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!

Not at all. I hired an online PT who initially put me on 1500 calories a day, I used MFP and tracked my calories and was really strict. I had to ‘check in’ each week with photos and measurements, not pleasant at first but it really helped focus my mind visually. He also set me workouts 3 times a week, plus the walking. I started off at a mile a day (I had lots of back problems) and gradually increased the distance. My calorie intake was increased to 1600 per day after about 6/7 months and then to 1800 to maintain. I stopped using the PT after a year and now maintain by myself.
I do have treat or cheat days a few times a month and I’ve gained around 2kg since September last year but I’m really happy with where I am size and weight wise. I’m just 5 feet tall but weighed in at almost 11 stone and was almost a size 14. Now I’m about 8 stone 4lbs and a size 8.

Agree with this! You sound amazing!

Magnesium, Pilates and Clarins. Consistency is key whatever you choose. Talk to yourself as if you were your best mate, with compassion and love. BTW, you're doing great, well done. 👏

Sunlight, water

Finding a style of clothes I feel good in, and adopting it as my signature style.

Lost 3 stone. It was fantastic.

I’ve put it all back on now.

Got fitter.

Not thinner. Fitter. I'm still very much not thin. But I'm much stronger, more flexible and have better cardio ability. It makes the world of difference to how I feel all day.

Lost four stone, and I try to exercise properly every day; either the gym, or a 4/ 5 mile walk. Fresh air. I don't drink. I try to eat less sugar, and get my five portions of fresh fruit and veg a day. Occasional sea swimming even in the winter. I try (and frequently fail) to manage my work load so that I don't find myself in the overwhelm, which is when I'm more likely to eat crap. Clarins (my skin is dry too, so serum and oil as well as moisturiser - I never wear make-up though.) I buy myself flowers. I keep the house tidy etc. (am nearing the end of a three-year renovation which we've done ourselves) so I feel happy about it. I read a lot - and when I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, I read then as it means I don't panic about life/ not being able to sleep.

Stopped any late nights after catch up tv came along.

I subscribed to this

https://www.okbeautybox.co.uk/

I get bored easily so am rubbish at self care but getting small amounts of new products every month means I’ve actually started using moisturisers, etc on a regular basis and discovered how much better make up looks with a primer. It’s also a lovely treat coming through the mail every month.

I'm convinced a collagen supplement makes my skin look better, also regularly eating oils - salmon, avocado, olives, olive oil. Hairdressers. Lots of green tea.

Getting outside as often as possible, better if it can be somewhere up high or in the woods.

Give yourself grace, you've been through a lot. Whatever you choose might take a little while.

Hm.
Proper haircut for my thin, fine hair which is pain in the arse and I was considering "buzzing" it off for a while.

Would love more detail on what haircut you got or a photo 🙏

Sorry, no photo.🙂
Basically a short, blunt inverted bob.
But, the cobweby hair has already started flying around my face 😣
They used a lot of volumizing mousse.

Magnesium supplement and daily iron.
Good skincare routine.

Kicked the booze. Life-changing.

Stopped drinking, started running

For myself it was a very gradual decline, I barely noticed I'd stopped making an effort. The most difference came from:
Decent and regular haircut making sure I actually wash and style it regularly
Painting my nails, I cba with professional nails and mine chip quickly but I've found a quick dry top coat (sally hansen) and can do them in 5 mins before bed every other day
Losing weight, I'd already lost about 3 stone after baby but just never seemed to be able to motivate myself for the last half stone. Once I committed it took 18 days! Eating unlimited amounts of lower carb unprocessed food in a 4 hour window each day works for me.

For you, you've listed a few things so I assume they bother you. I think hair and clothes make the most difference and are quite a quick solution. For your skin maybe you need to eat more fat? On the whole you've improved your life immensely so you've obviously got the power, just one step at a time.

OP firstly...you are bloody amazing!!
My tips are lose weight...you will feel better and have more energy.
I have complied a little playlist of songs that make me feel sexy...then I dance around my flat and it always keeps me from overthinking and overeating!
Going out for a walk, even a brief one will do you the world of good.
You've got this!!!

Caroline girvan on YouTube is great..lots of free content.
Don't be put off by the weights she uses,go at your own pace.
I've been doing her routines for about 5mths and have managed to increase my weights over the time.

Thank you. I will that ago.

Team Body Project ~ loads of free videos on YouTube 😌

I started wearing my hair up in a claw clip; and wearing tinted moisturiser, blush, mascara and eyebrow gel everyday. It takes 5 minutes and It’s an instant pick-me-up.
I threw away any clothes or shoes that I didn’t love/feel good in. Every morning when I get dressed now I feel good.

Agree. Helps with posture too. I had to buy some yoga gloves and a mat but mostly you can crack on at home for free using YouTube.

Bought a revlon hot air styler so hair always styled now.

I second that! You should be SO proud of yourself.