Tag: glow up challenge

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!

April 2025

The Power of Habit Stacking for a Successful Glow Up

Elizabeth Yuen

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!

March 2025

The Start of My Glow Up Journey

Elizabeth Yuen

A year ago, I was stuck in a rut. As a new mom, I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and frankly, not feeling like myself. Between the challenges of recovering from a C-section and adjusting to motherhood, I found myself constantly fatigued, struggling with simple things like climbing the stairs or picking up my baby. I knew something had to change but didn’t know where to start.

I had heard the term “glow-up” tossed around, but I never really took it seriously. For me, a glow-up wasn’t just about looking better—it was about feeling better in every way. I needed to elevate myself, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. That’s when I came across the 121 Glow Up Challenge by Angie Bellemare and the Daily Grind team. This program caught my attention because it offered a structured way to improve yourself with small, actionable steps.

What initially stood out to me was the idea of holistic transformation. This wasn’t about following a one-size-fits-all plan. The challenge addressed everything from skincare to fitness, from mindset to habits—everything I felt I was missing. I had spent so much time focusing on taking care of everyone else that I had neglected myself. This challenge gave me a roadmap to begin shifting my focus back to me.

Starting the Glow Up Challenge wasn’t easy. It required consistency, self-discipline, and a commitment to myself—something I hadn’t prioritized for a long time. But I knew I was worth it. I needed to get out of the funk I was in. I needed to rebuild my physical strength, regain my energy, and feel good in my own skin again.

The first month was challenging. I felt sore from workouts I hadn’t done in ages, and adjusting to new habits felt overwhelming at times. But slowly, I began to see changes. It wasn’t just about losing weight or looking better—it was about how I felt after completing each daily task. The more I stuck to the habits, the more I noticed my energy increasing, my skin improving, and my mindset shifting. I felt stronger, both physically and emotionally.

One of the most important lessons I learned was that a glow-up isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about embracing the journey and realizing that every step forward, no matter how small, matters. That first step in my glow-up journey was the hardest, but it was also the most important. It was the beginning of something new for me.

In this video, I dive deeper into the specifics of the challenge and how the habit-stacking technique helped me build consistency. But for now, I want to encourage anyone who’s feeling stuck or overwhelmed to start their own glow-up journey. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to start. And believe me, you’re worth every effort.