Are you ready to transform into the best version of yourself?
Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence, improve your physical appearance, or just want to feel good about yourself, glowing up by doing a glow up challenge is the perfect way to level up!
What is the glow up challenge?
The glow up challenge is a 30-day journey that will help you look and feel your best. It’s about making small changes to your daily routine, from your lifestyle to your diet, exercise habits, skincare routine and mindset.
You don’t need to spend tons of money or have hours of free time—all it takes is dedication and commitment.
With a month-long glow up you can learn how to make the most out of what you do have in order to reach your goals and live a life of intention.
And in the end, you’ll feel more confident than ever before!
How to glow up in a month
1. Preparation is key
You’ll need to prepare before you get started, simply so you can get in the right frame of mind and stay motivated for the duration for the challenge.
You can start preparing using a glow up planner, and continue using your planner to document your progress. Here’s some of the key things you need to do, to prepare:
Set goals and expectations
It’s essential to establish some realistic goals and expectations before diving headfirst into this transformative experience. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your glow-up be!
So, grab a pen and paper (or your planner), and jot down what you want to achieve in your ‘glow up month’.
How much time and energy are you willing to put into this? This is an investment in yourself, and it’s going to take a little blood, sweat, and (happy) tears to see it through. But trust us, it’ll be so worth it!
Now, close your eyes and picture this: you’ve smashed your goals and are beaming with pride at your newfound glow. Can you see it?
Whether it’s rocking that fit body or finally nailing your skincare routine, visualizing your goals is like giving your motivation a double espresso shot.
So, daydream about your fabulous, glowing future self. This kind of clarity is just the ticket to keep you revved up and raring to reach the finish line.
Identify habits to change or improve
Now that you’ve set your glow up goals,you need to identify any bad habits that could be sabotaging your progress.
Do you stay up too late? Are you often snacking on junk food instead of nutritious meals? Make a list of these kinds of habits and commit to replacing them with more positive alternatives.
For instance, if you’re staying up late, try to set yourself a reasonable bedtime and stick to it. If junk food is your go-to snack, switch out those chips for some fresh fruit or trail mix instead.
Some healthy habits can be as simple as increasing your water intake throughout the day or taking a few minutes during your lunch break to stretch.
By being mindful of the habits that need to change and actively replacing them with healthier alternatives, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a glowing transformation!
Establish an Accountability System
We all need someone to keep us accountable – and this is especially true when it comes to the glow-up challenge. Having an accountability system in place helps you stay on track and encourages you to push forward, even when things get tough.
First, identify who your support system is going to be – could be a friend, family member or even an online community. That person should be someone you trust to provide honest feedback and keep you motivated.
Set up some sort of reward system that will help you stay focused and on track – this could be a weekend getaway, a massage or even just an ice cream date with your bestie.
2. Implement a glow up routine and habits
1. Clean eating
The first start of the 30-day challenge is all about a healthier life and getting into clean eating. That means ditching processed and sugary foods, and opting for healthy foods
To get started with clean eating, take some time to plan out what meals you’ll be having each day. It’s a good idea to make a grocery list so you know exactly what healthy ingredients you need when shopping for food.
Once that’s sorted out, it’s time to get cooking! Preparing meals from scratch using fresh foods is the best way to ensure that you’re eating nutritious, delicious food. So roll up your sleeves and get to work!
2. Work out smarter
Working out is one of the most crucial components of any glow up challenge, as it helps with weight loss, and toning your body. But it’s not just about your physical appearance, exercise works wonders for your mental well-being too.
Your working out routine can consist of anything from doing 15 minutes of cardio a day or taking part in
The key here is consistency: aim for some form of physical activity at least three times a week.
Another helpful tip is to switch things up every once in a while by trying out different kinds of workouts. Not only will this keep your body guessing (which results in better muscle growth), but it’ll also help
3. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake
Reducing your alcohol and caffeine intake is an essential part of the glow up challenge! Choosing to cut down on can help you achieve optimal health and wellness.
Alcohol contains empty calories, while caffeine can lead to a decrease in energy levels if consumed in excess. Plus, both of them can cause dehydration, which further contributes to that tired and unhealthy look.
That doesn’t mean you have to cut out alcohol and caffeine completely. If you want to keep drinking, aim for two or three alcoholic drinks per week and no more than one cup of coffee per day. So don’t worry you don’t have to give your morning coffee!
4. Develop a solid skincare routine
Healthy skin is key to achieving that glowing complexion. Developing an effective skincare routine doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
First, determine your skin type. Do you have oily, combination or dry skin? Then customize a routine that works for you.
To get started, cleanse and tone your face every morning and night. Add in moisturizer, serums, and other treatments if needed.
Consider investing in quality skincare products for a skincare ritual that leaves you glowing from head-to-toe.
Getting into the habit of drinking water is also a simple way to support your skincare routine too and can make a huge difference.
Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day – (and even more if you’re active), to keep your skin looking healthy for a natural glow.
If you find it hard to remember to drink enough, carry a water bottle around with you or set reminders on your phone.
And if plain water doesn’t tickle your taste buds, try adding a squeeze of lemon or some fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of flavour.
5. Get your beauty sleep
Sleep plays a major role in your physical and mental well-being, so it’s essential to ensure you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
To get the best results, create a strict bedtime routine that includes turning off screens an hour before going to bed and avoiding caffeine late in the day.
Establishing good sleep habits will help boost your energy levels during the day, allowing for more productive days and better overall results from this 30-day challenge.
For even greater success, wind down early enough by setting fixed times for when you’ll be done with work or other obligations each night. This way, you’ll have enough time to relax and get a good night’s sleep, as well as an overnight glow!
6. Check in on your mental health
You’re overhauling your everyday life, so it’s natural to feel some stress, anxiety and exhaustion. To keep your mental health in check for the rest of your journey, take regular breaks throughout the day.
Spend time with loved ones or simply do something that gives you joy. Whether it’s writing in a journal, meditating, or talking to a close friend – this step is essential for keeping you motivated.
7. Give your wardrobe a refresh
Whether you’re shopping for new clothes or just switching up style, a wardrobe upgrade can help boost your self-confidence.
Start by decluttering your wardrobe. Get everything out, and give it a good clean – donate the items that no longer make you feel beautiful and invest in pieces that flatter your body type and make you feel amazing.
8. Change your hairstyle
You don’t need to go for a full hair transformation – just adding some highlights or switching up the length can make all the difference.
Keep in mind that your hairstyle should match your lifestyle, so if you’re constantly on-the-go, opt for a low-maintenance style. And when in doubt, consult your stylist for expert advice!
Maintain your new luscious locks with regular hair masks and deep conditioning for a glow-up win
9. Get a manicure and pedicure
You know how it is – when your nails are looking fabulous, it’s like an instant mood booster! If you can’t get a professional manicure, why not give yourself a DIY mani-pedi?
All you need is a few simple tools and some products to get started. It’s easy – just grab your nail clippers, nail file, cuticle pusher, polish remover and cotton balls, then add your favourite colours to your mani-pedi kit.
Once you’ve prepped and painted your nails, don’t forget the top coat! A glossy finish will give your mani-pedi a professional touch. And there you have it – an instant manicure that’ll make you feel like a million bucks!
10. Update your makeup routine
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s always fun to switch up your look. From learning new techniques to creating bolder looks – the possibilities are endless.
And if you need some inspiration – just head over to YouTube and check out some of the amazing beauty vloggers out there! Their tutorials and tips can teach you everything from the basics to more adventurous looks.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours or try something totally new – a little change in your makeup routine can give you an instant glow-up.
Practice makes perfect – so keep practising until you get the look you want!
11. Pursue your passions
Right, It’s time to take a break from the physical transformation and reconnect with what truly makes you happy.
Start by brainstorming activities that bring you joy and help you relax – this could include hobbies like drawing, painting or playing an instrument.
Think about activities that really make you light up. Make a commitment to do them at least once a week.
Pursuing your passions will help you foster creativity, self-expression and keep your mind sharp.
12. Make time for self-care activities
Treating yourself is essential for achieving that healthy glow.
Think of a little something that’ll make you feel relaxed, rejuvenated or just special. Maybe it’s a bubble bath with candles, lavender essential oils a hydrating face mask and some tasty snacks.
Or perhaps it’s a massage at the local spa, reading a book, listening to music, or taking a yoga class – do whatever makes you feel good to stay motivated.
13. Practise gratitude on a daily basis
It’s easy to get bogged down by all the things you’re doing and forget how you’ve already come.
Whether it’s being grateful for your friends, family, job, or the fact that you woke up this morning – make sure to take a moment to appreciate it.
Writing in a gratitude journal on a daily basis really helps with this exercise and you’ll be amazed at how uplifted and motivated you’ll feel when you start to count your blessings.
14. Self-reflect and refocus
When you’re almost at the halfway point of the glow-up challenge you’ll need to make some time for self-reflection.
Reflect on what has worked and what hasn’t in terms of your physical transformation, lifestyle habits and overall well-being.
Evaluate how far you’ve come in the journey and look at your progress – what have you achieved? What goals still need to be worked on?
This is also a great opportunity to refocus, set new goals, and stay motivated for the rest of the challenge.
15. Do a financial check-up
A healthy financial outlook can help you achieve long-term life goals and live your best life.
Think of it this way: money isn’t the only ingredient for success, but it’s like salt – a little goes a long way.
Start with the basics – check your credit score and look for any discrepancies. If there are mistakes, get them corrected.
After that, take a look at your budget and see where you can cut costs or save more money.
Try to manage your debt responsibly and start planning for the future. You can start small – set aside a portion of your income for retirement or even just an emergency fund.
This isn’t about getting rich – it’s about being smart with your finances and building a strong financial foundation.
16. Pick up a new skill
Learning a new skill broadens your horizons, boosts your credibility and self-confidence – not to mention it’s a major plus on your CV.
It also allows you to explore different aspects of yourself that were previously untapped, and of course, learning a new skill is also fun!
Start by researching what skill you would like to learn, research ways to get started and then set aside some time each day to make progress towards your goal.
You can even challenge yourself to learn something completely out of your comfort zone – who knows, you might find your passion!
3. Maintain your glow up after the 30 days
Reflect on everything you’ve accomplished, learned, grown or achieved over the last 30 days and give yourself a pat on the back for coming so far.
Remind yourself of all your successes, no matter how small they may seem – even if it was just getting out of bed on the days when it felt impossible.
Now, the real glow up win comes after the challenge is over when you need to maintain the positive changes you’ve made.
Why is this important, you might ask? Well, for one, personal growth is a journey, not a destination. To become a healthier and happier version of yourself, you need to keep working at it. And that means continuing with the healthy habits and routines you established during the challenge.
Here’s a quick glow up guide to help you maintain your progress:
- Create a schedule – One of the best ways to stay on track is to create a schedule with reminders. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any important tasks or activities.
- Prioritize self-care – Taking care of your physical and emotional health is crucial. Take some time each day to do something that makes you feel good, whether that’s exercising, meditating, or just taking a relaxing bubble bath.
- Pursue your passions – Remember, personal growth isn’t just about becoming healthier and happier. It’s also about pursuing your passions and striving towards your goals. So, continue to work towards your dreams, whatever they may be.
Maintaining a glow up is a long-term commitment. But by staying committed to your goals and passions and by prioritizing your physical and emotional health, you can ensure that you continue to grow and flourish.
