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As we get older, it isn’t only our bodies that begin to fade; it is also our self-confidence. Looking into the mirror and realizing your twenties are far behind you, you might start to notice new lines on your face, and added weight in your belly. You may become introspective too, with unfulfilled dreams and a regret that your life isn’t where you want it to be. However, don’t give up just yet! Your life isn’t over, and while your looks may be changing, there are ways to hold back Mother Nature, improve your mindset and regain your self-confidence.

Let’s get physical

When we think about beauty, it is our outer appearance that typically comes to mind. Looking good often makes us feel good, and gives us a new spring in our step when we enter the outside world.

For starters, consider giving yourself a makeover, with a new outfit, pair of shoes and hair style. It is surprising how giving ourselves a fresh look can improve our confidence.

Of course, there is more to looking good than buying that fabulous new dress. If you don’t take care of your body, you aren’t going to be able to fit in it for long. So begin to look inward, and consider what type of foods you are consuming. A little bit of chocolate can be good for you, but not if you are eating a whole bar a day. Junk food can be comforting when you are feeling stressed, but it won’t be much comfort to you when you realise it has added pounds to your body. So get yourself back in shape by thinking about your diet. Cut out any food with unhealthy quantities of fat and sugar, and replace it with food of nutritional value, such as those all important fruit and vegetables. Not only will your body regain its shape but eating foods with plenty of vitamin C will keep your skin protected from all those nasty toxins that age it quicker.

As you think about your skin, there are other ways to avoid those dreaded wrinkles. For example, wearing plenty of sunscreen when out in the sun will protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays, and moisturizing regularly will also leave your skin feeling soft, with a lovely healthy glow. Botox is another way to remove lines, though seek professional advice when considering this option.

Another way to maintain your good looks is to cut back on smoking, which yellows your teeth and makes your skin sag. Drinking a lot of alcohol will dehydrate your skin, so replace it with the healing and hydrating properties of water.

Visit your dentist regularly, too. Not only can they repair any damage to your teeth, but they can also aid you cosmetically, allowing you to smile on the outside while smiling on the inside.

Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy figure, and it doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it part of your daily routine, such as walking rather than using your car when travelling short distances. Take up a sport that you enjoy doing, and rally your family and friends around to make it a social activity. After mealtimes, go for a brisk walk to burn off any fat from the food you have just eaten, and reward yourself when you come home with a healthy fruit smoothie.

Be at peace with yourself

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While the physical aspects of ourselves can give us confidence, we also need to be at peace with ourselves and who we are.

Society misleads us with a false impression of what it means to be happy, that we often fall into the trap of thinking we are failing in life. We look at models on tv and in magazines and envy their bodies, not realising that they have probably just spent hours with professional makeup artists to give them that beautiful look they are showing off.

Nobody is perfect, no matter what you think. Your neighbor may appear to have the perfect family and job, but you don’t know what is going on behind the closed doors of her home and mind. Don’t beat yourself up over the mistakes you have made in life, learn from them and move on. Often, we hold on to negative thoughts for too long, failing to forgive ourselves and living in the past. We can’t change what has already happened, but we can concentrate on our life now and in the future. That being said, take some credit for the accomplishments you have made throughout your life, whether they are big or small. Remembering those things you feel proud of will build your self-confidence, knowing that because you have done great things in the past means you are capable of doing them again in the future.

Focus on positive thoughts about yourself. You are one of a kind, special and worthy of being loved. There is nobody else quite look you, and that is a fact, even if you are a twin. Be optimistic about the hurdles you face in life. Instead of telling yourself you can’t do something, tell yourself you can, despite the challenge. Give yourself credit for the things you can do well, and if you do struggle with something, such as having terrible DIY skills, take a night school class, or happily accept you are not perfect, and that is fine. Learning to love yourself for who you are is an essential step in regaining your confidence.

As you move on in your life, don’t think your best years are now behind you. Make a list of the things you still want to achieve and consider how you are best going to accomplish them. Be realistic and not strive for the impossible. You may never become an Olympic athlete, but you can get better in sport. Life is what you make of it, so be kind to yourself, do the things you enjoy, and be with the people you love.