Your Glow-Up Guide: Why It’s More Than Skin Deep
Whenever we get closer to the new year, the word “glow-up” gets tossed around like confetti—more than any other time of the year. Let’s be real: we all want to become the best version of ourselves. And honestly? I tend to make “glowing up” my whole personality.
This year, though, the glow-up chatter feels even louder. Everyone’s diving into their “winter arc”—a time to lock in, level up, and use these colder (or warmer, depending on where you are) months to make moves. But here’s what I’ve noticed: so much of the glow-up conversation revolves around how we look.
We obsess over our appearance—our bodies, clothes, hair, makeup. And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel fabulous on the outside, we’re missing the point. The most powerful glow-up isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about who we’re becoming on the inside. The truth is, your biggest transformation will come from embracing an inside-out approach that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.
Let’s explore what a true glow-up looks like and how you can start your own journey toward becoming the best version of yourself—inside and out.
Redefining the Glow-Up
While I love a good appearance makeover (think a dreamy capsule wardrobe, a trip to Sephora, and a fresh cut from your favorite hairstylist), let’s be honest—glow-ups are so much more than aesthetics. Here’s the thing: when we focus on glowing up our well-being holistically, the external glow-up becomes effortless. It’s like flipping a switch—suddenly, your appearance levels up in ways no shopping spree could ever achieve.
Sure, buying new clothes or revamping your makeup routine gives that sweet dopamine hit of instant gratification. And for a while, it feels amazing—you’re confident, put together, and ready to conquer the world. But if your mindset is weighed down with negativity, your lifestyle isn’t nourishing your body, and your confidence is nowhere to be found, that glow-up high is going to fade faster than a temporary tattoo.
The real magic? It starts on the inside. When you work on your mind, emotions, and habits, the outer glow becomes a natural reflection of the inner transformation. It’s the kind of change that lasts.
The Inside-Out Approach to Glowing Up
This is why I’ve come up with the Inside-Out Approach to Glowing Up. These three pillars have the potential to quite literally change your whole life.
Mindset Matters Most: Positivity, gratitude, and self-belief form the foundation of any meaningful transformation. Your thoughts create your reality, so nurturing your mindset is the first step to becoming your best self.
Emotional Wellness: True glow-ups start with emotional clarity. Boundaries, self-love, and letting go of what no longer serves you are essential for creating space for joy and fulfillment.
Physical Nourishment: Taking care of your body is the ultimate act of self-respect. Movement, balanced nutrition, and proper rest are the building blocks of energy, vitality, and confidence.
Practical Steps to Start Your Glow-Up Journey
Here’s how to start glowing up from the inside out, focusing on three pillars:
Pillar 1: Focus on Your Mind
Begin each day with daily affirmations or a gratitude practice to set the tone.
Start a journal for self-reflection, goal setting, or simply clearing your mind.
Swap the doom scroll for uplifting, inspiring books or podcasts. Feeding your mind with positivity creates a ripple effect that transforms how you see yourself and the world.
Pillar 2: Nurture Your Emotions
Set boundaries that protect your peace and mental health. Saying “no” is a form of self-respect.
Surround yourself with supportive, uplifting people who encourage your growth.
When emotions feel overwhelming, do a brain dump—pour your thoughts onto paper. It’s an easy but incredibly effective way to release what’s holding you back.
Pillar 3: Care for Your Body
Find movement practices you genuinely enjoy, like yoga, walking, or dancing—it’s not about punishing your body but celebrating it.
Prioritize balanced eating habits that fuel your energy and help you feel your best.
Create a nighttime routine that includes restful sleep and skincare as acts of self-love. Your body is your home; treat it with kindness.
Glow-Up Myths to Let Go Of
Let’s debunk some common misconceptions that might be holding you back:
“You need to spend money to glow up.”
Nope. The most transformative changes often cost nothing—like journaling, setting boundaries, or practicing gratitude. Glow-ups aren’t about designer labels; they’re about showing up for yourself.
“A glow-up happens overnight.”
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your best self. Progress takes time, but it’s worth every step.
“A glow-up is just about looks.”
False. While aesthetic changes can feel great, the ultimate glow-up happens when you align your mind, emotions, and body. Confidence, peace, and joy radiate from within.
An Example Your Glow-Up Routine
Here’s a simple daily routine to help you visualize how your glow-up might look:
Morning: Wake up mindfully, express gratitude, move your body (even a 10-minute stretch works!), and enjoy a nourishing breakfast.
Daytime: Tackle your to-do list with focus and intentional breaks. Stay hydrated and fuel your body with balanced meals. Whenever you feel negative emotions rise up during the day, take 5 minutes for a deep breathing practice to calm your nervous system or brain dump whatever it is you’re feeling.
Evening: Wind down with gratitude journaling, a calming skincare ritual (don’t forget your body care), and a bedtime routine that promotes restful sleep. Take your vitamins put your phone on DND.
This may look like a simple daily routine and might not even give you “results” after a day or a week, but it’s all about being consistent with it. Consistency > intensity. It’s the small, easy changes and habits that, with consistency, give us the best results.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to glowing up. Your journey will be as unique as you are. What remains the same for everyone, though, is that a true glow-up is about balance and alignment in all areas of life. It’s about making your life easier, more fulfilling, and more joyful. It’s about finding the confidence you once lost and allowing it to shine through every aspect of your being.
Start small. Document your steps, however tiny they may seem. Progress, no matter how incremental, builds momentum and serves as undeniable evidence of your growth.
You deserve to become the best version of yourself. Life is too short to settle for anything less than the woman of your dreams.
More Soft Soul Entries Here
Join The Soft Soul Society
Receive your weekly dose of glow up tips, motivation, and stories to become your best self <3
