Feeling past it, what can I do to give myself a lift?

[tiredandgrumpy]

Am 37. Not a terrible age, but I just feel as though it's all downhill from here. I don't feel attractive any more. What do you do to pick yourselves up when you feel similar?

chocolate and MN Hairdressers and lipstick
I'm 40 and well past it....

I'm 39 and know how you feel!

All I can think of right now is blusher and a dance around the kitchen to something indie from the 80s!

I hate going to the hairdresser, as it involves seeing my reflection for more than 20 seconds.

How about treating yourself to a long hot bath with a magazine and a face mask?

new undies. or a new yoga posture. seriously, when i'm impressed at what my body can do i feel good about myself, irrespective of what i actually look like.

haircut can be good if you have a hairdresser you trust, if not it can be a recipe for disaster.

Heels!

Lovely hand cream.

Sexy underwear.

Not necessarily in that order.

I always feel better/more attractive if I'm satisfied with my weight. And usually when my weight is where I want it, I've been exercising regularly so feel strong/toned.

Do you have an exercise regime?

I'm 37 too and feel just the same, so just 'watching' this thread for some good tips.

I do agree with Earlybird, though, I think exercise and feeling good when you look / think about your body is a great step forward.

Oh for goodness' sake ladies- get a grip.

37??! If only...

wait til you are in your 50s....

it's all about a state of mind. How on earth can late 30s be old????

Totally agree with veryembarrassed, I'm facing my 40th in a few weeks, and I'm damned if that's going to make me feel old.

Eat well, get as much sleep as possible, find a form of exercise that you enjoy, all of these will make you fell better about yourself.

Get a good haircut, that will take years off you. Likewise get a makeover in one of the big stores to give you ideas, and never leave the house without lipgloss, at the very least.

It's easy to slip into wearing 'middle aged' clothes, read the glossies to keep up with trends.

Wear only heels or converse, NOT trainers or, God forbid crocs.

You are in the prime of your life, don't waste it

I think a good hair cut and heels definately are a boost and a well fitted coat. I saw an acquintance recently and she usually looks a bit drab but I was pleasnatly surprised her new purple mix belted tench coat looked amazing on her and kind of lifted her. Maybe it's about wearing a colour that suits you too close to your face.

macherie - agree!

Just get the basics right- there is nothing you can do about getting older.

My top tips(!!)

• keep your weight sensible- fatness is aging, thee is no doubt that fatter people look matronly. Wear something to show your waist!!! *Keep fit- take exercise to bring a glow to your skin. *Eat healthily for 90% of the time, don't smoke, use sun block 365 days of the year. *Get a decent haircut and colour that suits you. *Keep your hair clean and glossy! Always wear a small amount of make up- everyone looks better with a touch of foundation/blusher, mascara and lipgloss. *Avoid mid calf length skirts at all cost. *Be happy! *Old age is always ten years older than you are!!!

Go on a health drive - lose excess weight, go to bed earlier, don't drink or smoke.

.....and use sunblock every day! Under make up or alone. It works.

underwear
manicure
trendy jewellery / scarf / shoes / hats
go to gym
light reflecting make up thingy

Sounds like some very good excuses for shopping. Thank you. What else is there - not necessarily style of beauty - that I can do? Are there activities which make you feel young again?

Activities -

rollerblading - not that I've been brave enough to try it!

going to a gig

anything involving singing or dancing

Are there activities which make you feel young again?

wild sex with a toy boy?

Oh yes rollerblading is great fun, used to go to Hyde park for rollerblading , not beee brave enough to try the mass rollerblading around london groups though.

Try salsa that will make you feel young again or how about pole dancing (in gold hotpants and heels if you like) , there are classes, it's becoming popular, supposed to be very toning and a good work out.

yeah nothing less likely to make you feel old than pretending to be an 18 year old sex worker

what are you on about nothing to do with pretending to be a sex worker, the pole dancing classes you see advertised at colleges are an alternative to gym work outs for toning the body and building stamina but it's mainly fun I'm told, they put music on and the heels and dress up help the fun atmosphere if you want to or you can wear your trainers and things, to me it sounds like something that would definately make you feel you are not past it.

Botox

A good home facial pampering session would be nice too, have you ever used those thermal face masks that heat up after you have put them on?

The thermal face masks are lovely: Origins do a good one and so do The Sanctuary.

Must admit, I feel a bit about the pole dancing too.

You see, it's at times like these when we need Cod...

Ice skating...you get to whizz around as if you are 20 again! (assuming you can skate of course). Lessons are cheap and full of ALL SORTS of different types ...prob because of dancing on ice.