As the crisp September air signals the start of a new season, it brings with it the perfect opportunity for a personal glow-up. Whether you're getting ready to tackle the last quarter of the year or simply looking to refresh your routine after the summer, September offers a unique moment to focus on self-care, self-improvement, and renewal. I absolutely love all things about fall, and I'm sure there are many of you who do so as well! If you were looking for ways to have a glow up this coming season,here’s your ultimate guide to achieving that September glow-up, from mental well-being to physical rejuvenation.
Reflect and Set Intentions
September is a month of transition, making it the ideal time to pause, reflect, and set new intentions. We are approaching the latter quarter of the year. Now is an auspicious time to think about the goals you want to achieve by the end of the year. Whether it’s improving your health, mental well-being,building better habits, or achieving a work-life balance, write them down. This will serve as a roadmap for your glow-up journey.
Useful tip: I have found that journaling is a highly efficient tool to track your progress and stay motivated. Daily or weekly reflections can help you stay aligned with your goals.
Revamp Your Skincare Routine
As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine.This is a must for both men and women. The cooler weather in September can make our skin feel dry and dull, so it's essential to switch up your products for optimal results.
- Hydration is Key: Opt for a heavier moisturizer to combat dryness.
- Exfoliate Regularly: This helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, glowing complexion.
- Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Summer: Continue to protect your skin from UV rays, even in cooler weather.
DIY Skincare Tip: Try a honey and yogurt mask for a natural, hydrating boost.I have personally tried this and I can assure you it works miracles!
Fall into Fitness
If you're anything like me,the lazy days of summer might have led to a less consistent fitness routine, which has led to the unfortunate gain of a few extra kilos.September is the perfect time to get back on track. With the weather being neither too hot nor too cold, outdoor activities become much more enjoyable, so you could start by taking more frequent walks, alone or with friends. As long as you add more movement into your daily routine, you'll immediately notice the difference both in your body as well as in your mood and increased clarity.
- Try Something New: Whether it’s a yoga class, pilates, or a running club, now is the time to experiment with different forms of exercise.
- Set a Challenge: Consider signing up for a charity run or setting a personal fitness goal to keep you motivated. You don't even have to set the bar too high at first. Start small and work your way up to more complex and difficult goals. It's that one small step that you need to take. The rest will take care of itself.
Fitness Hack: Again, if you're anything like me,time can be tight.Try to incorporate short, high-intensity workouts that can be done in 20 minutes or less. Even a small amount of movement per day is better than doing nothing.
Nourish from Within
What you put into your body has a huge impact on how you feel and look. September’s harvest brings a bounty of nutritious foods that can enhance your glow-up and make you feel amazing in your body.
- Seasonal Superfoods: Try to incorporate apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens into your meals. These foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that promote healthy skin and boost energy levels.
- Hydrate: I know all too well that cooler weather can sometimes reduce our thirst, but staying hydrated is key for maintaining glowing skin and high energy levels.If you can't consume 3 litres of water daily, than aim for the 8 glasses of water recommended by doctors and nutritionists alike.
Recipe Idea: I am a big fan of soups. A great idea is to make a warm bowl of butternut squash soup with a side of kale salad.It is a perfect fall meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. If, however, you do not have access to these foods or if they are not your cup of tea, any kind of soup is amazing for those cool fall evenings!
Declutter and Organize
It is an indisputable fact that a clear space leads to a clear mind. September is a great time to declutter your home, workspace, and last, but not least, your digital life.
- Tidy Up: You know it all too well. Our closets are full of clothes that are either too old,too small or just not useful anymore.No better place to start —switch out summer clothes for fall attire and donate items you no longer wear.
- Digital Detox: Clean up your inbox, organize your desktop, and unfollow accounts that don’t bring you joy or inspiration.
Organizing Tip: I find the “three-box method” for decluttering extremely useful: one box for items to keep, one for donations, and one for things to toss.
Mindful Practices for Mental Glow
A glow-up isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good too.After all, our glow-up starts from within.Aim to incorporate mindful practices into your daily routine to nurture your mental well-being.This, in turn, will have a ripple effect in all other areas of your life, making it more wholesome and healthy.
- Meditation: Even just five minutes a day can reduce stress and improve focus.So far, I have managed to meditate for 10 minutes daily. It's worked wonders in my mood and efficiency!
- Gratitude: Start a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re thankful for each day. This simple practice can shift your mindset and boost positivity.I can definitely attest to this. I have a previous blog post on the subject of gratitude, with much more of the benefits it brings. I hope it is of use to you.
- Gratitude and goal setting
- 11 Journalling benefits and prompts to get you started
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Mental Health Tip: In our technology crazed era, try to limit your screen time, especially on social media, to reduce anxiety and comparison.It has been proven that excessive exposure to screens is conducive to limited focus span and depression, among others.Opt to have a discussion with a friend, call someone you haven't spoken to in a while, or just go out for a walk.
Refresh Your Wardrobe
With the changing season, September is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe. Embrace the cozy, stylish vibes of fall fashion.
- Layer Up: Invest in a few versatile pieces like a chic trench coat, cozy sweaters, and stylish boots.
- Play with Textures: Mix and match different fabrics like wool, leather, and denim to create a dynamic look.
- You can also play around with colors or techniques with your nails or make-up or try a fresh, fall hairstyle.
Style Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with autumnal colors—deep burgundies, burnt oranges, and forest greens are all the rage this season.
Conclusion: Embrace the September Glow-Up!
September offers a golden opportunity to reset, recharge, and rediscover your best self. Whether you're focusing on skincare, fitness, or mental well-being, remember that a true glow-up comes from within. Embrace this month as a time to nurture your body, mind, and soul, and get ready to receive compliments as you radiate confidence and positivity for the rest of the year!
With love and light,
Lia
