GL AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019 67body
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
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!Continued on page 775 easy hacks
to a *way*
better day
We’re solving your
biggest challenges in
mere minutes.FOR BETTER SLEEP...
TAKE A BATH BEFORE
GOING TO BED.
Your morning shower
is super efficient but
indulging in a good
soak will prime your
body for bed. Studies
show that the drop
in body temperature
after getting out
of a bath can make
you sleepier—not to
mention it’ll help you
wind down after yet
another crazy day.FOR MORE ENERGY...
DRINK TONS OF H 2 0.
Nothing sucks the life
out of you like being
dehydrated. Guzzle
an 8-ounce glass in
the morning and keep
sipping throughout
the school day, shoot-
ing for about 2 liters
by bedtime.FOR EXTRA MOTI-
VATION...BARGAIN
WITH YOUR BRAIN.
Never feel the urge
to work out? Tell
yourself you’re
going for “just five
minutes”—and you’ll
likely be out there for
much longer. Experts
swear by this, saying
it’s just the kickstart
your brain needs tomotivate you to hop
off the couch and
into your workout.FOR LESS STRESS...
TURN ON THE SLOW
JAMS.
Research shows that
your brain will sync
with the beat of a
slower-tempo song,
helping to relax your
body and ease any
anxiety.FOR A HAPPIER
DAY...SING ALONG!
And when you need
a pick-me-up? Switch
to your party playlist
and belt it out, babe.
Those who sing along
to their fave songs are
81 percent less likely
to be in a bad mood.