You are not just a mother and wife - you are an individual! If you need a change, or some more energy in your life, our parenting guide these tips will help you shake things up and re-zest your family life.

1) Save one night a week for pampering

This isn’t so much about the pampering (although it’s a lovely side effect), this is about concentrating solely on you.

So hand over control to your partner, a babysitter or any relative that you can bribe, and take yourself off for some much-deserved 'you' time. And make it clear that as soon as those taps start running, Mum is not to be disturbed!

2) Clear out your wardrobe

When there are so many other pressing matters it’s very easy to say, “It doesn’t matter what I wear or how I look.” It does matter: if you look great, you will feel great. Anything you haven’t worn in the last year, donate to your local charity shop. Anything that is ripped or has a missing button, put in a 'to be mended' bag.

Any clothes from the eighties still hanging in your wardrobe? Start a fancy dress box for your children and make room for your new ones!

3) Inject some colour

Is your wardrobe based around greys, browns and blacks? There's nothing wrong with wearing dark colours, but adding a little brightness could make an outfit really come to life. Throw an orange scarf over a black or brown dress you have an immediate anti-ager! You'll feel an extra burst of energy as you walk down the street.

One rule of thumb: colours directly 'opposite' each other will contrast and compliment one another, as will colours that are next to each other or of the same tone. Stick to this rule and you won’t end up with any nightmare clashes on your hands.

4) Get a new hairstyle

Considering you will wear this everyday, it’s an important part of your wardrobe. Take a picture from a magazine into the hairdressers showing exactly what you want your new haircut to be like. Talk it through first with the stylist, whether it will suit your face shape, should you have colour and whether they have any other recommendations.

5) Is there something important that you’ve missed out?

We get out of life what we put in. Do you sometimes have the feeling that you're not putting something in - that something's missing?

Was there something that you were always good at, at school, university, or before you became a mother? Dancing, knitting, acting, floristry, that degree you didn’t do - whatever it is, there will be a class, workshop, or a group meeting that can be an outlet for you. Even taking steps to find out about it will get you rejuvenated. If it’s been so long you can’t remember, then ask a relative or a friend that has known you for yonks what they remember you’ve enjoyed in the past.

6) The power of change

You don’t need to spend a fortune on redecorating. Just a few tricks here and there and the new look to your surroundings will make you feel fresh and new.

Buy some new cushions or a bedspread and it’ll brighten up your bedroom. You'll feel better when you wake up. Litter your house with houseplants as they’re cheaper than fresh flowers, last longer and make the house look homely. And a lick of paint will refresh walls and make a room look brighter.

7) Support

It’s amazing the difference a well-fitted bra can make to the physical wellbeing of any woman. Your back and shoulders will feel better and you'll feel much more confident in yourself. A bra fitting is free at La Senza and Marks and Spencer, and totally painless - so there’s no excuse!

8) Visit an old friend

You know what happens once you have kids – you drift apart from many of your friends especially those with no kids. Make time to go visit an old friend you haven't seen recently. You could even arrange to meet up somewhere: get some coffee or play a game of tennis. It may seem intimidating, but you can always reminisce about times past if conversation fails.

9) Holiday alone

Taking a holiday alone may seem bizarre, but it gives you a rare opportunity to relax completely, take life at your own pace, and think about the things that affect you. Your partner can do it too. It’s not about you spending time apart: it’s about you spending time with yourself, and focusing on one person, not several.

10) Start believing in yourself!

You might be amazed athow different your days are when you start them optimistically. When you wake up, try to tell yourself five things you love about you, and your life at the moment. The more you remind youself of your amazing qualities, the more they'll shine through.

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