I do not believe in the typical idea of a “glow-up”. All the videos on how to feel better by making yourself look better? They only ever scratch the surface and don’t solve the real issue. If you feel like you need a glow-up, are you wanting to focus outwardly or are you looking for a thorough emotional recharge? If you picked the latter, welcome! I’m not here to tell you to hit the gym, to drink more water or to eat clean. Here are a few tips on how to recharge your emotional battery when you’ve put your mental health on the back burner. Focusing on your mental health is just as important as anything else happening in your life.
The Solo-Date
This concept has been circulating around social media for quite some time, but once I started doing it, there was no looking back! Every month, pick a day that you don’t have any plans for. Pick out a cute but comfortable outfit and challenge yourself to go out alone for the day. It can be a little nerve-wracking at first, but you will begin to settle in quickly and realise that the world around us isn’t so scary.
Want some fun ideas? For me, a typical solo date begins with an art gallery or a museum trip. You don’t have to stay for long, just look around you and take it all in. Afterwards, why not head to a bookshop and pick up something new to read? (I recommend both The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, and Girl Crush by Florence Given). Then, find a quiet cafe to curl up in, and order a cup of tea and a slice of cake (Life is far too short not to eat cake!). Find a nice place to walk to, or go home and do absolutely nothing! I’m talking Netflix in bed, cosy socks, and a comforting meal.
Get Creative!
Stop putting your creative side on hold! Anyone can make something creative if they put their mind to it. Being creative doesn’t just mean making an art piece. Whilst painting, sketching and drawing are all possibilities, there are many other ways to immerse yourself into creativity. Writing and journaling is a great way to free your mind without the expectations of others. It requires no pressure, no time restraints, just you and your creative mind.
Makeup is also a fantastic way to get creative. Just open that Pinterest board you’ve been saving and experiment with new makeup styles. Take the pressure of perfection off yourself, and just create for the enjoyment of it.
Music
Not only can you just listen to music, you can also experience it on a deeper level or even make it. The ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn and it’s very calming. The kalimba is also incredibly therapeutic. Go have that solo dance party, sing the words into your hairbrush, have some fun! Furthermore, music isn’t limited to staying at home. There are so many live performances all over the place that cost nothing to experience! I’m talking buskers, fun live music at your local pub, or even karaoke with friends.
Cry
Not a joke, seriously. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been so busy with life that you’ve neglected your emotional wellbeing. It can be unhealthy to bury feelings deep down because they will always end up coming out at one moment or another. Containing your feelings is like trying to stop a river from flowing: the dam you’ve built will eventually burst. It is important to let yourself feel, and crying is a perfectly normal emotion. Be kind to yourself in these moments. Take a hot shower, watch a movie, put on cosy clothes. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend: with kindness.
Volunteer
Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding. Finding a position that suits your interests and passions will allow you to feel fulfilled. Need some ideas? Beach clean-ups, hosting museum tours, and working on outreach projects at schools are all ways to give out. Not only are these activities great for personal development and look great on a CV, but they are also perfect opportunities to meet new people and exercise your hobbies.
Life really can be difficult at times, so with the stress that can be thrown at us, it’s important to stay healthy and busy.