When we talk about glowing up, it’s easy to think about the physical aspects—weight loss, skincare, fitness goals. While these are important, your glow up is about so much more than just physical transformation. True, lasting glow ups involve a deep internal shift that encompasses your mental and emotional health as well. It’s not just about looking better on the outside; it’s about feeling better, more confident, and aligned with your best self on the inside.
1. Mental Health Matters
Often, we focus so much on what we can see in the mirror that we forget to take care of our mental well-being. The glow-up journey isn’t complete until your mind feels as strong and clear as your body does. For me, that meant developing healthier thought patterns, working on my emotional resilience, and learning how to embrace positive self-talk. Mental well-being is foundational—when you feel mentally strong and at peace, it shows in everything you do, from how you carry yourself to how you interact with others.
2. Emotional Healing is Key
A major part of my glow up was addressing past emotional baggage. Whether it’s letting go of self-doubt, practicing self-love, or working through limiting beliefs, emotional healing is crucial for personal growth. I realized that to truly “glow up,” I needed to clear out the emotional clutter that had been holding me back. Working on my emotional health allowed me to break free from negative cycles and start living authentically. When you feel emotionally aligned, you radiate a sense of peace and confidence that makes you feel more “glowing” from the inside out.
3. Your Glow Is a Reflection of How You Treat Yourself
True glow-up isn’t just about the transformation others can see—it’s about how you treat yourself when no one is watching. Are you prioritizing self-care? Setting boundaries? Saying “no” when necessary? A huge part of my glow up was creating habits that nourished my body, mind, and spirit. Whether it was meditating for five minutes a day, journaling to process my emotions, or taking moments to simply breathe and reset, these little acts of self-care added up to huge changes in my overall well-being.
4. Confidence Comes From Within
No matter how many workouts you do or how clear your skin gets, if you don’t believe in yourself, that glow won’t truly shine through. Confidence comes from taking action, from pushing past your fears, and from realizing your worth. Your inner transformation is what enables your outer transformation to truly shine.
5. It’s About Living Aligned With Your Values
A key part of my glow up journey was also about aligning my life with my true values. It’s easy to get distracted by outside expectations or societal pressure, but when I focused on what truly mattered to me—whether it was spending quality time with my family, building a career I love, or fostering personal growth—I found my energy and confidence soaring.
6. The Glow Is a Holistic Transformation
While losing 35 pounds and achieving my fitness goals was an important part of my journey, it wasn’t the whole picture. The glow-up experience is a holistic one—it’s about nurturing your body, mind, and spirit. When all three are in alignment, the glow radiates naturally.
In the end, your glow up isn’t about achieving perfection or checking off every box on a fitness or beauty list. It’s about living authentically, feeling confident in who you are, and taking care of your whole self—inside and out. True glow-ups come from embracing your worth and continuously working on becoming the best version of yourself. Your glow starts from within. 🌟✨
If you’re on a glow-up journey too, I’d love to hear about your experience! How are you nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health? Drop a comment below!
Elizabeth Yuen 