The Self-Care Girlies Are Reprogramming Their Brains—Should You?
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A Deep Dive into Subliminals, Manifestation, and the Modern Obsession With Self-Improvement
By Janelle Newell | 8/6/25 | Last edited: 8/6/25
“New Year. New Look. New Paige!”
This iconic declaration from Degrassi’s Paige Michalchuk isn’t just teen drama gold—it reflects something fundamentally human: our longing for transformation. Whether our external circumstances change or not, the internal desire to evolve never truly fades.
While Paige’s makeover was a personal reset, today’s “glow-up culture”—supercharged by social media—has turned that desire into something far more intense. In an era where beauty, youth, and curated perfection are often mistaken for value, the ability to control how you’re perceived feels like the ultimate power move.
Welcome to the Era of Manifestation
Enter the age of the self-care girlies, where manifestation is seen as the
blueprint for becoming your “highest self.” But despite the glittery Instagram posts and pastel journals, manifestation isn’t just wishful thinking. At its core, it’s about aligning your mindset with the life you want to create—by rewiring habits, shifting limiting beliefs, and committing to intentional growth.
For instance, someone who wants a new job might begin by building their skills or revamping their résumé before applying—essentially becoming the candidate they hope to manifest. In Barbie: Princess Charm School, Headmistress Privet emphasizes the importance of Character and confidence. The same holds true here: effort matters. Your mindset shapes your behavior, and your behavior shapes your reality.
Pros of Subliminals:
Self-doubt and overthinking don’t block the message.
Easy to incorporate into daily life (listen while sleeping, studying, or relaxing).
Supports positive thinking without active effort.
Cons of Subliminals:
Negative or manipulative messages can be hidden in the audio.
Some users report nightmares or emotional disturbances.
The effectiveness is mostly anecdotal and varies from person to person.
This raises the question: Is it safe to let your subconscious absorb messages you can’t hear?
Subliminals vs. Manifestation vs. Frequencies
Subliminals work on the subconscious. Manifestation requires conscious alignment. Then there are frequencies—specific sound vibrations believed to promote healing, clarity, or abundance (like 528 Hz for love or 963 Hz for spiritual awakening). Frequencies are often used in tandem with subliminals, but some prefer them on their own.
So which method is better? That depends on your goals, beliefs, and how hands-on you want to be with your self-growth journey.
The Dark Side of the Glow-Up
While subliminals can support self-concept and confidence, they can also feed insecurity—especially when they promote unrealistic beauty standards. “Glow-up” subliminals, in particular, often promise dramatic physical changes: smaller waist, sharper jawline, flawless skin. But no amount of listening can replace the real work of taking care of your health—or loving the body you’re in.
This can lead to obsession with an idealized version of yourself—one that may not even be attainable without cosmetic procedures, strict diets, or digital editing. In a culture where looking better is often equated with being better, it’s easy to confuse self-improvement with self-erasure.
A History of Hidden Messages
The concept of subliminal messaging has long captivated the public. From conspiracy theories about government mind control to urban legends about secret lyrics in pop music, the idea that media can influence us without our awareness has been around for decades.
Movies like Josie and the Pussycats poke fun at this idea, revealing how pop culture can act as a vehicle for mass persuasion. Artists like Britney Spears and Nirvana have also been at the center of subliminal rumors. According to Blue Monarch Group, subliminal messaging has evolved into a powerful marketing tool—using sensory cues to tap directly into consumer emotion.
Are Subliminals Spiritual?
This brings up important questions:Are subliminals inherently spiritual?Can religious affirmations conflict with someone’s faith?And what happens when we internalize someone else’s values without even realizing it?
When it comes to your subconscious, what you feed it matters.
That’s why at JNewellness, we take a mindful, intentional approach to affirmations. Our
manifestation program invites you to read affirmations aloud or listen to our collection of life-changing subliminals. With a subscription to our Manifestation Program, you’ll have access to audio files you can listen to anytime—no mystery, no hidden messages, just love.
Works Cited
Barbie: Princess Charm School. Directed by Ezekiel Norton, performances by Diana Kaarina and Morwenna Banks, Mattel Entertainment, 2011.
Blue Monarch Group. “The History and Evolution of Subliminal Messaging in Marketing.” Blue Monarch Group, 20 Oct. 2023, https://bluemonarchgroup.com/blog/the-history-and-evolution-of-subliminal-messaging-in-marketing/.
BrainSync. “Subliminal Audio Programs.” BrainSync, https://www.brainsync.com/collections/subliminals.
MandyC852. “How to Listen to Subliminals Correctly.” Medium, 6 Mar. 2021, https://mandyc852.medium.com/how-to-listen-to-subliminals-correctly-8871a23f5e62.
OWDT. “The Science Behind Subliminal Perception: How Does Our Brain React to Hidden Messages?” OWDT.com, 7 Sept. 2023, https://owdt.com/article/the-science-behind-subliminal-perception-how-does-our-brain-react-to-hidden-messages/.
Snyder, Marsha, et al. “A Subliminal Perception Study.” Perceptual and Motor Skills, vol. 62, no. 2, 1986, pp. 471–78. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3723126/.
Alexandra, Lisa. “Watch This Before Listening to Another Subliminal! 😳 Do Sublinals Actually Work?” YouTube, 7 July 2023, https://youtu.be/a46rwAx9rqA?si=MWJM0wxexnjAYVFk.
“Is Subliminal Messaging Real? | Earth Science.” YouTube, uploaded by BBC Earth Science, 18 Nov. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1knkpPd_0dg&list=TLPQMTgwNjIwMjWwW72uZYjcIA&index=16.
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