30 Tips to Have a Glow Up (The Best One You’ll Ever Have)

Do you feel stuck or fed up with some part of your life? Are you ready for a transformation?

In this article, we’ll go over 30 types of glow-ups to set you up for your journey of personal evolution.

Having a glow-up can require work and dedication. But if you feel ready and committed, it might be time to transform into the next version of yourself!

What is a Glow Up?

A glow-up is a personal transformation journey that involves improving various aspects of your life, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, to become the best version of yourself.

You can undergo a glow-up through these 6 life dimensions:

• Aesthetic transformation
• Fitness and health
• Mental wellness
• Lifestyle enhancements.
• Self-care practices

But what all glow-ups have in common is that they reflect a personal transformation in self-confidence.

Why Do People Go For Glow Ups?

Usually, people embark on a glow-up because they are ready to change their lives.

Glow-ups can happen quickly or over a long period. 

They can come about organically as someone naturally develops and matures (for example), or someone can create a glow-up by embarking on a growth experience (like taking a course, picking up an exercise regime, or working with a stylist, for example).

Now, let’s review different glow-ups to inspire you to step into your best self!

30 Ideas to Create Your Glow Up

Mental wellness

One great way to facilitate a transformation is to go inward for a mental glow-up. When you focus on improving your mental health, you can reduce anxiety and boost overall emotional well-being.

Develop a meditation practice.

Those struggling with racing thoughts and daily stress may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or scattered. 

Countless studies^{1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7908241/} link regular meditation to greater calm, well-being, and focus, alongside lower anxiety and depression.

Action Step: Research a meditation center near your home. If you need help figuring out where to start, Insight Meditation is non-secular and beginner-friendly. Another option is Kadampa Meditation. Can you commit to attending a class once a week this month?

Another option is a meditation app. Here are two good ones:

Waking Up

Headspace

Become a lifelong learner

Feeling stagnant or unfulfilled can lead to a sense of purposelessness. 

Committing to a learning program can bring a sense of curiosity, vitality, and even wonder into your life. 

Boosting your knowledge can also increase confidence. Plus, it will change how you see the world, which can create space for more personal meaning.

Action Step: Enroll in an online course related to a subject you’re interested in learning more about. 

Here are three great options for taking classes:

• Coursera
• Udemy
• Skillshare

And if you’d like to take a class specifically on people skills, here are some excellent trainings you can consider.

Find a sense of purpose

You might feel empty, grey, and hollow if you don’t have a strong sense of purpose. Constantly plagued by the question, “Who cares?”

However, tapping into a sense of purpose can lead to a profound sense of fulfillment, motivation, and a renewed zest for life.

Action Step: Reflect on the activities you’ve done recently that have brought a glimmer of meaning, no matter how small. How can you make more space for those?

Bigger Action Action: Seek support from a life coach to help you dive deeper into your sense of purpose.

Here’s one option to find a life coach.

Go for what you want!

Do you ever have the feeling that you’re playing it too safe? Are you afraid to look at what you want because the pain of not going for it would be too great?

It is tremendously challenging to go for what we want in life. It requires the vulnerability of putting ourselves out there and possibly experiencing failure. 

For some, achieving what they want can also be scary because they might carry old beliefs that they aren’t worth it.

As author and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson wrote:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?… Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you…And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously permit other people to do the same.”

Going for what you want in life can give you unbelievable fulfillment and liberation. It empowers you to shape your destiny.

Action Step: If you knew you couldn’t possibly fail, what is one thing you’d like to achieve? Big or small?

Can you take one step in that direction today? Even if it’s just a tiny step?

Here’s a lengthier (and powerful) version of this activity from investor and podcaster Tim Ferriss.

It all starts with identifying what you want and choosing for it. But you can also take your skillfulness to the next level by crafting strategic goals to achieve what you want. If you’d like ideas on how to set and achieve goals, you might enjoy this free training:

See a therapist or life coach

If you’ve never worked with a therapist before, it can be a profound experience. 

Therapy provides a safe space to process emotions, improve self-awareness, heal past wounds, and rewrite beliefs holding you back.

It can lead to emotional resilience and a sense of empowerment.

Action Step: Research therapists or counselors in your area and schedule an initial consultation. Here’s a platform to find therapists.

Lifestyle enhancements

The following tips are about making positive changes in various aspects of life, including improving relationships, setting and achieving personal goals, and adopting better time management practices.

Time management

If you feel constantly overwhelmed and rushed, relaxing and enjoying your life can be hard. Suffering from time scarcity feels like there needs more time, and you feel anxious to get everything done.

Effective time management can increase efficiency, reduce stress, and provide more time for activities that bring joy and spaciousness.

Action Step: Create a to-do list for the rest of your tasks this week. Organize your list by marking each item as one of the following: 

1. It would be wrong if I don’t get this done
2. It’d be good to complete this task
3. It’d be nice if I could make time for this

Then, structure your time so that you focus on tasks in a row “a” as much as possible!

Can you make this a habit?

It might also be helpful to buff up on some time-management books. Here’s one to start with.

Financial wellness

Feeling financial scarcity is incredibly painful. It can feel like you’re struggling to tread water, your head slowly sinking beneath the surface.

But, as hard as it might be, taking control of your finances is possible. Doing so can massively reduce your anxiety and give you a newfound sense of empowerment.

Action Step: Spend a month tracking all of your expenses and categorizing them into the following buckets:

• Rent
• Transportation
• Groceries
• Donations/gifts
• Savings
• Bills
• Bars and restaurants
• Clothes
• Activities
• Other

Then, compare your total spending with your total earnings. If your spending is higher than your earnings, then your two options are spending less or earning more. 

If you want to spend less, consider which spending buckets you can reduce.

If you’ve never been able to save money, here’s a great book that can inspire the habit.

Digital Detox

Excessive screen time is linked with mental health challenges^{2https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-probes-connection-between-excessive-screen-media-activity-and-mental-health-problems-in-youth/}. When you’re staring at a screen all day, it can also make you feel disconnected from your body and even nauseous.

A digital detox can be the reset you need. It can help improve focus, enhance relationships, and lead a more balanced and mindful life.

Action Step: Set a specific period today (e.g., one hour) to disconnect from screens completely. Use that time for an outdoor walk, reading a physical book, or connecting with loved ones. Can you make this a daily habit?

Bigger Action Step: Establish screen time boundaries by designating tech-free hours or days in your routine. Use apps like StayFree to track and limit screen time if needed.

Career Advancement

Feeling stuck in your career can lead to frustration and a sense of unfulfillment. It’s like you’re just walking in circles.

But when you focus on building skills and advancing your career, you might experience increased job satisfaction, financial growth, and personal fulfillment.

Immediate Action Step: Today, identify one skill or competency you’d like to develop to enhance your career prospects. Begin researching resources or courses related to that skill.

Create a resonant social sphere

Loneliness and isolation can negatively impact mental health. 

Feeling surrounded by “friends” you think you’ve outgrown can be equally unhealthy. They may want to hold you back from your growth. Or they are constantly negative and complaining.

Whatever the case, if you surround yourself with people who share similar values and care about your growth, you might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make in your feelings of happiness, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.

Immediate Action Step: Is there someone in your life who feels like a positive influence? Reach out to them and ask to catch up.

If you can’t think of someone like this, then meet someone at a social event. Try a class for a hobby, a book club, or a volunteering opportunity.

Is there someone (or multiple) people in your life who you feel are weighing you down? Can you take space from them?

Travel and adventure

If you feel like every day of your life is pre-scripted and follows the same routine, you can quickly feel stuck, bored, and unmotivated.

You only get one life to live, after all! You might as well make it fun 🙂

Travel and adventure can lead to a sense of wonder, increased creativity, and a broader perspective on life.

Action Step: Today, research a nearby destination or local attraction you’ve never visited before. Plan a day trip or weekend adventure to explore it.

If you feel inspired to take on a longer travel journey, this book might give you the push you need.

Self-Care Practices

Investing in your self-care means fundamentally re-orienting how you view and treat yourself. It’s about learning to treat yourself like someone important and worthy of care, attention, and respect. Here are a few areas to up your self-care game.

Establish a relaxation routine

For those constantly on the go or overwhelmed by stress, a relaxation routine can be a lifeline to tranquility. 

It can reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. It provides a haven in a chaotic world.

Action Step: Tonight, create a hot bath for yourself. Feel free to go the extra mile with a bath bomb, flower petals, candles, and relaxing music.

Even consider incorporating a relaxation block into every evening this week.

Up your liquid intake

Hydration is an easily missed aspect of self-care. 

But imagine yourself as a plant, and water is your life source. When a plant doesn’t get enough water, it droops and shrivels. The same could be said of your energy. 

Dehydration often goes unnoticed but can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and even confusion. When you’re not properly hydrated, your energy levels plummet, and you may find it challenging to stay focused and alert. 

If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, imagine your inner landscape is like a shriveled flower. 

Drinking plenty of water can lead to clearer skin^{3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/}, increased energy levels, and enhanced mental clarity^{4https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29933347/}—all critical elements of a successful glow-up.

Action Step: Today, commit to tracking your water intake. To stay healthy, it is recommended that females drink about 3/5 of a gallon of water daily (9.6 cups), and males drink about 4/5 of a gallon (12.8 cups).

If you’d like help tracking how much water you drink daily, here’s a water-tracking app you can try.

Can you increase your water intake for the next week? Or month?

Get your sleep in check

When sleep patterns are erratic or insufficient, you may feel tired, unfocused, emotionally unstable, and even sick.

Regulating sleep^{5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6281147/} can lead to enhanced emotional stability, better concentration, and an improved overall mood.

Action Step: If you didn’t use an alarm, how much sleep would you get each night to feel fully rested? It could be worth testing for about a week. Then, can you craft a regular bedtime to account for your ideal amount of sleep?

If you have kids or your life feels hectic and getting the 7-9 hours you want seems totally out of reach, could you add 30 minutes of sleep a night? Or by adding a 20-minute nap each day?

Try an app like RISE to track your sleep.

Declutter your living space

Living in cluttered spaces can lead to stress, anxiety, and a feeling of chaos. 

Putting effort into organizing your home can promote a sense of order, reduce mental clutter, and create a more peaceful and productive living environment.

If you live in a home that feels cared for, every time you look around your space, it communicates that you care for yourself.

Hoarders is a reasonably intense show that sends a group of professionals to help a hoarder with an organizational glow-up. 

Even if you’re not a full-on hoarder, see if you can take inspiration from this before-and-after:

Source

Action Step: Go through these steps, developed by tidying expert Marie Kondo:

• Does it spark joy? Go through items in your home, and when deciding if you want to keep something or not, ask yourself this question: “Does this item spark joy for me?”
• Organize by category, not location; for instance, gather all your pens from various spots like bags and pen jars instead of tidying your drawer. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of your possessions.
• As you let go of each item, pause to express gratitude for it and contemplate why you bought it in the first place. Then, consider whether you’ll want to purchase similar things in the future.

Bigger Action Step: If you want to overhaul this part of your life, consider hiring a professional organizer to help you.

Here is Marie Kondo’s viral book about tidying up.

You could also try this documentary about minimalism.

Prioritize “me time”

You may feel drained and depleted if you constantly put others’ needs ahead of your own. This is a common habit for people-pleasers.

But if you’re willing to prioritize “me time,” it can lead to increased self-respect, reduced burnout, and improved mental and emotional health.

Your calendar may be currently like a public park. Anyone can enter and leave whenever they’d like. But what if your calendar had a door on it with a lock? And a bouncer. And you got to be very selective over who got in it? Think of how spacious and liberating the room of your life would feel.

Action Step: Pick a 2-hour block of this week and set it in your calendar as “ME-TIME!” Under no circumstances may you schedule something over this block. It’s all about what you want and need 🙂

Explore a new hobby

It can be easy to fall into ruts where you feel stuck and uninspired.

One way out of this is to take up a new interest. Exploring new hobbies and interests can reignite passion, boost creativity, and enhance personal satisfaction.

Action Step: What’s a hobby you’ve always had a curiosity or interest in? Even if you know nothing about it. Search for classes in your area and try it out!

Aesthetic transformation

This includes changes in physical appearance, such as skincare routines, hair care, and wardrobe updates.

If you’ve ever seen the show Queer Eye, then you’ll know how powerful and emotionally moving an aesthetic glow-up can be. If you’d like a little inspiration, here are some top moments from the TV show:

Below are some ideas for your glow-up.

Wardrobe and style shift

Updating your wardrobe and refining your style can boost your confidence and change how you perceive yourself and others.

Our clothes are a symbolic representation of our personality, our taste, our boldness, and the communities that influence us. Every time you look in the mirror, the person you see will reflect a particular image of you.

As fashion designer Rachel Zoe said, “Style is a way to say who you are without speaking.”

I’ve played with this glow-up a lot in my own life. There was a period in my mid-twenties when I wanted to grow out of being a traveling, bohemian hippie and to identify more as an ambitious professional. I wanted other people to take me more seriously. And more than that, I wanted to take myself more seriously. So, I cut my long hair and hired a stylist to help me cultivate a sleek, young, professional look.

If you’d like to shift how you see yourself, your style can be a great place to start!

Small Action Step: Give away one article of clothing you want to let go of and purchase one new piece representing who you want to become.

Here is a website that might help you come up with outfit ideas.

Medium Action Step: Donate or sell all clothing you no longer love wearing. Then, set a budget for purchasing new clothes. Research styles and fashion trends that resonate with who you want to become and let yourself experiment with a few key pieces to create new outfits, gradually building a wardrobe that reflects your unique style.

Another strategy for finding inspiration is to look up celebrity outfits and make a Pinterest board of all the styles you like.

Big Action Step: Hire a professional stylist to help you leap. Try Yelp to see if there’s anyone nearby.

Hair makeover

A new hairstyle can be a game-changer for those who’ve felt limited by their hairstyle. 

When your hair aligns with your personality and style, it can make you feel more comfortable and attractive, boosting your self-esteem. A hair transformation is not just about appearance; it’s about embracing change, feeling empowered, and showcasing your unique style.

Action Step: Try one of these hairstyle apps to see what you’d look like with a different cut.

Skincare routine

A personalized skincare routine can make a big difference for those who have struggled with skin issues or lack confidence in their complexion. It’s about taking control of your skin’s health and appearance. 

A radiant complexion boosts self-esteem and signifies a commitment to self-care. It can help you feel more comfortable in your skin, leading to greater self-assurance and improved overall well-being.

Action Step: Who is your skincare role model? Who takes care of their skin and body in a way you admire? Find out their skincare routine. 

Tattoos and piercings

Getting a tattoo or piercing can be a huge statement for individuals seeking to express themselves uniquely and meaningfully. 

So many of us don’t feel we own our bodies entirely. You may feel like your image still belongs to your parents or to what’s socially acceptable. 

I felt like I had to be the “good boy.” It wasn’t until I got my first piercing that I got the visceral sense that this is my body and my life, and I can do what I want with both.

By taking ownership of your body, you can rewrite the narrative, regain control, and showcase your individuality. 

Many tattoos also hold symbolic meaning and might reflect a powerful lesson or life chapter.

As Johnny Depp once said, “My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.”’

Bear in mind that in specific industries, having a tattoo might still be taboo, and it could hurt your chances of getting a job.

Small action step: Brainstorm ideas for tattoos you may want. Then, try one out with a tattoo marker. You can draw it on yourself (or recruit a friend to help), which will last about two weeks. This can help you clarify if you want to get something permanent.

Medium action step: Is there a piercing you’ve always secretly wanted? Go for it! If you don’t like it, you can always take it out.

Large action step: Think deeply if you feel ready for a tattoo. It’s a permanent choice, so take your time with the process. If you want to move forward, consider consulting with a professional and working with them to design your tattoo.

Dental care

Your smile is how you express your joy to the world. A dental transformation can be life-changing for those who feel self-conscious about their smile.

It can be a journey of newfound self-assurance and a source of pride as you confidently show off your transformed smile.

To get a sense of what’s possible, check out this astounding before-and-after video of folks who got braces:

Action Step: Schedule a check-up with an orthodontist to understand what teeth changes might be possible and the time and costs.

As a smaller step, you could also get your teeth whitened by a dentist.

Grooming and hygiene

Imagine you were hosting a dinner party that included the president of the United States (and if you don’t like the current one, maybe it was a former one), the Dalai Lama, and a few members of English Royalty. With these esteemed guests, you can bet that you’ll have swept the floor, given a deep scrub to the toilet, and taken a mighty thorough shower.

We have the impulse to take great care of our space to respect others. But it can be hard to administer that level of care when there are no guests, and it’s just for ourselves.

And the same is true of our bodies. For many of us, it can be easy to go long stretches without showering, let flossing and deodorant go by the wayside, and let go entirely of washing our hands.

But you need to start a dinner party with dignitaries immediately immediately. And you need not wait for a romantic interest to whip yourself into shape.

You can turn these self-care knobs up to a 10 for the simple reason of honoring and respecting yourself because you deserve it! 

Action Step: Consider taking at least one (or all!) of these actions:

• Get a haircut
• Shave or trim whichever body hairs feel important to you to keep short
• Take care of your nails with a manicure and pedicure
• Purchase floss or floss sticks
• Invest in some perfume, cologne, or essential oils (be careful with essential oils, as they can be toxic to cats and dogs!)

Fitness and health 

Health is one of the most potent areas to glow up. When you care for your body, you’ll have more energy, feel healthier, and change how your body looks.

Flexibility and mobility enhancement

Increasing flexibility and mobility is about reclaiming physical freedom. 

People seeking improved flexibility may feel stiff or restricted in their movements. Plus, regular practice of yoga^{6https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193654/} is linked to a reduction in stress and an increase in quality of life.

Feeling flexible and committed to a stretching or yoga practice can promote overall comfort and confidence.

Immediate Action Step: Practice basic stretches and yoga poses for 10 minutes twice this week.

Here is a YouTube video with some great stretches to start with from a physiotherapist:

Longer-Term Action Step: Consider getting a membership to a yoga studio and embarking on a 30-day yoga challenge. Or even working toward your yoga teacher certification.

Examine Your Weight Narrative

While body self-love is always the place to start, exploring their physical health can be a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment for many folks. 

What stories are you telling yourself about your weight? 

Katrina Scott, founder of Tone It Up, said, “Fitness isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong journey of self-love, self-care, and self-discovery.” 

Immediate Action Step: Get clear on your “why.” Write out the following:

• How is my relationship with food, my weight, and my body causing me pain?
• How would I feel if I never made any changes?
• How do I want to feel in my body?

Longer-Term Action Step: Develop a comprehensive health plan with balanced meals, a regular workout routine, and tracking progress. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian or personal trainer for guidance.

You could also try one of these fitness apps to keep you on track.

Building strength 

For those aiming to build muscle and strength, the journey can help you feel physically capable and feel greater self-esteem.

Plus, strength training can help develop good posture. As osteopath, Michelle Funder explains:

“Muscles provide the force that allows us to move our joints; when we don’t use our muscles regularly, they may deteriorate. This may lead to many problems, including poor posture or injury. Strength training may help reverse the effects of muscle deterioration and improve your posture.

More muscle mass and greater strength can also help you feel physically safer, especially when walking alone in a city. And it can make you feel more capable—that you can hike up that mountain or move furniture around your living room.

Immediate Action Step: Try body weight exercises for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times weekly. Go for pushups, situps, and squats to start building strength.

Longer-Term Action Step: Create a progressive strength training routine with weights or resistance bands. Consider working with a fitness trainer to design a personalized plan and to get accountability.

Cardiovascular endurance improvement

Cardiovascular endurance enhancement can bring newfound vitality to daily life. It can increase energy levels, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

This can be especially empowering if you feel easily tired or out of breath. 

Even if you already exercise, if you focus on your cardio for an extended period, you might be surprised at how energizing it is. I put myself on a fairly rigorous month-long running program a few years ago. By the end, I was running 8 miles a day (which was a huge amount for me!). And I remember feeling shocked at how much energy I had. I felt like I had a supercharged battery and could run around forever.

According to Hope Ricciotti, M.D.^{7https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/does-exercise-really-boost-energy-levels}, “It might sound strange, but moving more can indeed help give you more energy.” 

She explains that regular exercise induces cellular-level changes, such as increased mitochondria production for energy, improved oxygen circulation, hormone release for increased vitality, and enhanced nighttime sleep for overall well-being.

Immediate Action Step: Plan three times this week to take a brisk walk or a jog. Shoot for 10-15 minutes.

Longer-Term Action Step: Pick a running, swimming, or biking goal you’d like to accomplish. For example, you are running a 5k or biking 50 miles. Then, look up a training regimen and do your best to follow it. Hitting that goal can do wonders for your sense of achievement.

Mindful eating and portion control

If you struggle with overeating or emotional eating, you might feel disconnected from your body’s signals. Mindful eating and portion control can help you develop a healthier relationship with food, both physically and emotionally.

Plus, practicing mindfulness can lead to better digestion, weight management, and improved self-awareness.

Immediate Action Step: Throughout the day, self-assess your hunger levels on a scale of 1-10, where 1 is painfully famished, and 10 is badly stuffed. Where are you on the scale right now? It’s also useful to refer to this scale before and after each meal.

Here’s a helpful graphic from nutritionist Katie Hake:

Longer-Term Action Step: Start a food journal for the next two weeks, where you track what you ate throughout the day and what emotions you felt when you ate. Consider seeking guidance from a certified nutrition therapist.

Posture

People can underestimate the profound effect posture has on their self-image. However, slumping or slouching can make you feel smaller and less confident^{8https://news.osu.edu/study–body-posture-affects-confidence-in-your-own-thoughts/} and cause back pain.

Perfecting your posture isn’t just about appearing taller or more confident; it’s about feeling it, too. When you walk and sit gracefully, you’ll notice an instant boost in self-esteem. People will perceive you as more self-assured, and you’ll begin to believe it yourself.

Plus, if you’ve struggled with back pain, investing in your posture game can do wonders for your spine.

Immediate Action Step: Practice the “wall test.” Stand with your back against a wall, heels touching it, and the back of your head lightly touching the wall. Now, step away while maintaining that posture. Repeat it several times to feel the correct alignment.

Longer-Term Action Step: Incorporate posture-improving exercises into your routine, like planks or yoga. Consider consulting a professional, like a physical therapist or a chiropractor, for personalized guidance if you have specific posture concerns. 

The Psychological Benefits of a Glow-Up

We all have moments when we yearn for change, not just on the outside but deep within. 

A glow-up isn’t just about a new wardrobe or physical transformations; it’s a journey to discover the best version of yourself mentally and emotionally. Here’s how it can benefit your psychological well-being:

1. Boost self-esteem: Self-esteem is the cornerstone of our emotional health. A glow-up can be a powerful tool in building and boosting your self-esteem. As you see yourself evolving and achieving personal goals, you’ll naturally begin to believe in your abilities. This newfound self-confidence can empower you to take on new challenges and embrace opportunities you might have shied away from before.

2. Cultivate a positive view of yourself: A glow-up is about rewriting your narrative about yourself. It’s an opportunity to shift from self-doubt to self-acceptance, from criticism to self-compassion. You can cultivate a more positive self-view by acknowledging your progress and celebrating your achievements. 

3. Increased resilience and adaptability: A glow-up often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change. This process can enhance your resilience and adaptability, helping you become more open to new experiences, challenges, and personal growth. As a result, you’ll develop greater mental flexibility and the ability to navigate life’s ups and downs confidently.

Remember, a glow-up is not a destination; it’s an ongoing process. Embrace it as a chance to discover, learn, and evolve. It’s not about perfection but progress, not about comparison but self-appreciation. 

Toxic Glow-Up Culture

When embarking on a glow-up journey, it’s important to tune into your motivations. 

You may want to think twice if your motivations are one of the following:

• To get someone to like you
• To make someone regret not liking you
• To gain the approval of your peers

In this case, it might be helpful to do some inner shadow work and seek to heal old wounds.

But if your desire to glow up is one of the following, then go for it!

• To feel better
• To gain self-confidence
• To cultivate a belief in yourself

In this age of social media and intense beauty standards, it’s common to see glow-up posts where people post mesmerizing before-and-after photos showcasing dramatic weight or makeup transformations. 

Here’s one video from a 2021 TikTok meme where people post glow-up transformations to make someone else feel bad for rejecting them in their “ugly duckling” stage.

@jasminengx

(•.•) #fyp

♬ Lost Souls – lizok

Toxic glow-up culture is characterized by pursuing transformation solely for external validation, often at the expense of genuine personal growth and well-being. It thrives on comparisons, unrealistic standards, and the constant need for approval from others.

While there’s nothing wrong with celebrating personal transformations, it’s crucial to do so in a healthy and balanced way. Choose to be inspired rather than envious, and remember that your worth extends far beyond appearances. 

In the end, the most meaningful glow-up is the one that allows you to become the best version of yourself, both inside and out, without sacrificing your authenticity or well-being in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Have a Glow Up

Takeaways on How To Have a Glow-Up

Best of luck in your glow-up challenge!

If you are ready for the transformation, you can make it happen. Feel free to recruit support by hiring trainers and coaches to help you.

Here are a few ideas for your glow-up:

• Revamp your style
• Hit the gym and build strength
• Take a big leap into something you want
• Dive into your finances and get clear on your budget
• Prioritize your “me time”

And if you’d like more tips on how to be more confident, you may enjoy this article.