Glow ups have become quite the cultural phenomenon, especially throughout the last year. Spending more unexpected time at home lends itself to figuring out ways to improve yourself, both inside and out. Whether you’re looking to improve your mental health, switch up your skin care routine or implement a healthier diet plan, a glow up might be the best reason to do so.

While the idea of a glow up might be different for everyone, there are a few commonalities that make many of us want to ditch the unhealthy behaviour and focus on improving ourselves every day. This can be as simple as adding a workout to your daily routine, incorporating more hydrating foods and drinks into your diet, or simply make sure you get in that beauty sleep to wake up every day feeling refreshed and ready to tackle a busy schedule.

If you’re looking to start your new year glow up right at home, below are a few simple ways to get started on your transformation.

Daily Movement

Moving your body daily is a simple, yet effective way to improve your overall wellness. Regular cardio vascular activity (yes, this includes apartment-friendly workouts like jumping jacks or weight training!) has been shown to reduce stress levels and increase circulation, which leads to clearer skin. Working out regularly—even if it’s just a walk around your neighbourhood during lunch—also leads to more energy and promotes REM sleep.

 

If you’re looking for a reason to sweat it out in 2021, consider the amazing physical and mental glow up regular workouts will give you!

Staying Hydrated

An often overlooked wellness practice that is great for both your mental and physical health is drinking more water. Most of us, whether we like to believe it or not, are underhydrated. This can be recognized with dry skin, brain fog, insatiable hunger—the list goes on! Your glow up for 2021 might be as simple as adding an extra glass of water to your morning routine, eating more water-dense fruits and veggies, or drinking a gldn hour sparkling water infused with collagen for that extra glow.

The best way to improve yourself often starts from the inside out. Give your body the nutrients it needs and it will give back thanks with a clearer complexion, more energy and a calm mind. 

Develop Self-Care Rituals

When you have more time at home than you expected a great way to kickstart your glow up is by developing a few self-care rituals. These rituals can be both mental and physical—the key is to show yourself the love and appreciation we often neglect to in our fast-paced, busy lifestyles.

Some might find comfort in a bit of nail or hair care at the end of a long day. Applying a fresh coat of polish or a hydrating mask could be just what you need to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Others might want to add morning meditation or journaling to their schedule as a way to stay calm and mindful during all the curve balls life throws. The options are endless, but the key is to make them true to who you are so that your glow up represents who you ultimately want to be.

Get In That Beauty Sleep

Sleep can often feel like a luxury, especially if you’re a busy mom, overworked student, or incredibly passionate about your career. Lying down for 8 hours a night might feel like a waste of time when there’s just so much to do before the next day. While there’s no denying the need for productivity, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your beauty sleep to achieve it.

A few of the common benefits of a full night’s sleep is an increased immune system, improved memory and cognitive function, and an overall better mood. If your new year’s resolution is to look and feel great, then search no further than your own bed!

Self-improvement is always an admirable goal to strive for, which is why we all love a good before and after transformation. However, taking care of yourself from the inside out is just as important as working on your external appearance. Without the right diet and self-care practices for you, there’s only so far an external change will take you. If you’re looking to glow up from the comfort of your home, then be open to trying a few new things that can drastically change how you feel about your daily lifestyle.