How to stop feeling meh and unmotivated about appearance.

[ThatMother2024]

Feeling meh and disinterested. Single mum with two autistic kids. I work from home and don’t see people. My kids don’t want to go anywhere. I was working hard on my appearance and am just now fed up.

how people remain motivated?

Why do you need to care about your appearance? Is it compulsory? Seems like you have got a lot on already.

People base their treatment of you sometimes on how you appear. Not only that, but I will feel worse if I slump entirely!

I get this. It's a conflict I have myself sometimes. It's boring doing all the maintenance, but if you don't you just feel a bit blah about yourself. Sometimes when life is demanding it just feels like another chore, but not doing it and just hanging out in leggings doing the drudge work of single parenting feels like sinking. Depending on budget/time etc, you could get someone else to do the work eg give you a pedicure, cut and colour, etc. Or if the budget is tight you could get a nail varnish or a lipstick in a colour you'd never normally use. Or buy something new to wear that makes you want to do some grooming so you can feel good wearing it.

Exercise helps me feel more motivated, but that's not easy as a single parent either. Youtube workouts are good.

Thanks everyone. I’m going to invest and maybe get some perfume and get the nails done and do some more exercise.

I think I have put on weight and am feeling like I am sinking or have sunk!

Perhaps I will do some shopping now online and get some nice perfume and some products! A plan might make me feel good!

I've just ordered some new underwear from marks and Spencer and got the summer beauty box for cheaper offer thing. I think that would be a good start. It can all feel a bit overwhelming sometimes but I think the beauty box is supposed to be good.

I also WFH. I do go out a lot and see people, but because it's London, everyone is very casual and in jeans.
I have stopped buying clothes this year, but I have a basic regimen to not be a total slob
Shower daily and do a bit of grooming in the shower ( shave, eyebrows etc). Wash hair twice or thrice a week.
I dont like done nails, but I keep them short and with a coat of clear polish
Walk or swim for over an hour daily ( that's my exercise). Lift weights if I feel like it.
Wear clean tidy clothes and get out of my pyjamas by 10 am. Even if jeans, they must fit well and not have holes. Leggings ok some days but not everyday.

I had a mini-makeover a few years ago. The three things that made the most difference were: professional eyebrow shape; trip to the hairdressers; and teeth whitening.

I also treated myself to a new handbag and coat.

Is there any self-care you could incorporate into your current routine? e.g. I've switched from shower gel to shower oil (which is more moisturising):

https://www.boots.com/bioderma-atoderm-shower-oil-200ml-10226265

I also love this for smooth skin (not for face):

https://uk.muji.eu/products/nylon-body-towel-28x90cm-8853?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI66rD97CuhgMVmpJQBh3OxAaPEAQYASABEgJx6PD_BwE

Could you shop your wardrobe? e.g. upgrade anything that needs replacing with something that is better quality?