Category: July 2025

July 2025

Why Your Glow Up Isn’t Just Physical

Elizabeth Yuen

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!

The Power of Boredom – How Reducing Screen Time Boosted My Creativity
July 2025

How My Digital Detox Transformed My Life as a Writer & Mom

Elizabeth Yuen

Why I Started My Digital Detox: The Turning Point

As someone who spent years working in social media management, I was accustomed to always being plugged in. But when I transitioned to full-time writing and stayed home with my son, I quickly realized just how often I was on my phone. Whether it was checking notifications while my son ate breakfast or mindlessly scrolling in the playroom, my phone was constantly within arm’s reach.

The moment that made me realize something needed to change came when I caught my son staring at me while I was absorbed in my phone. I wasn’t doing anything important—just scrolling through random social media posts. But seeing him watch me like that, waiting for my attention, broke my heart. I realized I wasn’t being the present mom I wanted to be. I wanted to engage with him, to fully experience those little moments, but my phone was pulling me away from him—and from myself.

My First Step: A Simple Rule

To make a change, I decided to set a new rule for myself: no phone in the playroom. When I was spending time with my son, my phone stayed in my office. At first, it felt like a challenge—I was so used to checking my phone at every pause in my day. But what happened next shocked me.

Without the constant distraction, I became so much more present with my son. Instead of scrolling, I would engage with him more, follow his lead in play, and enjoy the simple moments. I noticed how much I was missing before, and how much deeper our connection became when I gave him my full attention. And as a bonus, I also felt more at peace. I was embracing the quiet moments that I had once tried to fill with the noise of digital distractions.

That small change marked the beginning of my digital detox, and it led to so much more than I expected.

Reclaiming Time & Creativity: The Ripple Effect

As a writer, I also began to notice the effect my phone was having on my creativity. I used to turn to my phone whenever I felt bored or uninspired. But over time, I realized that boredom fuels creativity. Instead of using my phone to fill every dull moment, I began to embrace the quiet. I allowed my mind to wander and daydream about my stories.

By putting the phone down, I gave myself the space I needed to truly connect with my characters and plotlines. I wasn’t constantly consuming other people’s content anymore; I was actively creating my own worlds. I felt more inspired, more focused, and more engaged in my work than ever before.

The digital detox helped me reclaim not just my time but my creative flow. I started writing more, developing richer ideas, and feeling a deeper connection to my work.

How to Start Your Own Digital Detox: Small Steps, Big Results

If you’re considering a digital detox, I encourage you to start small. You don’t have to overhaul your entire digital life at once. Focus on one area of your life where you can leave your phone behind—whether it’s during meal times, family moments, or your creative process. You’ll be amazed at how much more you gain by simply stepping away from the screen.

A digital detox isn’t just about limiting screen time; it’s about reclaiming the present—whether it’s with your family, in your creative pursuits, or just in your own headspace.

Have you ever tried a digital detox? I’d love to hear about your experience! What changes did you notice? Let’s talk in the comments below! 😊