Approaching 40 and feeling lost

[Rachey28]

Ladies I'm hurtling towards 40 and feel like this is the perfect time to really make a positive change.

I don't look after myself well, like many busy Mum's I constantly put myself last but I'm determined to start turning this round.

Realistically I could do with losing 10 pounds / a stone. I haven't updated my make up looks in a good five years and struggle with day to day wear which I don't feel frumpy or too old for.

Please can I have your best tips on how to be the best version of myself I can be. Healthy foods to be eating, exercise recommendations, skincare or anti aging tips, hobbies to take up, vitamins and supplements, fashion tips, self help books to read.

Anything and everything as simple or complex as you can think. I need to start with a plan!!

I am 42, very short on time as I work full time and have two young DC. The things that work for me:

Hair cut and colour every three months (book the next one at the end of each appointment)
Nails - OPI Nail Envy manicure at home in front of TV; pedicure at home or in lunch break
Waxing at salon near work in lunch break
Strength training at home 3x a week with dumbbells and a gym mat
Buy an entire outfit in one go so you don’t have to spend time thinking what stuff goes with what
Supplements in weekly food shop - I take multivitamins, collagen, omega 369 and a probiotic
Try to prioritise sleep when you can. Not always practical but an early night will always feel better than doom scrolling

Best endeavours always, and don’t let imperfect progress put you off - any positive step is good! ❤️

I’m also following this with interest as i’m in the worst state of my life in my late 30s.

May I please ask if you use any particular videos for strength training and what weights you use?

Following with interest! I feel much the same in my late 30s. Having choir as a hobby has helped me mentally, as has a bit of helping out with a community group, even though I struggle to fit it in around work.

On recipes/eating healthily I find overnight oats with berries and nut butters and seeds always helps me to snack less.

At your age, the biggest and most time efficient difference in exercise was doing couch to 5k - if you can afford decent trainers.

It's reassuring to know others feel the same.

Thank you all to the practical tips so far!

I try to make all my evening meals from scratch using lots of vegetables and avoiding processed stuff. I do feel quite healthy.

Caroline girvan workouts on YouTube are free.

I absolutely felt like you as I turned 40. I had young children, no money for a big wardrobe / style revamp and very little time, but knew I needed to do something.

The first thing I did was started couch to 5k. and built gradually up to 5k having never run in my life before.
I then lost a stone in weight by cutting carbs - no calorie counting, literally just stopped eating bread, pasta and processed carbs like biscuits and cake.
I didn't make any other drastic changes but those two things completely altered my self-image.

I've just turned 50, still run 5k every week and kept (most of) the weight off. I also do Pilates once a week for mobility. I feel a million times happier in my skin. Good luck! You won't regret it.

I have always been slim but not at all fit and during lo k down I was furrloughed so decided to get fit. I started running and after a year ran a half marathon. Last year I joined a gym asi started to feel less safe running and didn't enjoy running in the rain or cold! I thought I would like the running machine but actually really like the bike! With running on a machine you have to keep a steady pace so you can't speed up when a good song come on your playlist! I try to go to the gym 4 times a week and I tend to stick to the same things as I enjoy them and can see the results. So I do 40 mins on the bike at a high intensity level, so I get some cardio in but it's good for strengthening and toning my legs (the alps circuit is really hilly!) then I do 30 mins abs. I do chloe tings abs workouts you can find on YouTube. Then 2-3 times a week I squeeze in an hour of Pilates at home I to move with Nicole which is also on YouTube. I think with exercise though it's making it routine. Find something you enjoy, create a great workout playlist and stick to it!
For skincare I love skin+Me I used them since they started about 3 years ago for the Tretinoin you an use my link below to get a month free just £3.50p&p

https://www.skinandme.com/?promocode=LAURENS5YP3

I also wear spf50 everyday even in winter and if I might not even leave the house. I also recommend using a vitamin c serum, it really helps brighten your skin.
Diet wise, I don't really diet, I just try to be more conscious about what I eat. I don't deny myself anything but try to be sensible about portions.
I honestly feel the fittest, healthiest and most confident now I'm in my 40s!

OK...I'm making a list.

Collagen
Womens multivit
Exercise- try lots until I find the one I like and will want to stick too.
Scratch cooking lots of veg not so much cards
Water
10k steps
Book in hair/nails/waxing regularly

You are all super helpful!

I do circuit training videos by Caroline’s Circuits and I use 2kg, 3kg and 4kg dumbbells. I haven’t needed 5kg yet but will soon! You can do lots of it with body weight and/or resistance bands too.

im 45… trying to make some positive changes. Started with weekly Personal trainer 6 months ago, feel so much better… Greek yoghurt and fruit for bfast, salad with protein (chicken/beans) for lunch with olive oil and a big spoonful of the Zoe everyday 30 on top.

Evening try to prioritise the protein and veg, minimal carbs. Dark chocolate only for a treat.

Skin is better, sleep is better, I feel brighter in myself. Physical results are getting there-def have more muscle but stubborn tummy taking a while.

My glow up list would be:
haircut and colour
professional eyebrow shaping
teeth whitening (only if given the go ahead from the dentist)

Healthwise:
upping water intake

or walking or yoga daily smoothie (mainly veg)

Clothes:
selling anything that doesn't fit or suit you on Vinted and using the money to get new pieces