mins once a day or more vigorous exercise if you're already fit
Sleeeeeep!!! Go to bed earlier and get into good sleep habits
Eat as much unprocessed food as you can
Start a basic home or gym routine involving weights - a set of 3kg dumbbells will do to start, check FB marketplace

Then clothes:

Be ruthless with your current wardrobe - anything that's past it get rid
Make a list of items to create a basic capsule work wardrobe then I'd hit Vinted to make the most of your money - go for New without tags.

Oh and start browsing Pinterest if similar for fashion looks you like then review your boards to spot similar themes

God I don't know OP but good luck. I have gone from international career girl to frumpy work from home mum in the last decade. I kinda want to get back to it like you but the thought terrifies me!!

Ashtanga yoga at least 3 times a week, Jason Vale juice for a month, running 5k and meditation daily.

I know what makes me peak fitness but for some reason, I'm not doing it!

Thanks for the kick up the bum. I need to take my own advice

I am terrified.
im staying in the same field but a small step up and the little bit of travel is enough to both terrify me and also hopefully reignite my interest in work.. I have to work so trying to make it worth while. I think my focus on presenting myself as best as I can is a welcome distraction to the work step up. Hopefully can bluff a bit more confidence if I feel good. Or better at least.

you can do it (when you are ready)

This, plus collagen supplements and ALL THE VITAMINS!

Having your eyebrows shaped and tinted can be a game changer.
I always feel more "done" when I've had this.
A few saunas will improve your skin and make you look more fresh.
Another botox fan here

OP I feel your pain. I changed jobs in December. I also had a 12 week notice & had all sorts of plans that I would lose the weight before moving jobs. I didn't.

I started in my new job in a hugely busy office 2 stone overweight & feeling uncomfortable in both my clothes & skin. So don't be me!

I'm now tackling it & 11lbs down. Lots more to go.

Losing the weight is the biggest thing for me as for me personally it affects everything else.

I have decided deep winter when we're all wrapped up in layers & coats is the perfect time to lose the pounds under cover literally & by the time spring comes I'll be far more comfortable in myself & will be able to wear all my lovely clothes that night longer fit.

I'm focusing on healthy eating, taking vitamins, I've switched my shower to evening so have a bit more time to focus on myself than in the morning commute rush

I bought a few new things in M&S in the size that fits me knowing I didn't want to stay this size but it's good to look as decent as possible everyday.

Good luck op you can do it 💪 👏

If you’ve got money for Botox, you’ve got money for a PT, and you’ll get far more benefit from it.
I’d prioritise diet- lots of proper fresh food- exercise and fresh air in your position. Then skincare, clothes, hair and grooming.

Eat well, cut out alcohol, don’t smoke or vape, drink lots of water, walk at least 10,000 steps every day, do some form of weight bearing exercise a couple of times each week, do something that you really enjoy at least once a week and have a regular sleep routine in a dark room.

It’s all very simple really. We’d all feel and look great after 3 months of the above. Easier said than done, though 😁

I'm all about the easy wins:
Go & have a facial. Lovely & relaxing, will make you feel smooth & shiny and rinse your beautician for tips in skincare while you're there.
Start using lash serum. Amazing - removes need for extensions and will make a huge difference in 12 weeks.
Get or do an eyebrow tint. Everyone looks better with eyebrows.
Start Collagen. Great for hair & nails if nothing else.
Get your hair cut/coloured

Do something physical that you enjoy a few times a week - walk in the park, spin class whatever. Something fun while exercising.
Try & hit your 10k steps each day.
Try some new healthy recipes to add to the repertoire when your back in the grind.
Add more protein to your diet.
I do agree that a PT is amazing if you want to work on fitness in a short time.

Browse alllll the book shops/craft shops/ stationary shops/ flea markets... whatever you enjoy.
Catch up with friends, go for lunch or coffee & enjoy this precious time before you're back in the rat race!

God I'm so jealous! 😂