THIS IS WHAT 52 LOOKS LIKE

Sarah DAWKINS is a registered nurse and health Transformation Coach. She lives in abergavenny, wales, with her husband and has two children and a granddaughter.

VODKA BEAUTY TONIC

IF YOU buy only one product, make it bicarbonate of soda! I first discovered it when looking for ways to save money (500g for £1.50, wilko.com).

It is an amazing DIY beauty allrounder because of its antiseptic, alkalising and exfoliating qualities.

I use it twice weekly to whiten my teeth and mix it with three parts triple distilled vodka for a detoxing daily face and body wash. My skin feels so much smoother.

EMBRACE CURLS

HORMONAL changes can alter the texture of our hair. When I first hit the menopause, at the age of 42, mine went curly. It was quite a shock!

However, after initially straightening it, I decided to embrace it as the new me. I now nourish it with the Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil range (holland

andbarrett.com), as it is free from harmful ingredients.

CHANGE ATTITUDE TO FOOD

WHEN I was 22, I went down from a size 18 to a 10. The hard part is maintaining weight-loss long-term and through the menopause. It is important to tackle your attitude to food: growing my own fruit and vegetables has been pivotal to this.

IN THE GENES

I HAVE always exercised, but DNA analysis has helped me to personalise my fitness regime more effectively. You can order a home testing kit (dnafit.com).

For me, this meant two-thirds weights training and one-third cardio — since then, I use kettlebells at home and go power-walking in the countryside.

CREATE . . . ANYTHING!

I HAVE never been particularly arty, but still believe it is important to explore your creativity. The therapeutic effects are unrivalled.

Last year, I started creating my own drinks: rhubarb gin and limoncello.

I also make natural skincare and make-up — from anti-ageing serums to lip balms and moisturiser.