When we think of achieving glowing skin, we often focus on serums, cleansers, and diets. And it is true. We know that nutrition but what we eat and the nutrition we put on our skin goes a long way to our skin’s health and our glow. But what if one of the secrets to a radiant complexion and a happier heart lies within your mindset? Gratitude is a powerful tool that not only shifts our perspective but can also impact our physical well-being. A positive mindset reduces stress, promotes better sleep, and balances your body’s systems—ultimately leading to healthier skin.
In this 30-day gratitude challenge, you’ll learn how daily moments of thankfulness can give you a glow from the inside out. If you’ve never been able to get a good gratitude practice going, just try this out. I know you’ll see a difference. I have.
Let’s dive into how practicing gratitude can help your skin glow and heart shine, how all of it will impact the rest of your life and how you can make it a part of your daily life!
How Gratitude Affects Your Skin and Heart
When you regularly focus on what you’re thankful for, it lowers the body’s stress hormones (like cortisol and we are hearing a ton about it in social media lately) which play a significant role in skin issues like acne, inflammation, and premature aging. Less stress equals fewer breakouts, better hydration, and a natural glow! Gratitude also releases “feel-good” hormones like serotonin and dopamine, helping to lower blood pressure and improve overall mood.
Ready for the Challenge?
Here’s how the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge works: each day, you’ll take a small, purposeful step focusing on gratitude. You can do it on your own, or share the journey with a friend to make it even more meaningful.
Day 1: Start a Gratitude Journal
Take a few minutes to jot down three things you’re grateful for. Keep it simple—this will be your morning or evening ritual throughout the challenge. Also, not to start out with rules, but try to be specific. Instead of “I’m grateful for my family” try “I’m grateful that my brother-in-law helped me bring in the firewood.”
Day 2: Thank Your Body
Write a thank-you note to your body. It could be for how it heals after a workout or how your skin protects you daily. Positive affirmations will set the tone for your skin to glow. I noticed I tend to thank my legs for being so strong.
Day 3: Compliment Someone
Give someone a genuine compliment today, and notice how it lifts both of your spirits. I have always naturally done this when out and about and my kids would nearly die of embarrassment – “MOM! Don’t tell people you like their sweater.” “MOM! Stop talking to strangers” “MOM!!! AUGHHH!” Gratitude is contagious and I would notice people brighten up when I genuinely compliment them.
Day 4: Mindful Skincare
While applying your skincare products, pause to express gratitude for the nourishing ingredients and for the way they support your skin’s health. THIS is part of Korean skincare. They don’t call it a ritual for nothing. You really do start appreciating your skin, even the “flaws.” (do we really have flaws? I don’t think so)
Day 5: Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate even the tiniest victories, like drinking enough water or getting through a tough day. These things matter a lot! Give yourself credit. Recognizing progress will keep you motivated.
Day 6: Gratitude Walk
Take a walk outside and appreciate your surroundings, look for flowers or listen to the frogs by the pond. Look, listen, enjoy the walk. Focus on the beauty in nature, the fresh air, feeling the breeze, and how your body moves.
Day 7: Digital Detox
Give yourself a break from social media and screens – especially the TV and all news. Use the time to reflect on things you’re grateful for and allow your mind (and skin!) to relax.
Day 8: Hydrate with Gratitude
Every time you drink water today, remind yourself how vital hydration is for your skin and well-being. Thank your body for functioning at its best.
Day 9: Gratitude Meditation
Spend 5 minutes in gratitude meditation. I like to do this at sunrise. It is a great time to be grateful for another morning. I pray a short prayer thanking God for healing me from those nasty migraines, for forgive me and loving me no matter what. It helps to focus on your breath, feel the sunrise or the breeze, and silently express thanks for your health, and the blessings in your life.
Day 10: List Your Favorite Skin Features
Write down at least three things you love about your skin. Maybe it’s how soft it feels, how it’s glowing lately, or how it’s your protective barrier. It doesn’t have to be the skin on your face. Personally I’ve been working on the healthy of my legs. The healing has been slow over the years, but my skin looks better and better. I could fret over the fact that it is taking so long, but time will pass no matter what. Enjoying my progress is a great thing to do.
Day 11: Share Your Gratitude
Call or text a friend or family member to tell them how much you appreciate them. Sharing gratitude strengthens connections and boosts joy. Be ready for a lot of responses. I’ve done this and some people got suspicious. LOL! “why are you saying this?” Well, apparently I need to tell people I appreciate them more often so I make it a point to add it to messages when appropriate.
Day 12: Reflect on Your Growth
Think back on the last year and list some personal growth or positive changes you’re thankful for. I do this one nightly. I still remember crawling into bed with a horrid migraine begging God to heal me. I am so grateful he did and I thank him every night when I crawl into bed. Internal positivity often shows through your skin!
Day 13: Gratitude Stretch
Start your day with a gentle stretch or yoga session, or even a sunrise walk which is my favorite. Being thankful for each muscle and our ability, and know that this will promote circulation, which helps your skin look vibrant. Think GLOW!
Day 14: Appreciate your Skincare
Pick a favorite skincare product and think about the benefits. Maybe it’s a serum that keeps you hydrated or a cleanser that helps remove impurities. There is something in your daily skincare routine you love, and it may just be the feeling of cool water on your face. Notice. Be thankful.
Day 15: Gratitude for Sleep
Appreciate the power of rest. Tonight, before you sleep, express gratitude for your body’s ability to rejuvenate and heal while you rest. I think we should do this one more often. Sleep is huge when it comes to all health issues from losing weight, to lowering anxiety and for healing skin issues.
Day 16: Gratitude for Challenges
Think about a challenge you’ve overcome recently. Instead of focusing on the hardship, be thankful for the lessons it taught you. . . and even typing that I wanted to barf. I know it is hard to say “wow, I’m so grateful I went through those horrible dark days that pretty much sucked the joy out of my life, but, hey, I learned something.” Just know that with time you will see the lesson, and you’ll be able to express gratitude that you were able to withstand that and come out the other side! And maybe that is the lesson of learning just how strong and capable you truly are.
Day 17: Mirror Positivity
Look in the mirror and smile. Thank your reflection and acknowledge your unique beauty. What you focus on expands! Let’s say that again. . .where you focus goes, your energy goes!
Day 18: Gratitude for Food
As you eat today, be mindful of the nourishment each bite provides. Thank God for providing the food for you. My tip: always choose the most nutrient dense choice. Thank your food for fueling your body and helping your skin stay healthy.
Day 19: Appreciate the Weather
Whether it’s sunny, rainy, or chilly, take a moment to appreciate the weather for what it offers—be it sunlight for vitamin D or rain for cleansing the earth, or the fact that it will change in a very short time. Feel the sun and the breeze, smell the rain. Take it all in.
Day 20: Gratitude for a Challenge
Reflect on a past skin issue (breakouts, sensitivity, etc.) that improved over time. Be thankful for how your skin heals and adapts. And if you need help with any skin issue, check out our Calming Balance Gel. From eczema to redness to bug bites and rashes, this gel is the best. Check it out here
Day 21: Thank a Loved One
Write a short thank-you note to a loved one. Mail it if you can. There is nothing more special that getting a note in the mail. Tell them how they’ve positively impacted your life and made you smile.
Day 22: Unwind with Gratitude
Remember that gratitude journal we started on Day 1? Use it. At the end of the day, unwind by writing down one thing that made you feel good today—whether it was a conversation, a laugh, or a quiet moment of peace. Just a sentence or two. Be sure to date it so when you flip back and see it you can remember it well, who you were with, what you were doing. Bring that good memory back into your thoughts.
Day 23: Thank Your Immune System
Take a moment to thank your immune system for protecting you from illness and keeping your skin and body functioning smoothly.
Day 24: Gratitude Breathing
Pause and take deep, slow breaths. With each inhale, feel gratitude for your health, and with each exhale, release stress and negativity. This works really well if you suffer from anxiety. Breathe in everything good, and exhale the negative things. Focus on breathing in the good.
Day 25: Celebrate Skincare Progress
Reflect on the progress you’ve made in your skincare journey. Take pictures so you can look back to see how well you skin has responded. Maybe your complexion is clearer, or your skin feels more hydrated—celebrate those wins!
Day 26: Thank Your Environment
Acknowledge something in your environment that brings you peace or joy, whether it’s your cozy home, a favorite plant, your pets or chickens, or the sunlight. Write it down in your journal.
Day 27: Smile at Strangers
Share a smile with someone you pass by today. A simple smile acknowledging someone can spread joy and positivity—lifting both your spirit and theirs.
Day 28: Gratitude for Movement
Thank your body for allowing you to move, whether it’s a morning stretch, a workout, hauling in groceries (how many bags can you carry at one time?) or just a walk to the mailbox. We are amazing.
Day 29: Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Express gratitude for the times you rest and recharge. Resting and recovery IS doing something. It is not lazy. Be kind to yourself and give yourself those moments to recharge. Your skin, brain and body all benefit from moments of calm and relaxation.
Day 30: Reflect on Your Gratitude Journey
Take time to reflect on the last 30 days. How has gratitude changed your mindset, skin, or overall well-being? I hope you intend to keep your journal going. Writing down the good things, the things we appreciate, noticing those things in our life. . . they matter.
Conclusion
This 30-Day Gratitude Challenge not only nourishes your heart and mind but also promotes a healthier you in all ways and including more radiant skin. By focusing on the positive and appreciating the little things, you’ll notice a glow that comes from within. It shows in our countenance.
Take on this challenge, and see how practicing gratitude can transform your skin, your sleep, mood, and life!
