The journey to a successful glow up isn’t about quick fixes or drastic transformations. Instead, it’s about creating lasting, sustainable habits that become part of your daily routine. That’s where the concept of habit stacking comes in—a simple yet powerful technique that played a huge role in my own glow up journey.
When I started the 121 Glow Up Challenge by Angie Bellemare and the Daily Grind team, I was immediately introduced to the idea of building habits one step at a time. Initially, it seemed overwhelming. There were 18 different habits to incorporate into my day, covering everything from skincare and hydration to physical fitness and mental health. It was a lot to take on, especially while balancing the demands of being a new mom.
But here’s the secret: Habit stacking helped me succeed.
What is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking is the process of pairing a new habit with an already existing one. The idea is that you use a habit you already do automatically (like brushing your teeth or drinking coffee) as a trigger to perform a new, desired behavior. By linking new habits to previously established ones, you create a system that requires less willpower, which makes it easier to stay consistent.
For example, instead of trying to remember to drink 80 ounces of water throughout the day, I would stack that habit on top of a routine I already had, like my morning coffee. Every time I finished my coffee, I would make it a point to drink a large glass of water. Over time, it became automatic, and I didn’t need to remind myself to do it anymore.
How Habit Stacking Transformed My Glow Up Journey
As a new mom, my life was busy and chaotic. Between recovering from a C-section, caring for my baby, and adjusting to my new responsibilities, it felt like I didn’t have time to focus on myself. But I knew something needed to change if I wanted to feel better—physically, mentally, and emotionally. That’s where habit stacking made a huge difference.
I didn’t have time to dedicate long hours to working out or meal prepping, so I used habit stacking to maximize every moment. Here are a few examples of how I incorporated it into my routine:
1. Morning Routine: Pre-Workout and Supplements
In the mornings, while my son was eating breakfast, I would quickly prepare my pre-workout drink, collagen supplement, and probiotic. I combined all three into one glass of water, which saved me time and ensured I didn’t forget any of them. I paired this with another habit I already had—getting my son settled for breakfast. This moment in my morning routine became my cue to get my health habits started, and before I knew it, I was consistently getting my supplements in.
2. Self-Care While Baby Eats: Ice Rolling and Skincare
While my son was eating, I also used the time to complete my skincare routine. Instead of seeing it as an extra chore, I saw it as a chance to focus on myself. While he was munching away, I would take the opportunity to ice-roll my face for 10-15 minutes. This wasn’t just a way to improve my skin. It was a form of self-care that helped me feel rejuvenated and grounded. Combining this with a task I was already doing (feeding him) made it an easy, no-brainer habit.
3. Walks with Baby and Dog: Getting My Steps In
Getting enough steps in each day was essential to my glow up, but it wasn’t always easy to find time for a dedicated walk. Instead of forcing myself to set aside an hour, I started pairing walking with other activities I already did, like taking my dog outside or getting my baby out for fresh air. Whether it was a short walk around the block or a longer stroll, it became a natural part of my routine. I was able to kill two birds with one stone—getting exercise and bonding with my baby.
4. Housework and Mental Clarity: Tidy While You Think
Another important habit I added to my day was keeping my spaces tidy. For me, a clean space means a clear mind. I’d pair tidying up with other tasks, like putting on a podcast or listening to an audiobook. As I folded laundry, wiped down surfaces, or swept the floors, I used the time to listen to something inspiring or educational. Not only did I feel productive, but I also felt mentally refreshed after clearing the clutter.
5. Stretching and Yoga: At-Home Self-Care
Even on days when I didn’t make it to the gym, I found ways to incorporate movement into my day. Stretching and yoga were two habits I stacked into my post-shower routine. After I got dressed, I would take 5-10 minutes to do some light stretching or yoga poses. It wasn’t a full workout, but it helped release tension in my body and set a calming tone for the day. Pairing it with something I was already doing (getting ready in the morning) made it so much easier to keep up.
The Key to Success: Consistency and Small Wins
The beauty of habit stacking is that it’s about small wins. Instead of trying to overhaul my entire lifestyle at once, I was able to integrate one tiny habit at a time. Each success—whether it was drinking my water, getting my workout in, or taking a few minutes for skincare—added up over time.
As a new mom, I was exhausted and overwhelmed, and trying to change everything at once would’ve felt impossible. But by stacking habits onto things I was already doing, I didn’t have to make drastic changes. I simply needed to be consistent. And over the course of months, I started noticing real, lasting results.
Why Habit Stacking Works for a Glow Up
- Time Efficiency: By pairing habits with existing routines, you maximize your time. You don’t have to carve out extra hours to focus on your glow up—you can incorporate healthy habits into your existing schedule.
- Increased Accountability: The more habits you stack, the more likely you are to stay consistent. It builds momentum and creates a cycle of success that motivates you to keep going.
- Reduced Overwhelm: Trying to change too much at once can feel daunting. Habit stacking allows you to make small adjustments that lead to big results without the stress.
- Built-In Reminders: Habit stacking creates built-in cues. When you pair a new habit with an existing one, you’re more likely to remember to do it because the routine is already familiar.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a glow up, habit stacking is the perfect solution. It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making small, manageable changes that become second nature. Start with one habit, pair it with something you already do, and build from there. Before you know it, you’ll be glowing inside and out.
Remember, the journey to your glow up doesn’t have to be rushed. It’s about consistency, patience, and stacking those habits that will lead to long-term success. Try it for yourself, and let me know how habit stacking works for you!
Elizabeth Yuen 