You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘glow up’ used on social media sites like Instagram and Twitter multiple times. Essentially, most people talk about having a ‘glow up’ when they want to change their look. However, for a glow up to be holistic and actually beneficial, focusing on both your look and your mindset is key. The way we look certainly isn't everything — a mental health glow up should be all the rage, too! Here are some pointers for your very own 2021 glow up:
Maybe it’s time to overhaul your wardrobe. If you have clothes in there that you haven’t worn for ages, sell them on, give them to a friend, or pass them on to charity. Then, figure out what your own personal style is. This will stop you from buying clothes for the sake of it. You can like a piece of clothing on the hanger, or on somebody else, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a suitable piece of clothing for you. Instead, do the following:
Putting together a capsule wardrobe can help you to ensure you have an outfit for every occasion, and that every piece you own can match with other pieces, giving you a variety of choices. You’ll also feel less of a need to purchase clothes on a whim! Capsule wardrobes mean you can buy higher quality pieces, often costing more, and feel less guilty about it as you know you’ll get your wear out of them and that they will last. Do yourself a favour, and ditch fast fashion in 2021!
Most people aim for perfect skin, and are always trying to find new products that can help them to achieve a perfectly poreless, filtered look. However, perfect skin can leave us aiming for something that doesn’t really exist. How about aiming for healthy skin instead? Healthy skin may not be totally poreless or perfectly matt, but it’s soft, supple, and protected from the sun. Keep your skincare routine simple to start with and make sure you base it on your own skin type. If you’re not sure, then visit an esthetician or dermatologist.
Getting to know ingredients in skincare can give you a better idea of what works for you personally, too. For example, retinol is great for resurfacing and anti ageing, while niacinamide can help to repair the skin and reduce oil. Glycolic acids and other skincare acids can make you glow thanks to their exfoliating properties – just don’t overdo it, or you could damage your skin barrier!
The teeth should be healthy too – then you'll feel confident showing them off when you smile! Looking after your teeth means not using them as tools, and getting into a consistent brushing routine to ensure they are perfectly clean, and free from cavities. Use a high quality toothbrush, and don’t press down hard or you could damage your enamel. Using whitening kits should only ever be done after plenty of research, as some home kits can damage the teeth. If you know that the only way you will get your dream smile is by having an expensive dentist appointment, you can always try temporary veneers to see if they suit you.
You might already have a great skincare routine and take care of your teeth, but what about your hair? Applying a mask once or twice a week can help to give your hair a beautiful shine and keep it healthy. This is especially important if you color your hair or use a lot of heat on it. Using a few drops of oil as well as a heat protection spray can make a big difference, too.
The foods we eat can impact our mood, energy levels, skin condition, and so much more. If you want a glow up, eating balanced meals that nourish your body is key. It’s not about eating very little in an attempt to be a runway model. It’s about eating food that makes you feel good and helps you to glow from the inside out. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, and incorporate other healthy, beneficial foods into your diet. Your diet doesn't have to be perfect, but it should be balanced.
Carry a big bottle of water with you all day so that you can stay hydrated, and drink from it even when you don’t feel thirsty. If you wait until you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated! A small drop in hydration can make us lose energy, and has other downsides. Rather than using the tap or creating waste with plastic water bottles, buy your own 2 litre bottle and a water filter.
There’s a reason they call it ‘beauty sleep’. Take it seriously! Aim for 8 hours a night, a minimum of 7 hours a night. The closer you can get to 8 hours, the better! Of course, it can differ depending on how much exercise you do, your job, and other factors. Some people genuinely don’t need a lot of sleep, but most people are running on empty. If you feel the need to sleep in on the weekends, it’s probably because you’re not getting enough sleep during the week. Try to get into a regular routine so that your body naturally gets sleepy and wakes up at similar times each day.
You can’t have a 2021 glow up without a mindset glow up! How could your mindset be improved compared to where you’re at now? Could you change your self talk, flip thoughts so that they are more positive, or show more gratitude for the things you have? Could you change your limiting beliefs, and how you view yourself? Changing your mindset can take a lot of time, but with consistency, mindfulness, and the willingness to keep on learning, you can get into a positive space in the long term.
How about learning something new to show yourself what you can do? It doesn’t have to be a language or an instrument. You could simply try your hand at a new workshop or day course to see if there’s anything you like. You could paint, woodwork, make jewellery, or do anything else that takes your fancy.
Don’t forget to spend time on your hobbies – remind yourself that you can create art, and that you have a life outside your 9-5 or daily chores. Hobbies are so important and can be a great source of relaxation and enjoyment.
How do you see yourself currently? See if you can change any negative self beliefs. Try to figure out where you picked any insecurities up from – you weren't born with them. They were given to you by the media and the people around you. They are often prominent in cultures and families.
Don’t say yes if you want to say no. Learn to set boundaries and commit to pleasing yourself in 2021. It’s not selfish, it’s healthy!
Photo by Nicolle Kreisch from Pexels
