What's the Meaning of "Glow Up," the TikTok Trend?

Do you think it's time to make changes in your life? You may be ready to "glow up" - we'll tell you about this trend and how to embrace it!

If you’re a frequent user of social media, you’ll know that seasonal trends pop up every now and then. In the last few weeks, for example, people have been talking about “glow up” on TikTok and Instagram. In this article, we’ll explain what this refers to.

The expression glow up literally translates as “to shine in an intense way.” It refers to the transformations that people undergo to bring out other versions of themselves. In social networks, it’s used to talk about the physical changes shown by artists and influencers.

However, there are those who have criticized this trend for focusing on weight loss only and aiming at models that not everyone can meet. However, it should’t always refer to this aspect.

In fact, a true glow up aims to bring out the best in you and make changes in your physique or mentality to empower yourself. Therefore, it should generate well-being and not be a source of stress.

How to “glow up”

A glow up is a remarkable transformation in your life. However, changes imply actions.

Below, we will give you some recommendations so you can bring out your true essence and look and feel the way you have always wanted. Although sharing our changes on social networks with friends, family, and followers nice, remember that there’s a life beyond these digital spaces.

Get to work to get your glow up on with these recommendations!

Aim for a glow up that goes beyond the physical

Several institutions and experts say that mental health is a priority issue. In general, mental health issues affect a vast majority of the population.

According to information from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the rates of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress have skyrocketed. In this sense, it’s important to prioritize emotional well-being and not only focus on the physical.

Despite the need for self-care, exercise and healthy eating, excessive concern about appearance isn’t healthy. Remember that a true glow up is one that makes you feel better about yourself and should not be a pressure imposed by trends.

Set goals and make a plan

Once you’ve decided that you want to make changes in your life to bring out the glow inside you, you should set the goals you want to achieve. It’s not enough to just wish for it. You should ask yourself why and what you want to transform yourself for.

Review what your true desires are and, once you’ve established them, make a plan. Remember that it’s always good to seek help.

That is, if you want to change some aspect of your personality that you don’t feel good about, you should go to a therapist. However, if you want to have a physical transformation, you can go to an image consultant or, if you want to change your body composition, you should visit a nutritionist and a trainer.

Eat better

No matter what are the reasons that lead you to seek a glow up, a good diet will help. Remember that to look and feel good on the outside, you must start by taking care of yourself from the inside. This also refers to promoting healthy habits.

In this sense, eating well, with a good intake of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and proteins is the basis of this wellness. Avoid ultra-processed foods. There is increasing evidence that there is a close relationship between mental health and food.

Work on your self-esteem and self-care

To achieve a true glow up that brings out the best you have inside, it’s necessary to cultivate self-love. Remember that change starts on the inside.

You can modify your negative thoughts and make a list of all the things you like about yourself. Don’t focus on the bad things you want to change, but on the good things you would like to achieve.

If you want to change your eating habits and exercise to lose weight, it’s best to do it for your health and for the love of your body. On the other hand, it’s also helpful to establish self-care routines to do activities that bring you wellness, such as having a spa night at home, listening to music and dancing, or practicing a hobby.

Exercise

Undoubtedly, exercise is a positive habit that everyone should include in their daily lives. It has been proven to improve mood and help prevent various diseases. The World Health Organization states that globally, 1 in 4 adults don’t reach the recommended levels of physical activity.

You should also do muscle-strengthening 2 or 3 days a week, as well as aerobics for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. To overcome sedentary life and achieve changes that make you shine, it’s great to walk. It is also helpful to practice a sport, join a gym or sign up for activities such as dancing.

Learn how to enhance your image

All of us have points of our physical appearance that we like more and others that we do not like so much. This is normal.

However, learning about colorimetry, makeup, and styling can help you enhance your physique. In this sense, it’s good that you learn how to dress, use make-up (if you’d like), and choose your haircut according to your age, height, and body shape.

It’s not about limiting yourself because of how you look. On the contrary, it’s about enhancing your features to make them shine more.

There are clothing colors that make certain skin tones stand out more, for example. Don’t be afraid to consult experts and make changes that give you a new look. Sometimes a simple haircut and hair color can revitalize and renew you.

Take care of your environment if you want a “glow up”

To have a real glow up, the environment in which we live is essential. You must take care of the spaces around you.

A clean and tidy home, desk, or closet brings many benefits. In addition, playing music and smells that promote joy and vitality are significant facts to seek positive transformations.

Also, if you’re surrounded by negative people, it’s very likely that you will end up being a little negative yourself. For this reason, if you want to have a major transformation in your life, it’s advisable to look for relationships and people who contribute and make you grow. Check how your environment is and how fruitful it is to bring out your shine!