Let’s get one thing straight: wellness doesn’t mean spending your life in athleisure while sipping on green juice and pretending you like it. Real wellness is about doing the little things that make you feel like you’ve got your life (kind of) together—even when everything else is on fire. So, grab your favorite drink (mine’s a sugar cookie latte, in case you were wondering), and let’s talk about how to glow from the inside out.

1. Hydration, But Make It Fun

Yes, we’re starting with water. Why? Because it’s boring but important—like flossing. Staying hydrated makes your skin glow, keeps your brain working, and even gives you more energy. But if plain water makes you feel like you’re being punished, jazz it up. Add lemon slices, berries, or cucumber for a little pizzazz. Feeling extra? Add a splash of Sakara Beauty Water Drops (they make your water look fancy and give you a hydration boost).

And if you want to be an overachiever, add a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to your water—it helps your body absorb it better so you’re not just peeing every five minutes.

Also, if you feel snacky all the time, try drinking water first. Your body loves to play mind games, and half the time, you’re just dehydrated, not actually hungry.

Hydrated skin? Check. Better mood? Check. A smug sense of superiority because you’re “taking care of yourself”? Double check.

2. Move Your Body (Without It Feeling Like Punishment)

You do not need to spend an hour on the treadmill staring at the clock like you’re serving a prison sentence. Movement should feel good. Take a ten-minute walk, stretch between meetings, or put on your favorite hype playlist and move like you just got the best news of your life. Bonus points if you add pilates before bed—it’s like telling your body, “Hey, let’s calm down now.”

If you really want a sneaky hack, try soleus push-ups (aka lifting your heels while sitting). Science says this tiny movement helps regulate blood sugar and burns calories without even trying. Yes, you can literally boost your metabolism while binge-watching Love Island. We love efficiency.

3. Gratitude: The Cheat Code for Feeling Good

I know, I know. Gratitude sounds like something people say while drinking matcha and lighting candles, but hear me out. Practicing gratitude is scientifically proven to lower stress, help you sleep better, and make you happier. And you don’t need to write a 500-word essay about your feelings every morning. Just list three things you’re grateful for. Want to take it up a notch? Say them out loud.

Yes, you’ll feel ridiculous at first. No, your mirror won’t judge you. But here’s the thing—your brain actually listens when you say things out loud, and the more you focus on the good, the more your mind makes space for it. Also, gratitude has been linked to lower inflammation, which means better skin, better digestion, and fewer days where you wake up feeling like a potato.

4. Snack Like You Care About Yourself

Snacks should fuel you, not betray you. If your go-to snack comes in a crinkly bag and leaves you feeling like a sleepy, bloated mess ten minutes later, we need to talk. The trick is pairing carbs with protein or healthy fats so your blood sugar doesn’t spike and crash.

Apple slices with almond butter? A dream team. Dark chocolate-covered almonds? Instant brain fuel. Greek yogurt with honey and cinnamon? Gut health magic.

And let’s address the constant snack attacks. Before you raid the fridge, ask yourself: Am I actually hungry, or am I just bored? If you’re bored, drink some water and go do something fun for ten minutes. If you’re still thinking about that snack, eat it. Simple.

Also, a bedtime snack with protein can prevent you from waking up groggy. A handful of almonds, Greek yogurt, or even a boiled egg (if you’re feeling ambitious) will keep your blood sugar steady overnight.

5. Unplug Before You Spiral

Look, I get it. You tell yourself you’ll check one notification, and suddenly, it’s 1 a.m., and you’re deep in an internet hole about why otters hold hands when they sleep (adorable, but unnecessary information).

You cannot scroll your way to inner peace. If your phone is the first thing you check in the morning and the last thing you see before bed, your stress levels are probably through the roof. Charge it across the room at night so you’re not doom-scrolling before bed and waking up to emails before your brain is even functional.

And if you really want to start your day feeling like your best self, wait 30 minutes before looking at your phone in the morning. Your stress levels will drop, and you’ll start your day on your terms—not reacting to a million notifications the second your eyes open.

Final Thoughts

Wellness doesn’t mean turning into a wellness influencer who only eats chia pudding and takes cold plunges for fun. It’s about small, smart choices that actually work for you.

Drink your water, but make it fun. Move in ways that don’t make you miserable. Hype yourself up like your best friend would. Eat like you actually like yourself. And maybe put your phone down before you spiral into a TikTok rabbit hole.

The glow-up isn’t in perfection—it’s in the little things you do every day. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and let the magic happen.

Your Espresso to Glow Pep Talk: You deserve moments of peace and joy. Take them.