7 SIMPLE Steps to a Glow-Up

Ever wondered what’s the secret to a glow-up? While you can easily find a lot of beauty tips and hacks online, getting a glow-up is about more than just skin-deep self-improvement; it’s about self-love, personal growth, and discovering the magic within. It’s about feeling fantastic from the inside out. So, want to be the best version of yourself but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, glow-getters. We’ve got you! 

1. Create a daily affirmation routine

Ever heard of “The Miracle Morning”? Well, according to self-gelp experts, kickstarting your day with a dose of positivity is one the best things you can do for yourself. Remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities (“I am worthy of love and respect”, “I am confident and capable of achieving my goals”), as well as your goals (“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better”). Manifest what you want from life (“I attract success”, “I am a magnet for positivity and abundance”). Whether you meditate, say it out loud to yourself, jot it down, or put it on a vision board, having a daily affirmation routine can do wonders for cultivating a positive and purpose-driven mindset.

2. Declutter for inner peace

Decluttering for inner peace goes beyond just organizing your physical surroundings; it’s about creating a harmonious mental space too. Begin by clearing your physical space. Donate, recycle, or toss what you don’t need. Then, organize your thoughts and weed out negative thoughts, worries, and expectations. Then, let go of all your mental clutter. This can be as simple as cleaning out your inbox or muting your notifications after a certain time. Practice more mindfulness in your life and live by a philosophy of simplicity and minimalism.

3. Embrace child-like fun

Remember those carefree days when all you’d do was play pretend with your friends? Channel that child-like enthusiasm by engaging in activities that spark a child-like sense of joy in your heart. Did you enjoy coloring books? Watching cartoons? Play-Doh sculpting? Dancing like nobody’s watching? Whatever it is, do something that helps you  let loose and rediscover the unfiltered joy of being carefree. Give yourself the freedom to embrace your inner child without worrying about whether it’s profitable, practical, or what others might think. This is your time to have something in your life that’s just for you. Adulting can wait.

4. Do dopamine dressing/decorating

Have you ever heard of “dopamine dressing”? What about “dopamine decorating”? Both of these ideas come from the color theory of psychology, which explores the impact of colors on our emotions and well-being. “Dopamine dressing” involves choosing and wearing clothes that make you feel happy and confident. It’s about incorporating colors that uplift your mood and boost your self-esteem. You can also use your personal space in the same way, like decorating your room with things that are not only reflective of your personality but also spark joy in you. 

5. Invest in your health

Many wellness philosophies advocate that your body is a sacred temple, so treat it with love and care. Invest in your care with regular exercise that works for you. For example, if you don’t like going to the gym, you can try a dance class, biking, yoga, or kickboxing. Be more mindful of what you eat and nourish yourself with clean, healthy food. Avoid mindless, stress-related overeating. And of course, prioritize your sleep. A well-rested glow is the best glow after all.

6. Write your way to clarity

Ever tried expressive writing therapy? SImple but beneficial, all you need to do is grab a journal and let your thoughts flow. Write about your dreams, fears, goals – whatever moves you! Many studies have found this form of journaling to be therapeutic and effective in reducing stress and improving our mood. And doing so will help you untangle the mess in your mind and gain more clarity, self-awareness, and an improved sense of emotional well-being.

7. Embrace FOMO and slow living

If you’re on social media, then you’re probably no stranger to feeling FOMO, the fear of missing out. You might be worried that everyone else is out there having so many fun, exciting adventures while you’re stuck. But stop focusing on what everyone else is up to! Turn your attention inward and take a step back to appreciate the richness of your own experiences. By adopting a mindset that embraces slow living, you free yourself from feeling like you’re always in a rush, like you’re inadequate, discontented, or failing in some way. Embracing FOMO becomes an opportunity to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the present moment, relishing in your own pace. By letting go of the constant need to keep up, you open the door to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

There you have it – seven simple steps to unleash your inner radiance and start living your best life. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. So, sprinkle a little self-love, embrace the joy of the journey, and let your glow shine bright! 

References:

• Elrod, H. (2023). The Miracle Morning (Updated and Expanded Edition): The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM). BenBella Books.
• Gortner, E. M., Rude, S. S., & Pennebaker, J. W. (2006). Benefits of expressive writing in lowering rumination and depressive symptoms. Behavior therapy, 37(3), 292-303.