New Year is a great time to make changes in your life, but an even better time… your BIRTHDAY. This is a time to reset and refocus on the person you want to become this year and for years to come. So let’s dive in to learn all about birthday glow ups and how to have your best year yet.
What Is a Birthday Glow Up?
A birthday glow up is a transformation kick-started because of—you guessed it—your birthday! This transformation includes a series of self-care habits, confidence-building techniques, and new goal setting—all to help you become the best you possible. To make this happen, you must start aligning your outer world with the person you’re becoming, and it all starts with the simple decision to step up for YOU.
Step 1: Reflect on the Past Year
Reflecting over the past year can point us in the right direction of where we want to take our future. Ask friends or family to help point out the highlights of your year and look back at photos of events that have taken place since your last birthday. Here’s some journal prompts to help you reflect:
- What did I learn this past year?
- What am I proud of?
- What habits or people am I ready to let go of?
By taking the time out to journal, you can get clear on how you want this next year of your life to look. This step is so powerful because it helps you celebrate how far you’ve come and decide where you’re going next.
Step 2: Set an Intention for Your New Year
This step helps set the vibe of your upcoming year. Ask yourself: How do I want to feel this year? Confident? Grounded? Free? Loved? There’s no right or wrong answer here—this is entirely about you and who you want to become. Once you choose your word or intention (like glow, peace, power, or alignment), let it guide your actions, routines, and boundaries. Ask yourself constantly, “Would my best self do this?” or “How would my best self behave?”
Step 3: Prioritize Inner Glow (Self-Care Reset)
Self-care isn’t all facemasks and spa treatments. Real glow ups start from within. Now is the time to start taking your self-care seriously:
- Hydrate like it’s your job: Glowing skin needs water. Add lemon, cucumber, or mint for extra flavor.
- Nourish your body: Fuel yourself with foods that energize and make you feel good, and ditch the junk food.
- Fix your sleep schedule: Rest is essential for mood, skin, and mental clarity. Try to get 8 hours every night.
- Move daily: Whether it’s yoga, dancing, or a simple walk—movement boosts your mood and confidence.
Step 4: Declutter Your Space and Mind
Reducing clutter instantly makes us feel good. Let go of the old to make space for the new. It helps boost your focus, peace, and clarity.
- Declutter your closet: Keep only what you feel amazing in. Donate the rest.
- Delete digital junk: Old photos, apps, messages—if it drains your energy, it’s time to let go. Unsubscribe from all those emails too.
- Unfollow with love: Remove accounts that make you feel “less than.” Your energy is too precious. Follow uplifting accounts that make you feel good when you see their posts.
Step 5: Upgrade Your Look (Just for YOU)
Glowing up on the outside is one of the best ways to build your confidence. Know in your mind who the person is you want to be and allow yourself to show this on the outside. This isn’t about anybody else but yourself. Try out some of these tips for an instant glow:
- Get a new hairstyle or color
- Try a new makeup look or skincare routine
- Refresh your wardrobe with a few staple pieces you LOVE
- Accessorize with intention—jewelry, nails, even a cute bag can elevate your vibe
Step 6: Rewrite Your Story (Mindset Shift)
Shifting your mindset to a more positive one helps you achieve anything you want in life. Letting go of old limiting beliefs such as “I am getting old” or “I should have achieved more by now” is essential to move forward. Replace these negative beliefs with positive, uplifting messages such as:
- “I am exactly where I am meant to be”
- “Everything always works out for me”
- “This year, I choose myself”
Your mind creates your reality—so feed it with thoughts that match the life you want to create, and amazing things WILL happen for you this year.
Step 7: Create a Vision for Your Next Year
Making your new set of goals is one of the most exciting parts of the glow up. Write down 3 goals for your new year that are the most important to you. Then create a vision board—either digital or physical—so you can feel your goals. Once you’ve done this, plan monthly check-ins to stay aligned and keep making progress towards these goals.
Your Birthday, Your Energy, Your Power
Glow ups aren’t about perfection—they are about a process of becoming who you are meant to become. Take time to reflect on your life to have your best year yet!
So take this birthday as a sign—it’s your time. Celebrate how far you’ve come and set intentions for how you want to grow. Because when you show up for yourself, life shows up for you, too. 🌟