7 ways to pick yourself up when you’re not feeling yourself

As much as it pains me start a post with the words ‘we’ve all been there’, on this occasion, it’s true. There will always be times in a woman’s life where physically, things aren’t going right.

I’ll be honest and say now, I’m there. Something is breaking my skin out, I’ve gained back a stone of the two I lost and I’m at my wits end trying to make my hair remain clean for longer than 24 hours. Superficial some would say, but something that clings to the back of your mind like when you realise you’ve accidentally gone overdrawn.

For me, it knocks my confidence. Only this week did I have to stand up in front of 100 colleagues to present (at 9am on a Monday no less) and my dread only increased because I felt so shoddy in myself. My winter togs are refusing to squeeze over my freshly-acquired muffin tops, and my usual BB cream isn’t doing all that I want it to in the concealing department. When times like this show their face, we all know what we should do. Rustle up a green juice and get to the gym, but sometimes mentally, you’re not at that point. That’s why I remember these tips and tricks to help me feel better about myself, when it all seems to be going wrong…

• Keep comfy. The worst thing you can do if you feel like you’ve gained weight is wear clothes that dig in. If you wear something comfortable, that doesn’t enhance any squishy bits, you’ll feel less bloated in no time.
• Go (restricted) shopping. When you’re feeling like Princess Fiona, it’s super tempting to hit the shops and buy everything you fancy in an attempt for some instant gratification. But a few days later, you’re back where you started. This is when I like to opt for that special something – and that’s my restriction, one item. If I’m feeling like I’ve put on weight, it’ll be an accessory, or make up. If I’m feeling spotty or run down, it might be a luxury beauty product. One indulgent pick me up helps me get my mind on track without being over the top.
• Go Green. I love a fruit smoothie, regardless of if I’m on a weightloss mission or if we have fruit to finish up. And throwing one together does wonders for my mental wellbeing as well as being a real hit of vitamins. Piling all that goodness into a blender makes me feel like I’m making a difference and am on the right track!
• Talk to someone who gets it. There’s nothing worse than feeling down in the dumps and someone telling you to snap out of it. Us girls need to stick together and although someone telling you that you’re a beaut might help, I know that empathy goes that bit further. Get it out, share the pain and motivate each other to improve afterwards.
• List it. You don’t have to write it down, but compiling a mental list of positives always helps me see the wood from the trees. Yes I’ve gained a stone, but I’m still much lighter than I was last year. Yes my jeans are tighter, but they still do up. And I had one hell of a summer to show for it! There’s bound to be so many positives that you’re overlooking.
• Stay sober. Lately, I’ve fallen in and out of love with alcohol almost every weekend. That love of finally relaxing and heading out with friends is totally cancelled out by not only a revolting hangover, but the inevitable bloating and breakouts that follow, not to mention the ‘what-did-I-do’ anxiety (3am McDonalds?). I’m taking a few weeks off the booze and already feel much more productive and content!
• Take some time. Leading busy lives will always result in corners being cut when it comes to looking after ourselves. Try your best not to book yourself up and take a chunk of time to relax, indulge and pamper. Whether it’s just one evening or a whole weekend (my preference), taking time to breathe and appreciate things really does help.

What do you do to pick yourself up?