Who else feels ready to transform themselves from the inside out with a new glow-up? Sometimes, we just hit that point in our lives where we need something fresh to shake things up! That is why I am introducing a quick, one-week challenge of self-care and healthy habits to master just in time for school to start for the new semester!
I can’t tell you how many summer vacations started with me declaring that I would make a big change–be it taking up pilates, learning how to perfect a cat eye, or even just learning a new skill like French or how to cook–and then upon my return to school in the fall, nothing had really changed.
Even being in quarantine the past six months hasn’t really yielded any major changes in my life, and that is totally fine! If anything, I’ve learned that setting enormous goals for yourself can often lead to failure and subsequent disappointment. That is why I have gotten in the habit of setting smaller, easily attainable goals and routine-building. It is so much easier to feel accomplished this way, and it leads to you feeling better about yourself and your achievements!
I remember reading (back in middle school, so don’t ask for a source) that it takes 23 days to successfully make something a habit. This means that while none of these tips will become set-in-stone habits for you by the end of this week, you will be well on your way to establishing them as a part of your weekly routine! And you can feel free to mix and match–dump the ones that don’t resonate and stick with the ones that really make you feel great! It’s all up to you!
Remember to drink plenty of water
This first step to a glow-up is the easiest AND the most budget-friendly. Just make sure you are drinking enough water! If you want to lose weight, keeping hydrated is the first and most essential step to that. If you want to clear up your skin, drinking plenty of water is key. Or if you just want to feel healthy and happy, make sure you are getting enough water!
When I am having an off day, the first thing I do is try to think back about how much water I Have been drinking. If I’m dehydrated, I feel groggy, my head hurts, and I just feel OFF. You should be drinking one ounce of water for every pound you weigh, so drink up! You will feel so much better when you do!
Buy yourself a hydrating, soothing face mask
To achieve a literal glow, buy yourself a sheet mask (or several!). Even if you don’t have much cash to splash, there are so many affordable masks available (this and this are some of my favorites). You can even make a sheet mask from scratch! Sheet masks are incredible for giving your skin a healthy, radiant glow; plus, they are so cooling and calming that you just feel better after wearing one for 15 minutes. And what kind of glow-up regimen doesn’t include a few things to make you feel better outside and inside?
Establish an easy skincare routine
This glow-up is all about self-care, and my favorite piece of daily self-care is my skin care regimen! This can be two steps or ten steps–whatever fits your schedule–but make sure that you are setting aside some time for you and your skin in the morning and before bed!
Get in the habit of exercising
Nothing can glow you up on the inside and outside quite like incorporating exercise into your daily routine. This doesn’t need to be building up to running a marathon (though, if that is something you want to do, then go for it). Even if it’s just ten minutes of yoga in the morning or before bed, you will be able to see a noticeable change in your physical well-being and mental health if you stick with it!
Set aside time for yourself every day and make it fun!
I’m of the belief that there is nothing more important than carving out some time just for yourself in any given day. It can be so easy to get caught up in life–whether you have kids to take care of, pets to exercise, or you work a lot, everyone needs time to themselves to just relax. And this should not be time spent on an electronic device like your phone or in front of a TV!
Take an hour a week for a nice bath or take five to ten minutes in a quiet spot in your home to meditate. This can even be doubled up with your time with your face mask! Just do something that relaxes you and calms your mind. Tune out the loud, crazy world around you!
Try to cook one meal a day
Doe anyone else feel insanely proud of themselves when they cook an entire meal from scratch? And I’m not talking about anything elaborate or fancy. I feel like I need to give myself a pat on the back when I make a smoothie! This is a great way to do something that both makes you feel accomplished and fuels you for your day; even better if you are using whole, healthy ingredients!
Take some time to brainstorm some of your favorite foods or cuisines and look up some easy recipes to master! Even having one or two solid recipes in your arsenal will make you feel incredible! And it is so much fun to cook for other people and see how impressed they are!
Pick out an outfit that makes you feel HOT
Everyone needs that one outfit that gives them an insane surge of confidence. This can be something you already have in your closet, or you can even have fun shopping for some new pieces! I rounded up some of my favorite pre-fall fashion selections from Nordstrom earlier this month. Whether your glow-up is for the first day of school, a new job, or just a new phase of your life, nothing helps quite like a banging outfit to make you feel ready to take on the world!
Build up your confidence!
As many will tell you, physical appearance is not everything. The most important piece of a true glow-up is building yourself up from the inside out. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be the most difficult part. Write down a list of things that you LOVE about yourself–these can be anything! For example, I love my patience and my compassion. I also love that I can turn any negative situation into a humorous one.
By reminding yourself why you are great, you will be able to slowly build up your own confidence. You are unique and special, and there is no replacement for yourself in this world!
Sometimes, a glow-up can have a slightly negative connotation. It is something that operates under the assumption that there is something inherently wrong that you need to improve upon, but that is not the case at all! Sometimes, all we need are some small tweaks to our lifestyles in order to become a more confident, radiant person without making any actual changes to our physical appearances at all! After all, as the cliche goes, beauty comes from the inside!
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