Feeling meh about myself (to put it mildly)

[Namechangedforthis25]

Feeling meh (or in fact a bit fat, ugly, old, tired) about myself. I’m 40, have two young kids and work full time as a lawyer.

Recently I’ve been putting on weight, my skin looks and feel terrible (and a bit more of a tash now too), I feel fatigued and tired, am reaching for the wine a bit more than normal, my knee and toe hurts more - and my back is very inflexible. No clothes suit me anymore (they used to about 5 years ago).

I thought it was being postnatal - but 3 years on it’s not that. Perhaps it’s perimenopause - but all of my friends are slim, beautiful, energised, and seem to feel good. And they all work too. They all look in their 30s.

what am I doing wrong?

what can or should I do to change this? At a total loss.

any advice appreciated - thank you so much.

Get yourself down to the Dr's to get a health MOT. You should be due one at 40. It could be perimenopause, that would explain a lot.
I didn't experience any symptoms with peri but full on menopause, omg, that was awful and seems a lot like what you're experiencing now.

Do you do the obvious things like taking regular exercise, getting enough sleep etc?

Stop drinking, eat healthier, get more sleep?

Could you get away once a week to do a yoga or Pilates class to help your back?