It's Never Too Late to Glow Up

Written By: Taylor Rao

If you keep tabs on pop culture or stay active on social media, you might be familiar with the term “glow up.” And while the phrase itself is somewhat new, the concept has been around for ages. A glow up refers to some type of self-transformation --whether it’s your post-quarantine glow up as your wardrobe switches from joggers and baggy tees to fun, feminine summer dresses, or it could be the result of a weight loss or fitness journey where you re-emerge looking, and feeling better than ever.

Here’s the thing, though -- “glowing up” feels a little light and effortless when used online to describe a number of different things, but the act of actually doing it is easier said (or Tweeted) than done. And if you’re thinking a “glow up” is for school-aged teens on summer break, think again. Because you’re never too old to glow up.

Let’s break it down further. Glow up = transform, change for the better, physically, mentally, or emotionally to feel good about yourself. And really, that’s something all of us should strive to do at some point in our lives. Whether it’s been a long time coming or an epiphany that makes you realize a few small adjustments could make a big difference in how you feel, how you see yourself and how you interact with others.

It’s never too late to feel great about yourself, so if you’re thinking it’s time for a change, here are a few pointers on how to get going.

Invest in a lifelong skin care routine

You’ve probably read enough magazine articles and Q&As with celebrities that preach the importance of a long-lasting skin care routine. What you put into your skin is what you get out of it, like a soft and smooth feeling, fewer blemishes, and the disappearance of dark circles or undereye bags.

What we’re calling a “lifelong” skin care routine is committing to find a few, staple products that you fall in love with and commit to using regularly. But they also have to be affordable, it’s easy to get caught up in trying the priciest items advertised, but for most of us, it’s not sustainable to spend the big bucks on under eye creams and face masks.

But you can invest in a lifelong skin care routine from products found at your local drugstore or Target, knowing a refill will always be just a few blocks away when you need it.

If you already have a few favorite products like a cleansing wash, a daily moisturizer and exfoliator that you use religiously, you can “glow up” your skin care routine by adding something new to the mix, like a weekly mask, a jade roller, or a serum to help take your ususal regimen to the next level. Whether you want a brighter tone or fewer fine lines, when you start to see a difference you’ll immediately feel more confident and, well, glowy.

Take account of your mental health

A true glow up has a lot to do with loving yourself and projecting positivity, which is hard to do if you’re struggling on the inside. We’re all guilty of falling victim to our own negative emotions sometimes, and even though vent sessions with friends or family can lighten the load for a day or two, if there’s something on your mind that you carry with you all the time --no matter how dark, personal or seemingly mundane--it’s a big step just to recognize that talking to a professional could be extremely helpful for dealing with any roadblocks you’re facing.

Maybe you think your issues “aren’t that bad” or that you don’t need a mental health professional because you’re “fine”. But it’s hard to imagine anyone who wouldn’t benefit from talking to a therapist or counselor.

By consulting with a professional and finding a safe space to talk you’ll gain an opportunity to reset, learn about yourself, and develop new strategies for approaching your daily life. A professional can also help you create new milestones and goals to work toward that can help you feel like you’re genuinely moving forward. Talking to someone, and dedicating time and resources to put yourself on a new path, is not something to be embarrassed about. Just the act of asking for help is actually a reason to be proud, and immediately start feeling better about yourself and your future.

Re-think Your Diet

It’s entirely possible that your diet is dulling your shine. There’s nothing wrong with eating what you like, but everyone’s relationship with food could use the occasional check-up.

Are there reasons you eat besides being hungry? If you’re eating out of boredom and stress or “eating your feelings” it’s important to understand that motivation and find other ways to overcome emotional eating. That’s exactly the kind of hurdle that a program like Noom is designed to help you get past. You don’t need to sign up for an app to make changes, of course, but you do have to ask yourself some honest questions about why you eat between meals, or why you make certain food choices.

Besides examining when and why you eat, take a good hard look at what you eat. Some foods, like refined carbohydrates and sugars, can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and crash which can affect your mood. Sugar, in particular, can also lead to issues with inflammation which is linked to depression. So you might be able to enhance your inner glow, just by ditching those foods from your diet and replacing them with whole, fiber-rich foods, healthy carbs and other foods that give you energy. They say “you are what you eat”, so if you want to start changing who you are, start by changing what you eat.

Find your favorite workout (and set realistic fitness goals)

Glowing up is a marathon, not a sprint. And working out is just as good for your physical glow up as it is for improving your state of mind and positive disposition. So with that, if getting fit has been on your to-do list, spend some time comparing a few different workout programs and fitness options that may work for you.

Let’s say your goal is to simply move more --try out a yoga or Pilates class which can help you build muscle and develop relaxation techniques. If you want something higher energy, consider a cardio kickboxing class or spinning. These classes are upbeat, empowering and can help you reach realistic fitness goals while having fun doing it.

And if weight loss is top-of-mind as something that will make you feel new-and-improved,  it might be time to work one-on-one with a personal trainer or in smaller group classes. With personalized training, you have someone on your side who is as dedicated to your success as you are, and will get to know your goals and learn how to push you and motivate you to achieve the results you want.

And lastly, no matter what workout you find, establish a routine that is consistent and works with your schedule. For example, according to Healthline, people who work out in the morning can experience fewer distractions during the workout, increased energy and a better focus and mood throughout the rest of the day. Accept the challenge of becoming a morning person (even if you’re the total opposite) and see what it can do for your day and your inner glow.

Spice up your social calendar

FOMO is a real thing, and spending your Friday night scrolling through social media looking at what everyone else is up to can take a toll. So instead of being one of those people who always wishes they were somewhere else, take the initiative to make plans with friends, colleagues or close family members to fill your free time.

Sure, it’s nice to be invited out, but don’t sit around waiting for other people to take the lead. It’s not hard to be the organizer, and then you get to pick the activity! Socialization is a great way to experience new places --like that new taco spot you’ve been wanting to try --or even something simple like taking a walk through a nature preserve you’ve never visited. It can take your mind off of always being focused on the big picture and remind you that a few good friends and laughter is sometimes all you need to get back to your best.

If you feel at a loss for people to connect with, don’t let that be the reason you make yet another date with Netflix. There are always local organizations that are in need of volunteers, or get to know your neighbors better by bringing over some home-baked treats or join a book club. If seeing people in-person isn’t an option, even Zoom calls or physically distant visits with others is better than an impersonal social media exchange or more streaming. No matter what you decide to do with others you’ll benefit in multiple ways. The interpersonal interaction is just as good for you as the renewed confidence you’ll feel for making the effort, and really confidence is the most important part of any glow up. 

Reimagine your personal style

We know it’s not always easy to throw together a runway ready look using what you have in your closet. It’s also not always practical to spend the morning in front of the mirror trying on a dozen ensembles only to end up in your regular go-to outfit before walking out the door.

And if you’ve been in a strict “athleisure” mode these past few months, even though that’s what feels comfortable on your body, rethink whether that’s the best option for setting you up for a motivating day. Your outfit choice can influence whether or not you feel confident and ready to get things done -i.e pajamas don’t scream “this is going to be a productive day”.

Your “glow up” may involve fashion in a number of different ways. Maybe it’s setting a reasonable spending amount for yourself to refresh items in your closet like staple pieces, fun and colorful statement outfits and new accessories. Maybe it’s trying something a little more glamorous like Rent the Runway. Maybe, it’s just as simple as breaking your routine and putting a little more thought and effort into your daily looks. But whichever approach you take, you’ll start to feel the excitement and empowerment that comes with having OOTDs that are chic and complete with all the unique touches you like. And you’ll be doing it for no one else other than you. 

Take that selfie (and post it!)

Go ahead, turn the camera on yourself on one of those days where you’re simply feeling really good. If the lighting is right or you’re in a stellar mood, it’s totally OK to document that moment and share it with the world. A true “glow up” selfie isn’t about how many likes you’ll get or wondering if the person you hope sees the photo will actually see the photo, it’s about feeling good and being proud of who you are.

Sharing positive moments and self-love experiences on social media will connect you to a network of people who support you, identify with your struggles, (or triumphs!) and will often share their own stories right back. Social media can be overwhelming and distracting yes, but it can also be a place where people (strangers, even) can bond and connect and cheer each other on. When you post the pic, you’ll know for sure you have finally glowed up.

No matter what you choose to change - glowing up is a personal journey. It’s finding one or two small changes you can make that will genuinely make you feel better. If you’re not sure where to start try our 28 Day Self-love Challenge. In less than a month you’ll be able to experiment with everything from meditating to listing your accomplishments to find the kinds of activities that make you feel happier, so you can can stick with the ones that work and keep your glow going.

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