There’s nothing more exciting than that summer feeling – when the days are getting longer and warmer, and you can’t help but daydream about your next beach day or booked trip! But wait – before you dive into full vacation mode, don’t you want to glow from the inside out and feel your absolute best this summer?
After all, that’s why you’re here: to know how to enter summer feeling and looking your best! Right? Well, then you’re in the right spot!
In this article, you’ll learn how to have a full glow-up before summer: mentally, physically, and spiritually.
So, are you ready for the ultimate glow-up? Then, let’s get started!
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Last updated on April 26, 2025
What Is a Glow-Up?
A glow-up is much more than a new haircut or fresh tan. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
While many approach a glow-up as purely a physical transformation, I believe it’s more than just that.
It’s creating long-lasting and positive change so you can get one step closer to living your dream life!
Sure, you can glow physically. But the real magic happens when you do the inner work. Guess what? It’s the inner work that matters the most!
That’s why, in this article, you’ll learn how to level up not only physically, but also mentally and spiritually.
You’re entering the era of a full glow-up – and, don’t worry: you can get it all done before summer! 😉
Week 1: Summer Glow-Up for Your Mind
Let’s start from here, as the real glow-up starts within.
📌 SHORT ON TIME? PIN IT FOR LATER! 📌
Create a summer vision board
Who says vision boards are just for January?
The excitement of entering a new season (of life) doesn’t have to happen only once a year.
There’s no better way to enter the new season than creating a new vision board.
Allow yourself to feel excited for what’s to come.
Dare to dream big.
Let your desires guide you in the summer months.
Why shouldn’t you?
This is your sign to go on Pinterest and search for cute, inspiring, and aesthetic images that best portray your vibe this summer.
It’s time for you to manifest your dream summer!
Write new affirmations for summer
Another practice to include in your glow-up checklist is writing a new set of affirmations to guide yourself throughout the new season.
When writing your new affirmations, here are some thoughtful questions you should ask yourself:
- How do I want to feel this summer?
- Who do I want to become?
- What mindset do I want to have?
For example, let’s say you want to be more spontaneous and go with the flow. Some affirmations to support you toward your goal are:
- “Even when things are uncertain, I feel good.”
- “I let go of any expectations and the need to control everything, and am open to receiving what life has in store for me.”
- “I am calm amongst chaos.”
Read more self-help books
Now that summer is finally around the corner, I’m sure you’ll have more free time you can (hopefully) spend doing what you love the most with the people you love.
Taking advantage of this free time to sneak in some reading is another simple yet great way to glow up! Here are some ways to effortlessly read more this summer:
- Just take your book or e-book to the beach
- Swap the late-night scrolling for a quick reading session
- Use your idle time to read a few pages
- Adopt a morning routine that allows you to start your day slowly
- Turn off the TV and go to the park, taking your favorite book with you (other than some snacks ;))
Need ideas? Check out: “The 5 Self-Help Books That Will Change Your Life”!
Week 2: Summer Glow-Up for Your Body
Now that you’ve done the basic inner work, let’s move on to your physical glow-up!
Prioritize any type of movement you like
Say goodbye to those sweaty, HIIT workouts you dread and hello to any form of movement you truly enjoy.
There is no reason to keep doing something you don’t like – whether that’s a job, a hobby, or a workout.
If you want to have a real glow-up, this summer, make sure you engage in sports and activities you like and see yourself doing in the long run!
Swapping your daily run for a 45-minute walk? Awesome!
Giving up on your HIIT training to embrace low-impact pilates workouts? Sounds great!
Canceling your membership to the gym because you want (and can) do yoga at the beach? OMG, that’s such a dream – please do it!
Still, if you thrive the most and feel your best only after running and sweating, then keep doing it! (Who am I to tell you to give it up?)
The point is to tune in with your body and give it what it needs and craves, rather than what you think is right.
Eat nourishing and balanced meals
You know how the saying goes:
“You are what you eat.”
The fastest way to feel like crap is to…eat crap.
The fastest way to feel your best? Eating what makes you feel your best!
Eating balanced meals is all about giving your body what it needs to properly function, while also nourishing your mind and soul.
Craving a piece of chocolate? Eat it!
Want to cool down with a yummy smoothie? Go for it!
In the mood for a Sunday bagel with your gals? Tell them you’re on the way!
It’s all about balance, not restriction.
While you satisfy your cravings, also make sure to take in the right nutrients. Here are a few examples of how you can easily do that:
- Shred that piece of chocolate on top of a yogurt bowl, together with your favorite fruits
- Sneak some leafy greens into your smoothies
- Enjoy your time (and bagel) with your gals guilt-free, because there’s no need to stress over how many carbs you’re eating. Just be present and have fun!
Which brings me to the next point…
Embrace self-love
The best thing you could do for your body this summer? Stop hating it.
Exercising shouldn’t be a punishment, but a way to see what amazing things your body is capable of.
You shouldn’t fit into your clothes; rather, your clothes should fit into you.
Your flaws don’t make you unworthy of love; rather, they make you unique and even more special.
What if you looked in the mirror and, for only once, didn’t want to change anything about yourself? You’re perfect the way you are.
Tell yourself how beautiful you are. Feel the love within. Speak kindly to yourself.
Why? Being at war with your body, your image, and yourself won’t make you feel better.
The real, physical glow-up happens only once you embrace yourself for exactly who you are right now, knowing that you can improve, but still not letting that stop you from loving yourself.
Self-love is the best glow-up.
Week 3: Summer Glow-Up for Your Soul
Finally, it’s time to reconnect with your highest self thanks to a spiritual glow-up!
Live more, scroll less
This summer, please don’t forget to live your life as you envy the one of others.
When a quick scroll on social media makes you feel worse, it could mean two things. It’s either:
- You’re following the wrong people
- You’re unhappy with your life
It’s simple to solve the first problem: you can unfollow, mute, or block.
The second problem, instead, is quite more complicated…
You first need to get brutally honest with yourself and understand what you don’t like about your life and what you can do about it.
When you don’t like your situation, there are two things you can do:
- Change your reality
- Change your perspective
The problem with social media is that everyone else’s life seems more fun, glamorous, and exciting, right?
But remember that what you see online is only a snippet of someone’s life. You see only what they want you to see.
Do you want to know how to instantly feel better? Put down the phone. Stop scrolling, start living.
Embrace intentional living
Living with intention means choosing happiness and calm over chaos and distraction.
Summer is the perfect season for slowing down and allowing for spontaneity to flow in your life.
Living intentionally means choosing for your life, without letting others’ expectations dictate your choices.
Read here: “How to Lead a More Intentional Life”
Start journaling for clarity
The final way to glow up this summer is to get into the habit of journaling.
Journaling is one of the most powerful self-discovery tools.
I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. Why? Because it helped me get clarity on who I am, what I value most, and what I want out of life!
If you’re feeling lost in life, journaling can help you find your way.
You don’t have to avoid your thoughts and feelings.
You don’t have to run away from your desires.
The healthiest coping mechanism to make sense of the chaos you feel is writing it all down.
Don’t know where to start? Grab my free “50 Journal Prompts for Deep Self-Discovery”
Conclusion
That’s all from me today!
Remember: the best glow up is the one that happens from the inside out!
I hope this post gave you some inspiration for your summer glow-up so that (hopefully) you can feel, look, and be your best!
⭐️ Ready for your major glow up? ⭐️
I’m taking on a challenge, and I want you to do the same!
Read the full article “30-Day Glow Up: Transform Your Life” and grab your FREE worksheet to follow along. Let’s glow up together!
Q: “What’s your area of focus for this summer glow-up? Is it your mind, body, or soul?” – Let me know in a comment! 🙂
Until next time,
Just in time for SUMMER!!! Thank you for plugging in the blender right now to make a spinach and fruit smoothy and popping open my journal! Thanks for the inspirational pep talk.
You’re welcome!
Beautifully written.
Thank you 🙂
Great ideas for the summer. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you like them 🙂
Great read! Really love your aesthetic of your blog too!
Thank you so much Ash! 🙂
I am such a supporter of self care and glow up. In today’s world we do not stop very often and live in the moment never mind looking after ourselves. Thank you for the reminder.
We cannot pour from an empty cup!