MAINTAINING a regular exercise programme and following a sensible diet are vital if you want to achieve a general sense of wellbeing, but if you really want to feel great and look your best there may be a lot more to it.

Anything can get in the way and prevent you being completely at peace with yourself. So if you've been putting off taking some positive action the advice is don't delay any longer! Lots of local businesses and services are ready to help you increase your self-confidence.

You could achieve new goals or generally perk yourself up to face the rest of the year with a new sense of self-esteem.

It is important not to let little doubts and anxieties creep in. And remember it is never too late to change and it is certainly never too late to learn a new skill.

Best of all you will discover if you act positively you start to feel better straight away.

It is all too easy to put off getting on with things but the old adage, 'never put off until tomorrow what you could do today' is a useful rule to follow.

So whether you've been promising yourself that one day you'd take the plunge and arrange a course of driving lessons for example, or book yourself into the hairdressers for a new hairstyle whatever it is, now is the time to take action and get on with it!

Local beauty therapists can advise on make-up and skin care and in complete privacy they may be able to offer the professional experienced advice you are seeking.

A hearing test or an eye test could also help your confidence by getting rid of any small worries you may have about your health.

And if you've had the same hairstyle for as long as you can remember, a complete change can work wonders for the way you feel.

There is sure to be a modern style to suit you if you rely on the friendly help and advice local hairdressers are always pleased to offer.

Alternatively, one of the best ways to improve your self-confidence is to get out more often and socialise with other people in the same situation as yourself.

You will be surprised how much brighter and more alert you will feel and local singles clubs promise a warm welcome in a very relaxed, friendly environment to all new members.

Evening classes will give you the chance to improve your skills or develop your talents and the chance to socialise, so it is definitely worth checking to see if there is a course available you would enjoy.

Most important of all, don't sit back feeling bored or lonely, you are the only person who can take that first step on the road of self-discovery and it is the first break that is perhaps hardest to make.

You may not even realise exactly what is holding you back, but if you're not relaxed and happy the chances are you could do something about it.