What would you do to feel better?

[RunningOnMusic]

I've had a traumatic hospital stay and I'm recovering at home now for a few months. I have lost weight quickly (size 12, 10 stone, 5'6, long blonde hair and gone grey from shock, looking tired. My face seems to have collapsed. I turn 50 in the new year. I'm not looking or feeling my best so it got me thinking... once I am better it would be nice to do things to make myself feel better. Before this episode I was relatively young looking and fit for my age. So my question is what would you do to make yourself look and feel better. I don't have a massive budget but willing to invest...

Hair cut and colour And Vitamin C skincare to bring a glow back to your skin. Go for a make-up consultation and treat yourself to a new lipstick that perks you up.

In the meantime, east well, drink lots of water and move as much as you can. Vitality comes from within.

Agree with all @StormingNorman says. Primark do a nice vitamin C moisturiser or Origins Ginzing for a more expensive option.

I’d actually invest in a few facials to rejuvenate my skin.

A good haircut and colour can’t be beaten, I had mine done the other day and SIL immediately noticed when I saw her.

Agree with clean diet, avocados, olive oil, tomatoes, Mediterranean diet. Less in the way of cakes, crisps and sweets but Pop Chips and Eaten Path snacks aren’t terrible nor are Skinny Whip bars if you fancy something sweet.

I would add getting a manicure and pedicure as often as you can afford. It’s a nice way to relax and then feel “put together” afterwards.

I know this is S&B but I might invest in making myself feel better in other ways, rather than focusing more attention on looks. You can buy nice clothes, get a good haircut but then maybe get away from that area and focus on your interests or a new hobby perhaps.

Good luck with recuperation

Be kind to yourself. Take as much rest as you can. Eat good food. Develop some kind of routine for your day. Ditch the routine though if you don't feel like it sometimes. Start a new face care routine eg I would recommend La Roche posay. Order from Boots. One day a week apply a face mask while you rest up watching something. Get some foot spa socks and do that. Book an appointment to get your hair trimmed at some stage. Treat yourself to a couple of new sets of PJs. Just take your time.

Don’t wait until you feel better …

Having been in a similar situation years ago I recall that straight out of hospital what I needed was warmth, gentleness and really good food. (Preferably requiring no effort from me.)

So I’d say a weekly organic veg box, if that’s possible. Unless you have any dietary restrictions you probably need to increase your consumption of green stuff, whole milk, good bread …

And if your bedding is less than perfect, either an electric blanket or a wool duvet would be an excellent investment; whichever suits you best.

Probably a Vitamin D supplement if you’re not already taking any. But get medical advice as you may be on a prescribed drugs regime.

If your hospital stay didn’t involve your head you might enjoy an LED hairbrush. They’re not expensive compared to other LED tools and from what I’ve seen, the massage benefits spread to the user’s face as well.

Also, don’t laugh but a simple wool or cashmere beanie exclusively for house wear can be incredibly comforting. I’m currently sporting one from Community Clothing in a bright colour I would never wear outside the house.

Lastly, as you begin to feel stronger, some gentle yoga will help with rejuvenation. Do you already have a yoga mat?

Start now !

give up UFPs
gey an electric blanket
start face yoga
drink loads of water

Are you going to be spending more time than usual in your house? Get some Really nice quality jumpers and things to wear, comfortable but proper bottoms. It would be easy to stay in pyjamas but getting up and dressed will help with a routine which you can lose and for me, dies nor help my mental state.

Don't buy too many new clothes as you might add back.some weight.
I like @Bailiwitch suggestions x

Trying to think what else …

Who does the cooking in your household? Having said you need plenty of good winter food - dahls and casseroles and roasted vegetables - as much home made as possible, this would be a good time to upgrade any less than satisfactory kitchen kit. You may have everything you need, but if not, a great knife and chopping board, a stick blender, or soup maker will really help you to eat well with the least amount of effort.

I’ve found putting some tanning drops in my moisturiser helps lift the dullness of my skin