Page 71 - Girl's Life (August - September 2019)

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I TRAINED FOR A HALF-MARATHON.

“I’ve always been a soccer player, but I’d never tried running by itself.
That is, until my mom and I started running together. After training
hard and long for a 5K [3.1 miles], then a 10K [6.2 miles], we set a goal
of running a half-marathon—13.1 miles! I’ve never run so much in my
life. While all my friends stayed at home, I was out getting in my 10
miles. It was so hard. But after crossing that finish line, I’ve never felt
more accomplished.”—Addison G., 13.
MAKE YOUR CHANGE: Picking a goal and sticking with it to the end is
one of the best feelings ever. Ticking such a big deal off your bucket
list can bring on a new sense of confidence that’ll empower you to
tackle challenges in other parts of your life, like tough classes or
heading up the homecoming committee. So, whether it’s crossing
the finish line of your first 5K or riding your bike across town with
your buds, think about something that seems challenging but
attainable. Write it down on a Post-it and slap it on your bedroom
wall or plug it in as a daily reminder on your phone—then go for it!

routine or just find new ideas for healthy eats, there’s a feed out
there for you. Keep swiping until you find the few you can *really*
relate to. (And the minute any account makes you feel remotely bad
about yourself or your bod? Unfollow!) The idea is to follow their
lead, but stay focused on blazing your own path to awesomeness.

I WENT VEGAN.
“My aunt is vegan and made me the best plant-based meal one night.
After talking to her about her choice, I went for it! The results have
been amazing: I feel so healthy, and now I love to cook.”—Becca W., 16
Continued on page 77

5 easy hacks FOR MORE ENERGY… motivate you to hop
DRINK TONS OF H20.
to a *way* Nothing sucks the life off the couch and
into your workout.
better day out of you like being
dehydrated. Guzzle FOR LESS STRESS…
We’re solving your an 8-ounce glass in TURN ON THE SLOW
biggest challenges in the morning and keep JAMS.
mere minutes. sipping throughout Research shows that
the school day, shoot- your brain will sync
FOR BETTER SLEEP… ing for about 2 liters with the beat of a
TAKE A BATH BEFORE slower-tempo song,
GOING TO BED. by bedtime. helping to relax your
Your morning shower FOR EXTRA MOTI- body and ease any
is super efficient but VATION...BARGAIN anxiety.
indulging in a good WITH YOUR BRAIN.
soak will prime your Never feel the urge FOR A HAPPIER
body for bed. Studies to work out? Tell DAY...SING ALONG!
show that the drop yourself you’re And when you need
in body temperature going for “just five a pick-me-up? Switch
after getting out minutes”—and you’ll to your party playlist
of a bath can make likely be out there for and belt it out, babe.
you sleepier—not to much longer. Experts Those who sing along
mention it’ll help you swear by this, saying to their fave songs are
wind down after yet it’s just the kickstart 81 percent less likely
another crazy day. your brain needs to to be in a bad mood.

GL AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019 67