What is one thing you did to improve how you look/feel?

[WhatAPickleThisIsAtXmas]

Is there anything you did or bought that improved how you look and/or feel?

I've just turned 36, I'm a single parent to two boys, i work and trying to renovate the house ive just bought, all of which leaves me feeling constantly overwhelmed followed by lots of falling asleep on the sofa. I used to be fairly okay to look, now I'm frumpy, I have lines, my skin is dry no matter how much water I drink or moisturiser I use, my hair very thick but graying and a lot fell out last year which was the worst of our lives after spending time homeless.

I would love to start looking after myself, to start feeling even a little attractive, so would be so good to hear what has worked and helped others!

Have a good haircut (and colour) with a sympathetic stylist.

Lost weight
cit my hair and started colouring it.

My one thing was just the commitment to consistently take care of myself. I have, it is fair to say, let myself go since lockdown.

I am a good project manager and I have made myself the project. I have given up alcohol (skin looks better, I sleep better, I have more energy, I have lost weight). Simple but consistent skincare regime. Body/feet/hand moisturise. Straighten hair - it looks unkempt otherwise. Walk at least 2 miles a day - that's the minimum.

Haircut if you can afford it, home pedicure. When I’ve despaired of the rest of me I have found shaving my legs, scrubbing my feet and polishing toenails has helped. Clean sheets on bed. All boost morale.

Good hair colour and Botox for me although you probably don’t need the Botox at your age!

Microblading is THE best thing I have had done.
Also lip fillers(I have no top lip) I only have a small amount and it helps.
Weight lifting X4 a week.

Also totally off topic, and your situation may not be the time for this, or you may simply not be a pet person-but getting a dog!! they make me feel better every day

Yoga

Giving up alcohol. I’ve not stopped drinking completely, I’d have a glass of wine occasionally (2-3 times a year) but I used to drink wine several times a week.

I sleep better, I feel better, I have more energy. My skin looks healthier. I have an objective measure of the positive effects - my HRV is higher than it used to be and higher than average for my age group.

Wearing makeup almost every day. Just mascara and lipstick make such a difference. Also hiding behind big sunglasses if I can't be bothered to wear eye makeup.

Walk everywhere you can, one of the best daily things you can do. Try to include a variety of inclines in the walks. Try to see nature every day in at least some way. Greenery is really good for you.

Lots of veg, fruit but more veg.

Those two were the best for me. The walking is the best.

Lifting weights - dumbells, at home, don’t let people tell you that you can only get in shape at the gym! Using free YouTube videos.

Walk outside as often as I can, not always possible with all the rain we’ve had but when I can, it sets me up for the day, clears my head, gives me thinking time and generally makes me feel good.
I lost weight, just under 3 stone, which has improved my life in so many ways

Teeth whitening, professional eyebrow shape and a trip to the hairdressers.

Smart new coat, boots and a handbag.

Always feel better with my hair coloured. The grey was creeping back and when my hair fades it goes a ghastly yellowy brown as if I am trying to go blonde!

Just had a colour today (no cut) and feel great!

Cutting hair short. Long hair doesn't suit that many people in my eyes unless styled properly.
Lose weight.

Teeth whitening
Actively dressing to stand out rather than to fit in.
One pair of slightly OTT “wrong shoe theory” shoes
More ear piercings (not great for sleep)
A good bronzer and/ or tanning drops
Getting my thyroid function tested…

A good multivitamin
Omega 3 capsules (cheap and brilliant for skin, hair, heart etc)
By a good moisturising night and day cream - Nivea Q10 is every bit as good as the expensive ones!
Give yourself a body scrub and pedicure- mix olive oil and course salt, rub all over and shower off - no need to moisturise afterwards.
Get a consultation at a hairdresser or two for suggestions about restyling your hair (it’ll be free so could try more than one)
Drink more water, up fruit and veg if you can.
Treat yourself to a bunch of daffodils or your favourite flowers.
Be kind to yourself, you’re doing a fantastic job 🤗

None of these is expensive, so that’s a bonus!

Lose weight.

Lost five stone
Botox
Grew my hair long

Re. skin, I got some retinol and hyaluronic acid and started taking make up off with a cleanser, not baby wipe. Try the Ordinary for cheap skin care, boots also have a good own brand range for cheap. Sun cream every day even in winter, sunglasses when it’s sunny.

Re. me feeling better generally, I have been trying to lose a bit of weight using my fitness pal and trying to up my steps to 10k per day (not hard with kids!)

Re. Hair - regular trim, some professional colour when I can afford it (never home dye)

Trying to wear clothes in colours that I like.

No tips but wow at all that you have achieved @WhatAPickleThisIsAtXmas ! Homeless to homeowner. You should be so proud of yourself.

Washing my face twice a day with water and a clean flannel. Having an absolute bare minimum as a non negotiable has really made a difference.

Which videos do you recommend for a beginner?

Do you mind me asking how you lost weight!