LIFE

A new year is always the perfect time for a fresh start. After all, who doesn't love a good glow-up? But when the sparkles have settled and you stop writing the wrong date on all your assignments (oops), it can be *so* tough to maintain that motivation and focus on the goals you've set. Struggling to stay refreshed? Have no fear—we're here to help! Get your "new year, new you" glow on with these tips.

Make a change

The easiest way to stay refreshed? By changing things up, ofc! Maybe you've always wanted to cut your hair shorter or dye it a different color. You might want to add a bolder trend to your makeup routine or revamp your closet with a style switch-up. This is your opportunity to try out a new look while still staying your same awesome self. Get ready for an instant confidence boost!

Try something new

New year, new experiences! Have you always wanted to try out for the school musical, but kept your fab singing skills contained to the shower or the front seat of your car? Are you super interested in joining that creative writing club or debate team? Do you want to jazz up your workouts with a yoga class? Well, grab your planner or open up your Google Calendar—now's your chance to make your sched shine with a brand-new hobby. And who knows? You might even meet some of your goals in the process.

Check in with yourself

It's always great to check in with yourself, but it's especially key when you're making some changes. Take time every day to focus on yourself and how you feel. Whether it's journaling, practicing mindfulness or simply paying attention to how you're feeling in the moment (and being totally honest about it), it's super important to be your own best friend and show yourself some love during this transitional time. 

Unplug when you need to

Sometimes, focusing too much on what everyone else is doing can distract you from being your best self. So you're still polishing up your college apps, but your classmate just got in early decision to their dream school. Or one of your New Year's resolutions is to travel more often, and your bestie just went on a cool trip over winter break. You're *so* happy for them—but you still kind of feel like you could be doing more. If you find yourself playing the comparison game on social media way too often, don't be afraid to step away from the screen for as long as you need to. Giving yourself time to recharge will help you return to your goals with a fresh new perspective!

Do what makes you happy

The best way to make your glow even brighter is by focusing on everything you already enjoy. Maybe you have a great support system in your friends and fam, or you want to spotlight your own amaze traits and talents. You don't need to totally transform yourself in order to be the person you want to be in the new year—sometimes you just have to go after the path that makes you the happiest and remember that the rest will follow. After all, it's pretty easy to stay motivated when you're doing what you love!

In need of some extra inspo? We've got you covered:

✨ 5 impressive questions to ask at your next interview
✨ How to give back and create change in your community
✨ How to have better boundaries

How are you glowing up your life in 2023? Tell us on Twitter @girlslifemag!

All GIFs via GIPHY
Slider image: @jennibrhodes

by Samara Smukler | 1/1/2023