Girls’ Life – July 2019

GL AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019 61

get inspired

8

PERFECT YOUR POSTURE

“People with good posture

look happy, confident and

open. It’s like wearing your favorite

outfit: When you hold your body tall,

it changes the way people see you.

Not to mention, it’s good for your

health.” —Deborah King, founder of

Final Touch Finishing School

9

GIVE YOUR LIFE THE MOVIE

TEST “Whatever your situa-

tion is, imagine you’re watch-

ing it in a movie. Think what you

would tell the character to do. If you

distance yourself from the situation,

you can be a lot smarter about your

emotions than when you’re in the

middle of it.” —Dr. Travis Bradberry,

author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0

10

GROW YOUR CREW... “If you

want to expand your social

circle, start with those you’re

already tight with. At least one of

your friends has a side crew. Don’t be

afraid to ask her to invite you out with

them. It’s a natural way to branch

out.” —Tess V., 17, a high school senior

in Turnersville, N.J.

11

...AND SAY GOODBYE TO

THOSE WHO NO LONGER

SERVE YOU. “Walk away from

‘friendships’ that make you feel small

and insecure—and seek out people

who inspire you and support you.”

—Michelle Obama, author and former

first lady of the United States

12

FIGHT TEST STRESS

“During a test, panic can

take over and actually

block your memory. Your brain is

like, ‘Run! Fire!’ So practice in a

safe environment beforehand.

Have a friend quiz you with

flashcards or take a practice

test online. By test day,

you’ll be like, ‘I’ve got this.’”

—Chris Tobias, School Skills

founder and author

13

GET SOCIAL

WHILE YOU

SWEAT “Start

a weekly ‘walk and talk’

with a friend. Meet at

the same time to walk

around your neighbor-

hood. You can stay close and boost

your wellness at the same time.”

—Nicole Clancy, fitness trainer

14

BEAT THE OCTOBER SLUMP

“If you start feeling over-

whelmed or uninterested in

class, mix it up. Change your seat,

reorganize your notebooks, find a new

study buddy. A small change can help

you get back into the groove.” —Deena

Maerowitz, college admissions advisor

15

LISTEN TO YOUR GUT

“So many people will try

to steer you in a certain

direction. And that might not be

the wrong direction at all, but you

have to know what’s right for you.

Trust yourself, follow your heart and

do what makes you happy.”—Hailee

Steinfeld, actress and singer

16

STICK WITH YOUR PRIORI-

TIES “Learn how to say no in

a way that is both graceful

and humble. Saying something along

the lines of, ‘Thanks so much for

thinking of me, but I don’t think I

have the time to do justice to such

an important role right now. Please

do check in again, though,’ lets

people know that you appreciate the

opportunity and might be available

sometime in the future.” —Kate

Sundquist, writer at CollegeVine

17

IGNORE THE HATERS

“If someone is being verbally

unkind, they most likely just

want to get some kind of reaction.

Just walk away or ignore them.

Never give away your power by letting

them affect your mood.” —Fantasha

Kassam, owner of Social Fluency, a

communication skills program

18

GO EASY ON YOURSELF

“Having a conversation around

self-care is deeply important.

I wish I had known prioritizing myself

was OK earlier on.” —Sophia Bush,

actress and activist

19

STAY TRUE TO YOU “Just
remember that, with very
few exceptions, people want
to like you. So just be friendly and
do your best.” —Meg Cabot, author of
HERO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES Black Canary: Ignite.