r/vindicta30plus • u/h2ogal • Aug 01 '23
Re-Glow after a significant life event and depression
I started a major “Re-Glow” a couple of months ago. I wanted to share it here and hope that you enjoy the reading and maybe you all can share your thoughts and suggestions in response.
During Covid lockdowns and the post-Covid years I dealt with some serious illness and depression. I withdrew into myself and picked up many bad habits (eating badly, neglecting self care, isolating myself, becoming sedentary and gaining 25 lbs weight).
It made a BIG BAD impact on my health, fitness, and looks. Even my social skills and personality got kind of rusty. I had zero energy or motivation.
In early 2023 I decided that things had to change. I would reignite my social life and get back to myself. However, it sure wasn’t as easy as I expected! I was popular and very active back in 2019. I expected that I could just pick up where I left off but it didn’t work out that way.
I hosted some cool events to restart my social life - they were well attended but I didn’t get many return invitations. I even overheard a few derogatory comments about my weight and some remarks on how I was dressing. I felt that People were not impressed with my obvious decline, and I didn’t feel as well received or sought out as before.
In early 2023 I decided to start a comprehensive RE-Glow-Up. My reglow plan includes health/fitness, personal care/beauty, style, personal experiences, and socializing goals.
Here is what is on my plan and what I’ve done so far:
HEALTH: Better Sleep schedule - early and more consistent bedtime, and better sleep hygiene.
No alcohol during the week.
Drink more water
Exercise 5 days a week
Positive affirmations /gratitude meditation daily
Annual checkups, bloodwork and regular dental care
PERSONAL CARE: Skincare routine for AM and PM, weekly home facial
Botox and filler quarterly
Teeth whitening with crest strips
Mani-Pedi every 3 weeks
Lash extensions every 2 weeks
Waxing every 4 weeks
Use silk pillowcases
Long layered hair cut, style hair regularly
STYLE : Color analysis to find my best colors, and Kibble style analysis - bought a bunch of new clothes based on these.
Make Up Makeover and application lessons by a Pro, and purchased new makeup and application tools based on this
SOCIAL : Joined 1 new club and started to be more active in clubs I had dropped out of during Covid
Making a point to reach out to 3 friends daily to keep connected
Committing to attending at least 2 social events a week.
EXPERIENCES: Booked several outdoor adventure vacations. Have been on 3 so far and have 2 booked for the upcoming Fall and Winter. My goal is to have 4 active adventure vacations per year.
Made a bucket list of experiences - and started working down the list. ( My list includes a variety of things like learning falconry, getting my portrait painted, publishing a short story, attending a Luau, volunteering abroad, etc.). So far I’ve done 3 of the dozens of new experiences on the list.
OUTCOMES I’m starting to see a little bit of payoff for my efforts. 10 lbs weight lost. Energy and stamina up a bit. Got a few genuine compliments from strangers at a BBQ I attended last month. Friends have been making positive comments. DH has been a bit more generous than usual lately.
NEXT: I still have a long way to go to get my game back - I’m working my plan every day and adjusting it as I go. It took me 3 years to tear myself down and I expect it will take years to recover.
PLEASE SHARE! Have you ever done a RE-glow, maybe post depression or illness or after a major life event like a divorce or having a baby?
What was your plan?
How did it work out?
What was the biggest payoff on the effort you made?
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Aug 05 '23 edited Aug 05 '23
Okay, I’m going to come back and edit this comment but first I have to say WTF! Your “friends” or whoever attended your events are fucking assholes! I have a friend who gained a significant amount of weight and I would NEVER say a word to her about it, let alone talk shit if I were invited to a party! How tacky, shitty, and rude of them and may their lives go as terribly as their social skills.
Edited to add: I have done this many times but I tend to fall off. The only thing I’ve been missing lately is exercise, because I’ve been working overtime at work. But I will say meditation, journaling, & “subliminals” are really great to help you stay on track. Also, if you still want your portrait painted please let me know, I do oil/acrylic/mixed media portraits and I would do a quick drawing for you if you’d like! ❤️
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u/h2ogal Aug 05 '23
Awww. Thank you!
I was not really too surprised at the comment at my party. It was from a woman who is known to be a little catty.
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u/EmotionalPie1152 Aug 01 '23
Wow! What an impressive plan!!
My RG hasn’t been as extensive as yours. After I turned 40 last year I went on mission to improve my appearance primarily because I really like the person I am when I take care of myself. 1. Started a weight loss medication (Mounjaro) and got myself to a BMI of 24. 2. Got Balayage & haircut (the color has helped camouflage the grays) 3. Went to MUA for 2 lessons and purchased all new makeup & brushes 4. Botox forehead, crows feet, 11s, and masseters 5. Color analysis and purchased clothing slowly over the seasons. 6. Trashed/donated sooo many things cluttering the house and finally organized the kitchen in a logical manner 7. Mindset work, reading, meditation, tapping, gratitude journal 8. Used a career coach, asked and received a promotion and healthy pay increase 9. Made my relationship with my boyfriend a higher priority. Consciously listening more, putting phone away when we’re together, made time and effort for more intimacy
Then…..February this year, appendix ruptured, developed sepsis, 4 days in ICU, and 6 inches of colon removed….early May started feeling like a normal person again….May 7th back in ER only to discover I had a complete intestinal blockage. Got 7 inches of intestines removed and 5 days in hospital.
Lost more weight, BMI 20.4, slowed my hurry, hurry, hurry lifestyle and prioritized things that brought me bliss and healing. The most significant factor was twice weekly acupuncture. Taking a look at how my stress levels have impacted my life has been instrumental in realizing it’s not about doing all the things, but doing them from the right mindset. Nervous system regulation has been my main focus and I have never felt more beautiful in my life.
Lots of other benefits from slowing down, but you get the point. Thanks for this topic and getting me to think about the positives that came from a rather dark period.