10 wellness tips for your summer glow up

Now let me start by getting the rudimentaries out of the way. You are beautiful just the way you are, you don’t need to change, love you for you, yada yada… This article is’t about changing yourself or making you feel bad for the way you are. This article is here to give you some easy tips and tricks to help you feel like your best self over the summer. 

I don’t know about you, but the vibes are vibing this summer. I can’t quite put my finger on why. Is it that we are finally far enough away from the post COVID shudder bubble that it really is starting to feel like a distant memory? Or is it because this winter was so cold and miserable this year that we’re all desperate for a scrap of sunshine? I honestly don’t know why, but I just have a deep craving to have a great and memorable summer (2016 anyone?). 

Because of my cheery, summery, mood, I wanted to compile a list of glow up tips that will make you also feel like your most cheerful, summery self. I feel like this summer really is a chance to seize the moment and go out and live your life, however that may look. 

1. Do a brain dump on who the best version of you is this summer

Okay, I know it sounds silly but hear me out. Get a blank piece of paper, a notebook or a journal and just braindump every single thing on there that speaks to the absolute best version of you who has had the most fabulous summer. 

What is she wearing?

Who is she hanging out with? 

How does she feel when she wakes up in the morning? 

What is her morning routine?

How does she spend her evenings? 

This should be fun and uplifting, just write down whatever comes up when you think of how the best version of you would be this summer. 

2. Stretch out your body

Now I’m not telling you to wake up every morning, roll-out a yoga mat, and start stretching for 45 minutes because in all honesty, I couldn’t be arsed. But rolling out the mat and doing some stretches for just ten minutes a couple of times a week can make a huge difference. There are so many benefits to stretching, first of all being that it feels amazing on your muscles. 

Stretching is especially important if you work sitting down, hunched over at a desk. Stretching improves posture, flexibility and blood flow to your muscles. According to Heathline, stretching is also a great way to reduce stress. This has been a lifesaver for me because something I do when I’m stressed is tense my shoulders and clench my jaw. Stretching has been such a massive help in alleviating the muscle pain that I now associate with stress. 

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do, have a look on YouTube, there are some great tutorials and stretching videos. I suggest stretching out somewhere in your house that gets some sun and putting on some calming music, you’ll feel like a million bucks after.

3. Drink lemon water

Okay so this one is super basic, but I had to include it. There are so many benefits to drinking lemon water, first of all being that the novelty of having lemon in your water will make you drink more water. It also looks cute if you have a water bottle that’s clear (trivial, I know, but still). 

Citrus fruits also contain vitamin C which has a range of benefits including your body’s ability to absorb iron and reduce inflammation. Drinking lemon water can also aid in digestion, so it’s great to drink before meals. 

If you want to spruce it up, you can also add some mint, honey and even some cucumber for some added benefits. 

4. Invest in a product that will boost your wellness

Now I know we are all feeling the strain with the cost of living at the moment. The fact that my cat’s kitty litter seems to go up in price every time I purchase it is how I monitor the economy. It’s not looking good. 

That aside, I think making a purchase that is going towards your health is always a good thing. Whether you’ve had your eye on a pair of proper running shoes that won’t leave blisters on your feet or a greens powder that will help increase your veggie intake or a few pilates classes to help motivate you to get into the gym, make the purchase. If you’re going to treat yourself, why not have it be for something that benefits your health and wellbeing? 

Also, why deny yourself the pleasure of the rush that comes along with purchasing something? Even better, because you can enjoy your new purchase guilt free because it’s for the improvement of your health! 

5. Wake up earlier

I know, I know. Not everyone is an early riser and sleep is so important so I always want to encourage you to stay in bed long enough to feel well-rested. But if it takes going to bed a little earlier so you can wake up that earlier, trust me, it’s worth it. 

If waking up earlier sounds like a chore, then start small, just ten minutes earlier than your usual alarm. 

Truthfully, I’m a bit of an early bird so I love waking up early in the morning. I love the peace of being the only one awake in the house. I love making myself a cup of coffee, pulling out my journal and enjoying the tranquillity. Especially on weekends. 

Also why not soak up the sun during the summer while you can? It’s certainly better than waking up in dreary darkness like I often do during winter. I love waking up to the sun already shining. 

6. Sunlight first thing in the morning

There are so many benefits for getting a bit of sunlight first thing in the morning. For starters, it’s great to boost your mood, it literally increases your serotonin and contributes to wellbeing, happiness and overall mood. Sunlight exposure first thing in the morning has also been shown to actually improve productivity, focus and concentration. The increase in serotonin helps you feel more positive and alert throughout the day. 

I also feel like getting some sunlight first thing in the morning is such a peaceful and relaxing way to start your morning. You can also combine it with some of the other tips on this list by doing your morning stretching in the sun, or journaling in the sun (with a heavy coat of SPF of course). 

7. Eat more fruit 

There are so many delicious fruits in season over the summer and fruit is such a great way to get natural sugars. There is something so satisfying and refreshing about eating a bowl of fruit on a hot summer’s day. Bananas, grapes, pineapple, watermelon and peaches are just some of the fruits that are in season over summer. 

Fruit is also packed full of vitamins and minerals that can help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular conditions (Eat For Health). The vitamin C contained in fruit can also keep your teeth and gums nice and healthy, producing a gorgeous smile for your summer photo dumps. 

8. Get your brows done

This may be second nature to some, but for a long time, I refused to commit to a regular brow schedule. I think it was a combination of laziness and stinginess, but I was so irregular with getting my brows done and never went to the same place. My brows were a complete mess, but I was used to it so it didn’t bother me. 

That was until I found the most incredible brow lady who completely transformed my brows. Ever since then, I’ve been going like clockwork for my bi-monthly brow transformation and I must say that walking out of there, I feel like a new woman. It’s so worth the investment. 

9. Get a haircut 

I’ve purely included this as a reminder for myself. When it comes to haircuts, I’m an absolute shocker for letting my hair get ratty and gross. I’ve also been growing out my hair for the last two years and it always feels like such a setback in my hair growth journey whenever I get a chop. 

Once I’m actually at the hairdressers, I always feel so much better. It’s such a great way to feel refreshed and ready for a new era. Healthy, glossy hair, also looks and feels fantastic and is a great way to have a mini glow up with minimal work. 

So this is a reminder to you and to myself, book in that haircut! 

10. Join a group fitness class

This is probably the number one thing on this list that I encourage you to do. Not for weight loss, or burning calories or toning your body, but for the community, friendship and joy you can experience. Whether it’s a run club, pilates class, free yoga at your local park, a walking group or zumba, I couldn’t recommend group fitness enough. 

The sense of community at group fitness fills up my cup so much. I’ve tried various different classes and have found different joy in attending each one, I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Not only do you get to meet amazing people, but you feel amazing afterwards. 

Yes, it can feel intimidating to put yourself out there and try something new, especially when it involves meeting new people. But worst case scenario, you don’t enjoy it, you’ve only wasted an hour of your time, you’ve still gotten to work out, and you’ll never have to attend again! 

If you’ve been considering it, then this is your push to sign up. There are so many free options out there too. Give it a go!