Written by Georgia Healey

Excitement is ever-growing as we discuss the eventual return to ‘normal-ish’ life, socialising face-to-face at our favourite spots and seeing our loved ones again. However, many of us feel immense pressure to emerge from lockdown looking and feeling better than ever – even after what has been, for most, a really tough year. Anxiety around ‘post-pandemic glow ups’ and adapting to life after lockdown and restrictions is rife, so we’re here to explain where these feelings have come from, why it’s totally normal to feel this way, and what can be done to ease any ‘glow up’ worries.

Where has the pressure to glow up come from?

First of all, returning to ‘normal’ life is going to be a big change – and who really likes change?

Going from seeing a handful of people IRL, plus a few more over Zoom, to full-on face-to-face interactions is a daunting prospect. We’ve adjusted to life with restrictions, and although we’ll be happy to put this period behind us, it’ll take some time to get used to.

Alongside this looming change, year-long discussions around utilising the lockdown to get our sh*t together, get fit, and glow up have steadily created an atmosphere of stress. As we edge closer to freedom, many of us will be reflecting on the ways we’ve chosen to spend our time. Unfortunately, these reflections can invite us to punish ourselves for not being ‘better’ and fuel panic about the future: “Will people think I look different?”, “What if everyone else has emerged a whole different person?” and “Why didn’t I use this time to get my life together?”.

We’ve also had record amounts of screen time, using video calls, emails, social media and messaging to stay in contact. As a result, we’ve been bombarded with ads that remind us we’ve let ourselves go, but we can still turn it around with a ‘glow up guide’, an at-home exercise plan, a new haircut, or a quick cosmetic procedure.

To top it all off, we’ve had more time than ever to critique our appearances. We’ve spent most of our time at home, just metres away from a full-length mirror, or facing our image at the top right corner of our screens. Being confronted with our reflection all day has bred a new kind of self-consciousness. The so-called ‘imperfections’ that previously went unnoticed have become a source of angst for many of us.

Meanwhile, the images we’re seeing of other people have come to us through a distorted lens; ‘touched up’ Zoom filters, plastic surgery Instagram filters and Facetuned videos are on the rise. Even when calls aren’t augmented, we’re only seeing our peers from the waist up. Comparing ourselves to our colleagues’ and friends’ perfectly-preened upper halves can leave us feeling low, but the truth is, the positioning of their screens is probably disguising pyjama bottoms and a messy bedroom, too.

Why it’s totally normal to feel anxious right now

We need to remind ourselves that what we’re feeling is completely normal; universal, even.

Globally, the pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on mental health and body image, and “large sections of populations around the world are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, stress and loneliness as a result" of it.

In the UK, the Google search term “how to glow up” has risen in popularity by 70% since the beginning of lockdown, while doctors have reported a “tsunami” of people suffering from disordered eating.

The pandemic has been overwhelming and the subsequent stress has manifested itself in many different ways. It’s not surprising that instead of trying to mentally tackle something we can’t fully comprehend (the extent of Covid-19), we’ve turned inward, and tried to change the one thing we think we can – ourselves.

However, we’ve not been without encouragement from brands and social media. It’s also worth remembering that the pressure to ‘glow up’ isn’t new – it’s just been repackaged to take advantage of our current situation. In a recent interview, actress and body activist Jameela Jamil accused diet and beauty brands of “fear mongering people about what they look like and using a pandemic and the global crises to manipulate people into needing aesthetic intervention.”

So, what can you do to ease the glow up anxiety?

1. Remind yourself: meeting up is not an ‘unveiling’

Thinking about meetups and social occasions as a grand unveiling creates masses of pressure. Instead, try and think about the events for what they really are – most likely, a catch up with people that like you for you.

2. Stick to activities that level or improve your mood

If going to a large-scale event or a public place makes you feel stressed, organise something small, like a coffee in the park or a quiet, local cafe. Take control of your plans and don’t abandon the activities you’ve found solace in over lockdown.

3. Take a break from social media (or reassess who you're following)

It’s never been easier to look at other people's lives and compare them to your own. Social media is also awash with self-improvement ads and #hotgirlsummer memes. If spending time in these spaces is having a negative impact on you, take some time out or have a think about the content you’d prefer to see.

4. Remember everyone has been fighting their own battle

For some, staying afloat through the pandemic has meant channeling their energy into getting fit and/or organised, whilst others have done the opposite. It’s important to remember that this is not a reflection on you and everyone has dealt with the lockdown differently. A change in lifestyle or appearance that appears positive to you might be a coping mechanism for someone else. 

5. Be conscious of the conversations you're having

Be conscious not to pass judgement on other people's appearances. Ask people how they feel and have been coping rather than commenting on how they look, even if they appear to have undergone a ‘glow up’. By doing this you can ensure that everyone you talk to feels supported and valued.

6. Finally, do what you can to enjoy yourself!

Life is what happens when you're busy making plans (or worrying about things), and this is no different. Do your best to be in the moment and have fun
 

It’s difficult, but reminding yourself that it’s OK to feel this way is the first step to managing ‘glow up’ anxiety. The bottom line is: ‘glowing up’ or becoming a ‘new you’ is not the answer to this turbulent year. In fact, becoming a ‘new you’ is impossible – you’ll always be you, even if you change the way you look, and you're great as you are.

Right now, your priority should be celebrating your body and mind for getting you through the pandemic. That's an achievement in itself.