If you want to live your dream life, you have to be willing to do things that most people are not willing to do.
Entering your 30s often feels like standing at a crossroads, where the choices you make can significantly shape the next decades of your life.
Imagine waking up every day feeling more confident, healthier, and truly comfortable in your own skin.
Honestly, the idea of a glow up in your 30s to me started just with superficial changes; it then became about embracing a transformation that radiates from within.
A true glow-up guide integrates mental and emotional growth, leading to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
In your 30s, you have the maturity to understand yourself better and the determination to make lasting changes that reflect your true potential.
Here are 20 practical and impactful steps that I’ve implemented and have defined glowing up in my 30s.
1.Glow Up Your Skincare Routine
Essential beauty routine products to incorporate. As you enter your 30s, updating your skincare routine becomes essential to address the evolving needs of your skin.
How to start a skincare routine? Start by knowing your skin type and incorporating anti-aging products like retinoids and antioxidant serums to promote cell turnover and protect against environmental damage.
Hydration is crucial, so opt for a good gel moisturizer and always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with spf 50 or higher to guard against UV rays.
Consistency and a holistic approach, including a balanced diet and proper sleep, will ensure your skin remains healthy and glowing up throughout your 30s.
2.Invest in Quality Hair Care
Hair health tips
Investing in high quality hair care products is crucial. Your hair may show signs of aging at 30, such as dryness and thinning.
Begin by choosing shampoos and conditioners that are free from harsh sulfates and packed with nourishing ingredients like keratin, biotin, and natural oils to strengthen and hydrate your hair. Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments and hair masks to restore moisture and repair damage.
Protect your hair from heat styling tools by using heat protectant sprays and opt for gentler styling methods when possible.
Best way to protect your hair while sleeping
Protect your hair while sleeping this will help prevent damage, reduce frizz, and promote healthier, more manageable hair.
By prioritizing high-quality hair care products and practices, you can ensure your hair stays healthy, shiny, and resilient throughout your 30s.
3.Refresh Your Wardrobe
Refreshing your wardrobe in your 30s involves knowing how to build a versatile wardrobe by curating a collection of versatile, timeless pieces that reflect your evolving personal style and professional needs.
Start by decluttering your closet, donating or selling items that no longer fit or feel outdated. Focus on quality over quantity, investing in classic staples such as well-fitted blazers, tailored trousers, versatile dresses, and comfortable yet stylish shoes.
Incorporate a few trendy accessories and statement pieces to keep your look current and expressive.
Pay attention to fit and tailoring; well-tailored clothing can enhance your appearance and boost confidence.
By building a refined and functional wardrobe, you can effortlessly dress for any occasion with style and confidence, making every day in your 30s a fashionable one.
4.Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining both your skin’s radiance and your overall well-being.
What happens if you don’t drink enough water long term
Proper hydration helps keep your skin plump, smooth, and glowing, while also supporting vital bodily functions such as digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.
Drinking enough water can also improve your energy levels and concentration.
Best way to drink more water
Carry a Water Bottle: Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day as a constant reminder to drink.
Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or apps to remind you to take a sip regularly.
Infuse Your Water: Add a slice of lemon, cucumber, or a few mint leaves to make your water more appealing.
Eat Water-Rich Foods: Include foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables, in your diet.
Track Your Intake: Use a journal or an app to track how much water you drink each day.
Creative ways to drink more water
Infuse with Fruits and Herbs
3 Ways to flavor your water.
- Lemon and Mint Infused Water
Ingredients: 1 sliced lemon, a few fresh mint leaves
Instructions: Add the lemon slices and mint leaves to a pitcher of water. Let it infuse for at least 30 minutes. The lemon adds a zesty flavor, while mint gives it a cooling, refreshing taste. - Strawberry and Basil Infused Water
Ingredients: 4-5 sliced strawberries, a handful of fresh basil leaves
Instructions: Add strawberries and basil to a water pitcher and let it infuse for an hour. The strawberries bring natural sweetness, while basil adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. - Cucumber hint water
Ingredients: 1/2 sliced cucumber, 1 sliced lime
Instructions: Mix the cucumber and lime slices in water and chill for 30 minutes. This combination gives a crisp, hydrating flavor that’s perfect for a refreshing boost.
Set Fun Hydration Challenges
Try to make a game out of it. There are fun little bottles with hourly goals.
Use a Water-Drinking App with Rewards
5.Adopt a Balanced Diet
As we enter our 30s, maintaining a balanced diet becomes crucial for supporting your overall health, energy levels, and long-term wellness. This stage of life brings specific nutritional needs that help sustain your body’s functions, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent chronic diseases.
Nutritional Needs in Your 30s:
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and maintenance, especially as muscle mass naturally begins to decline. Here’s my favorite high protein cook book.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for bone health to prevent osteoporosis later in life.
Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight by keeping you fuller for longer.
Healthy Fats: Supports brain health and hormone production; focus on sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
Antioxidants: Protects your cells from damage and supports your immune system; found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Current advice on healthy eating
Plan Your Meals: Prepare a weekly meal plan that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods to ensure you’re meeting all your dietary needs with time you will notice that it will reduce body weight naturally.
Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating while ensuring you get enough nutrients.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support all bodily functions and help control hunger.
Include All Food Groups: Make sure your meals include a balance of proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.
Limit Processed Foods: Reduce intake of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, as they can lead to health issues over time.
Listen to Your Body: Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Stay Consistent: Focus on making gradual changes that you can stick with long-term rather than drastic, short-term diets.
By adopting a balanced and sustainable diet, you can enjoy improved energy levels, better health, and a stronger foundation for the decades to come. Our self care 30s are a great time to invest in our health with smart, nutritious choices!
Part of the changes I decided to make for my glow up was I started working with a trainer who introduced me to a high protein diet.
Check out my article about how I GOT RID OF THAT STUBBORN BELLY FAT WITH A HIGH-PROTEIN DIET
6.Exercise Regularly
Create healthy daily habits by engaging in regular physical activity. Offering a wide array of benefits for both your body and mind.
The key to reaping these rewards is finding a workout routine that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, ensuring consistency and enjoyment.
As someone who works from home getting a walking pad has been the best investment, I get to get my steps right at home.
Starting new workout routine that suits your new Glow Up Lifestyle:
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your workouts as needed to avoid injury and ensure you’re getting the most out of your exercise.
Set Realistic Goals: Start with achievable goals and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to stay motivated and avoid burnout.
Assess Your Interests: Choose activities you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, swimming, hiking, or a team sport, to make exercise something you look forward to.
7.Prioritize Sleep
When I think about how to have me time good sleep is one of the things that comes to mind. Achieving restful and restorative sleep on your time off is vital for your overall health. By adopting healthy sleep habits, you can improve the quality of your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
8. Regular Health Check-Ups
Routine health screenings are essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. These screenings help detect potential health issues early, often before symptoms appear, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatments. Regular health check-ups are a proactive approach to healthcare, offering numerous benefits.
Key Screenings to Consider:
Blood Pressure Checks
Cholesterol Levels
Blood Sugar Tests
Cancer Screenings
Bone Density Tests
Vision and Hearing Tests
9.Practice Self-Care
By incorporating self-care into your daily routine, you can manage stress, improve your physical and mental health, and foster a sense of balance and fulfillment.
Balance Different Types of self care for 30 year old woman
Physical Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote physical health, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep.
Emotional Self-Care: Practice activities that help you process and express emotions, such as talking to a friend, journaling, or creative hobbies.
Mental Self-Care: Stimulate your mind with activities like reading, puzzles, or learning something new.
Social Self-Care: Spend time with loved ones and nurture your social connections.
10.Cultivate Positivity
Start by practicing gratitude daily, its always important to appreciate what you have.
Focusing on the positive aspects of your life, and acknowledging small victories to help your individual growth plan.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies, exercise, or volunteering, which can boost your mood and foster a sense of purpose.
11.Set Personal Goals
Goals provide direction and purpose, helping you to focus your efforts and resources on what truly matters to you.
They motivate you to take action, fostering a sense of accomplishment and progress as you achieve each milestone.
3 Ideas for personal growth
Setting specific goals
Be Specific: Clearly outline what you want to achieve, avoiding vague or broad statements.
Set Measurable Targets: Include quantifiable criteria to track your progress.
Break Down Goals into Manageable Steps
Create Milestones: Divide the goal into smaller, actionable tasks.
Set Short-Term Objectives: Focus on immediate steps that lead towards the larger goal.
Stay Committed and Consistent
Daily Habits: Integrate goal-related activities into your daily routine.
Track Progress: Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
12.Engage in Lifelong Learning
Platforms like Audible offer audiobooks that can be listened to on the go, making it easy to learn while commuting or exercising.
Listen to podcasts that cover topics of interest, ranging from science and history to self-improvement and business.
13.Seek Therapy or Counseling
Therapy, in particular, offers a safe space to explore and understand your emotions, identify and change negative patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
By addressing past traumas and building self-esteem, therapy empowers you to overcome obstacles and pursue personal goals with confidence.
14.Strengthen Relationships
This might be the easiest point in the glow up guide. We know strong personal relationships are vital for emotional support, mental well-being, and overall happiness.
They provide a sense of belonging and reduce stress by offering comfort and companionship. Positive relationships also encourage healthier lifestyle choices, contributing to better physical health and longevity.
15.Network Professionally
Networking opens doors to job opportunities, often through referrals and recommendations from your connections.
A robust professional network can offer mentorship and guidance, helping you navigate your career path with advice from experienced professionals.
It fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas, leading to innovative solutions and business growth
16.Engage in Hobbies and Interests
Socially, hobbies can lead to new friendships and community engagement, enriching your social life.
To find things to do in your free time at home, start by exploring various interests, setting realistic goals, and dedicating regular time to these activities.
By prioritizing and integrating hobbies into your routine, you can enjoy a richer, more balanced, and fulfilling life.