Mid 40s glow up

[superplumb]

Caught husband cheating a couple of weeks ago. 27 years down the pan. Filed for divorce mum of two.
Money is tight but it's my time for a glow up. I've spent my time looking after children working ft as well as looking after a man child.
What can I do to begin my glow up??
I've rejoined a gym and plan on weights. Money is tight. Thanks.

Sorry you've had such an awful experience, things will improve rapidly without the burden of the man child no doubt though. In terms of a glow up, and bearing in mind money is tight, what do you want to achieve / what is your priority? How do you feel about your clothes/ hair/ looks and body at the moment? For an immediate refresh and confidence boost a good haircut and maybe colour is where I'd start. A wardrobe overhaul takes longer and you don't want to rush it, particularly if you're not feeling on solid ground at the moment - don't want to waste money on things you don't love in 6 months. The gym is an excellent start, well done - personally, I feel that being physically strong equates to feeling stronger emotionally, and mid 40's is an excellent time to start with weights/ resistance training.

Gosh @superplumb, I'm sorry, that is really tough

Do they offer Les Mills Body Pump at your gym? It's an instructor led weights class. It's hard work but enjoyable and you very quickly see yourself progress and get stronger.

The M&S gym leggings are nice and not too expensive if you need something new for the gym.

Sorry. That can't be pleasant.

You'll need an exfoliating cleanser (£10), hyaluronic acid moisturiser (£10) and tretinoin/retinoid (£25). Monderma and Skin+Me do them.

£45 every second month for the highest chance of a glow up.

If your budget is tight and you want quick results I would firstly adjust your diet, cutting out sugar and alcohol and eat less meat. Exercise regularly with weights and yoga/pilates and have light botox once every 4 months by a practitioner who knows how to be very conservative so you don't get a frozen look or angry spock eyebrows.

Get some good affordable skincare someone suggested a good plan above. The Ordinary is excellent and affordable.

If you're light skinned, I would buy Erborian CC cream as a foundation (Clair) it leaves your skin looking like you have no makeup on but smooths everything out.

Haircut and highlights
Drink water
sleep
walk 10k steps
gym/weights
Skincare - hyaluronic serum or similar. Retinol (I use one form Beauty Pie)
collagen supplement

I have eborian, I do need more.
I'm not eating at all atm. Need to for thr gym but just can't face it

No sadly they don't do les Mills. After the dovorce and I knoe where I am moneywise I may be able to change gyms to one which does.

I just feel shit about myself generally. Hate everything. Body face hair everything.

I started running (couch to 5k) & got dumbells for home. Do a short stretch/ weights routine 3 to 4 times a week.
Lost tons of weight, Vinted & ebay become your best friend.
Hair cut, I uses a cheap body/scar oil from the poundshop in the hope of helping with stretch marks, my skin is very soft now.
Sunblock, a few serums from the ordinary/superdrug/ water, improve diet. Had thread veins on cheeks zapped.
I kept the cheating man & it's now 50/50 gives me a lot of free time
I look a new woman.

I bought a cheap walking pad to help get my steps in and use tanning drops every other day for a healthy glow. The Primark ones are excellent, much better than the expensive St Tropez ones.

If you have Instagram follow Sally Gunnel of 400m hurdles fame. She has some weights workouts for free on her pages that you can copy at the gym. I'm sure there are many of these pages but she feels very authentic and is only a bit older than me.

Do you have some nice friends in real life that you can talk to @superplumb. I'm sure they would want to help you feel better about yourself and put together some things to look forward to.

That's understandable. Good luck with everything x

I do.have people around me thankfully

Honestly, I'd say firstly look after your mental health.

Sleep and good routines will give you a decent frame of mind and stability.

Make sure you know who your people are and nurture those relationships with those who have your back 💯

Keep yours and the children's diet as nutritious, comforting and simple as possible. Soups, omelettes, stir fries.

Exercise should be walks, fresh air yoga, stretching.

Multivitamins and make sure you are up to date with all your bloods/checks.

Be kind to yourself, self worth gives a genuine glow

I'm not really eating or sleeping atm tbh. I can't keep food down

Keep going. You'll get through this.

Hope it's quickly because it's brutal

You will get through it. If you can't stomach food at least get some protein shakes in. You'll function better if you have food inside you

Listen to plenty of music and try to see friends (and have a drink).

Won't drink in case I don't stop

Lol

Just wondering how you're doing now @superplumb?