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Anxiety: an Everyday Struggle
May 16, 2019

Perfectionism
I used to think I was just a perfectionist; each situation had to be planned out to the last detail, homework and projects had to be done flawlessly, and conversations had to flow exactly the way I imagined they would in my head. I fooled myself into thinking I was simply trying to take control of my life, but in all actuality, my anxiety was controlling me.
In the past, I constantly worried about every little thing. In fact, I was more anxious than I had ever been after realizing just how bad my anxiety was. While my mindset is much better now, I still have my bad days, just like everyone else.
Doubt, fear
Anxiety is a dark cloud that looms over all of us. When someone glances at us for a second too long, we automatically resort to worrying about our appearance. We constantly panic about our future, relationships and education. The main thing to realize is that although we all may suffer with anxiety from time to time, our worries don’t define us. At all.
Based on a study from National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement, data discovered that young women are more likely to suffer from anxiety than young men; while only 26 percent of males had displayed an anxiety disorder, 38 percent of women were affected.
Under these unfortunate circumstances, it’s crucial to remember that everyone feels this way at some point in their lives. Since anxiety is so common, it’s easy to find someone to relate to and communicate with.
From personal experience, I’ve found the quickest remedy to anxiety is releasing those negative emotions. Whether you’re more into individual expression, such as journaling or artistic outlets, or collective communication, such as confiding in a close friend, speaking your worries into existence can help to rationalize and comfort. Many people might even have advice or comforting words from dealing with their own anxiety experiences.
Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about anxiety, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America has an informative and reassuring website: www.adaa.org. Many women have decided to share their anxiety journey, channeling their emotions into a blog post, such as Adolescent Girls and Anxiety, Back to School Anxiety and Social Anxiety: Imperfect is the New Perfect.
Remember that you’re not alone in your anxiety; everyone suffers from these negative emotions, and more women are exposed to anxiety disorders. You are not defined by your anxiety.
By
snangel98

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GirlSpring.com
Are you Getting Enough Sleep?
May 13, 2019

Most Teens Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep – Here’s Why
Did you know that teens need more sleep than children and adults? Research has found that adolescents need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night. Sleep is crucial to our health, which is why getting enough z’s should be part of every teen girl’s self-care routine. But most teens get only 6.5 to 7.5 hours of sleep each night. Some get even less.
Because teens are at a critical phase of their development, they need more sleep than adults. And with teens’ busy schedules and social lives, getting sufficient sleep often gets bumped down to the bottom of teens’ to-do lists. But the decisions we make as teens can have serious long-term repercussions. The sleep patterns you form in your teen years continue until adulthood. The longer you wait to fix your sleep habits, the harder it is for your body to recover.
Is Your Room Conducive To Sleep?
Teen sleep problems can be caused by a number of things. Sometimes, it’s a matter of changing your sleep conditions. You should treat your bedroom as a place to relax. If you associate your room with chaos and clutter, getting your brain to unwind at the end of the day can take longer than it should. A dark, quiet, and cool room is ideal. A selection of mattress reviews suggest that if you often wake up feeling tired and stiff, then your body isn’t being supported adequately, so it might be a good idea to invest in a new mattress.
You can also use aromatherapy to help you calm down. Smells like lavender, vanilla, and chamomile can help you relax. Making aromatherapy part of your self-care routine also makes your brain associate certain smells with bedtime, making it easier to fall asleep over time.
Having a noisy room can also affect our sleep quality. But many times, noises aren’t within our control — for instance, you could have noisy neighbors or a busy road right outside your window. Try downloading a white noise app that will produce soothing sounds to drown out the other sounds and help you relax.
Make a commitment to yourself to get enough sleep. Set a sleep schedule and stick to it, even on weekends. This lets your body settle into a pattern and make it easier for you to fall asleep. When it’s close to bedtime, do relaxing activities like reading and journaling to help you slow down. Avoid watching TV or scrolling through your phone, and try not to leave your homework until late at night so you give your brain time to cool down before bedtime.
Why Your Body Needs Sleep
Today’s society places huge importance on being busy, with some thought leaders even going as far as lauding sleep deprivation as a virtue. It’s easy to see why many fall into this trap — when you want to get as many things done in a day, sleep may seem like a waste of time. But sleep is anything but unproductive.
Sleep is crucial for your brain and body’s health. Sufficient sleep allows you to do more with your day, while not getting enough sleep can have serious effects on your mental and physical health. Sleep deprivation can lead to depression, which can lead to more sleep problems. It can take a toll on your relationships, as sleeplessness can make you irritable and aggressive. Sleeplessness can hurt your performance at school, as it limits your ability to concentrate and retain information. It can also affect your appearance, causing acne and skin problems. And skipping sleep can also be fatal, especially if you’re driving drowsy.
After making it a point to get enough sleep, you can look out for your friends as well by encouraging them to sleep more. If you still have trouble sleeping even after trying different techniques, consult your doctor or a sleep clinic. Don’t lose hope! With some help, it won’t be long before you start feeling the positive effects of a good night’s rest.
By
Girl Spring

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Articles, Confidence, GirlSpring.com
A Mother’s Day Collaborative
May 10, 2019

In preparation for Mother’s Day, we asked members of GirlSpring’s Springboarders teen leadership group to write about their mothers through some writing prompts. We were pretty impressed with the answers and we want to meet these moms because they sound pretty awesome!
My mom is special because…
My mom is special because she does not talk to a lot of people, but everyone likes her. She doesn’t eat the most, but she’s addicted to coffee. She doesn’t say a lot, but she make me laugh. She doesn’t always get the jokes I tell, but she smiles anyway. She doesn’t like the songs I listen to, but she plays them anyway. My mom is special because she tries to do everything. Alex’ah Boone
My mom is special because she is very smart and always willing to learn. My mom can easily pick up on a skill and I admire that about her. Although she can’t help me with my algebra and French, she knows so much about the world and facts about things that shock me to this day. Liana Mozee
Even though all moms are special, I think that my mom is extra special (I might be a little biased). She’s truly one of the smartest, strongest, and most patient people I know. I’ll admit that at times, I can be a lot to deal with. I’m moody and indecisive and extremely messy. Yet, on top of all her other responsibilities, my mom is always there when I need her. How she does it is beyond me. My mom really is the person I can rely on most in my life. Rachel Reese
I think my mom is special because she is very loving and caring about letting me and my sisters express ourselves freely. Although, she is very religious she still loves me no different than my sisters and treats us the same. With it being three teenagers in one house with completely different personalities, she still shows us the same amount of discipline, care, love and of course support. She pushes us to be ourselves and follow our dreams and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Brittney Hawkins
My mother would rather have a _______ than flowers and chocolate
My mother would rather have a soundproof bedroom,than flowers an chocolate.That is because my mom loves her family so much,that she allows the children to share their loud ideas instead of shutting down their creativity. She wants the room, to be soundproof because she likes her peace and quiet when she’s thinking about the ones she gave birth to. Instead I will give her something else because despite all the screaming children, she loves when we make her laugh. Alex’ah Boone
My mom would rather have art than flowers and chocolate because, as an artist herself, she deeply appreciates the beauty and meaning behind art, as well as the care put into making it. She loves to look at art in art museums and galleries, so art would be a great gift for her. Chloe Bloodworth
If I were a mom for a day
If I were mom for a day, besides telling everyone what to do, I would cook my favorite dinner, which is breakfast. I would cook enough for a football team just because I can. After I do all the cooking, I will make my children clean it all up. I would then start a how to be a cool mom instagram page. Alex’ah Boone
If I were mom for a day: I’d do everything the same (or try to). I would love my kids unconditionally and nonstop, I would care for all their needs and wants, and I would make sure they live a life where they will love all and themselves as much I’ll love them (but of course I’ll be 5x worse, because my moms definitely a pro at this). Liana Mozee
The best advice my mom ever gave me is…
The best advice my mom has given me is to have love and respect for myself. She constantly reminds me of this and always has which has shaped me to the girl I am today. When I was younger I didn’t really understand the meaning behind it but now and the more I learn and grow I do. This one thing will forever be with me and it is the best advice she has ever given me. Brittney Hawkins
Although it might sound cliche, the best advice that my mother has given me would be to believe in myself. Even though my mom has always been there to advocate for me when others might think I’m a lost cause, she’s also quick to remind me that she won’t always be around to defend me. She often says that if I believe in myself, everyone else will too (and if they don’t, it’s their loss). My mom constantly encourages to be confident in myself and chase my dreams. Rachel Reese
If I could make a meal for my mom…
If I were to make a special Mother’s Day dinner, I would make scallops and crab cakes. My mom adores seafood! For dessert, I would make lemon vanilla ice cream and I would giver her black licorice as an extra treat. Chloe Bloodworth
If I could plan what to do for Mother’s Day with unlimited budget…
If I had the money, I would take my mom to Paris for a Mother’s Day week trip. She loves the city and has said she could’ve stayed in Paris for weeks. I would take her to eat chocolate mousse and see many art museums. Chloe Bloodworth

Write a poem about your mom…
My mom controls my life like no other
Only she does it with love and care
The way she make sure I’m okay at school and home
Her calm voice when she disagrees with something dumb I did
Everything she does makes me better, and it’s clear to see
Ruling has never been so amazing for me
Liana Mozee
What’s the most poignant memory you have of your mom
My mom has always been a super fun and outgoing person. Nothing fazes her and she’s always willing to put herself out there even in situations where others would be uncomfortable. I remember in fourth grade, going to carol at a retirement home during Christmas with my Girl Scout troop. All of us were really nervous and hesitant to sing. When it seemed as though all hope for a successful performance was lost, my mother swooped in and saved the day. She started to sing and, soon enough, everyone joined her (even the audience). By the end of the performance, I felt like my mom was a superhero. She really saved the day! Rachel Reese
What is a life changing moment you’ve had with your mom?
One of the most life turning moments with my mom was when I was placed and released from the hospital. Me being placed in the hospital was a big turning point in both of our lives, and when I got out we both just put everything on the table and even though it was a tough situation to deal with it weirdly brought us closer. Ever since then I’ve felt like I could tell her mostly any and everything. She has the biggest role in my life and I don’t know what I would do without her. Brittney Hawkins
Readers — how would you answer these questions? If you haven’t gotten your mom a gift yet, what about writing these out with your own answers and framing it? What a great gift! Need other gift ideas?
Check out https://www.girlspring.com/mothers-day-gift-guide/
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Girl Spring

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Articles, GirlSpring.com
Hello Plants, Goodbye Mosquitoes!
May 10, 2019

These Plants will Save you from Pesty Mosquitoes This Summer!
This post is shared from POPSUGAR
By Haley Lyndes
We all love the summertime, but unfortunately, bugs do, too. If you’re someone who gets swarmed by mosquitoes whenever you walk out the door and have tried everything — citronella candles, bug spray, mosquito swatters, and my personal favorite, insect zappers — then you certainly know that these buzzing nighthawks are no small task to handle.
However, if you’re itching to enjoy a good BBQ without being bit by a million little critters, then we have a solution: plants.
Yes, it’s true. On top of plants’ amazing air-purifying properties and ability to look absolutely stylish both inside and outdoors, they too can help fight off those relentless mosquitoes. So, if you’re ready to entertain without swatting for your life, here are 13 mosquito-repelling plants you’ll want to get your hands on.
Read the original article here

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Girl Spring

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GirlSpring.com
The Fatality of FOMO
May 9, 2019

FOMO is Fatal
Most likely, you have heard the term, FOMO.
Honestly, you’ve probably been feeling this in some way or another your whole life, you just haven’t known what to call it.
FOMO, or the “Fear of Missing Out,” is yet another problem that social media has exemplified, taking off the most recently.
But what is FOMO?
For me, FOMO is seeing Snapchats of my best friends at the premiere of a movie I wanted to see but had to pass on due to the looming fear of an upcoming test. As well as scrolling through Instagram. Jealousy skyrockets at the sight of people zip lining in Costa Rica or riding camels through the sands of Morocco.
The ability to view other’s high points in life provides no opportunity for us to be genuinely happy for them. In fact, it has increased the amount of time we waste, remaining stagnant in a constant state of comparison.
What we don’t see is the process. We see an aesthetically pleasing filter, a dazzling smile, and breathtaking surroundings. So why do we long to be somewhere we know absolutely nothing about?
Truth is, we don’t.
Seeing someone else in an ideal situation makes us feel like we should be doing more, traveling more, going out more, and hanging out with friends more.
We’re not focused on experiencing these things for ourselves.
We’re focused on not experiencing these things for ourselves. It’s not about what we’re gaining, but more about what we’re losing.
So next time you’re experiencing FOMO, ask yourself– what will I really benefit from this? Will it make me smarter or happier? And will this have any significance on me in the long run? Do I actually want to do these things, or does it just look better than whatever I’m doing at the moment?
FOMO is psychological torture.
FOMO definitely isn’t an easy thing to forget about, but it’s certainly not something to dwell on.
Learn to be comfortable with yourself, comforted by the idea that you’re on the correct path, making the correct decisions. If you know your priorities, you’ll know how to get there– not even FOMO will be able to blind you.
By
snangel98

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GirlSpring.com, Music
13-Year-Old Songtress, Cloe Wilder
May 8, 2019

Introducing Cloe Wilder
The 13-Year-Old Up and Coming Pop Star
Dark/Pop’s newest powerhouse, Cloe Wilder, is a force to be reckoned with. Armed with incredibly powerful songwriting skills, in addition to a voice beyond her years, 13-year-old songstress Cloe crafts melancholic, yet fiercely relatable songs that touch the deepest parts of the human psyche.
Championing the concept of accepting one’s mental health issues and embracing imperfection, she is light years beyond the typical young musician, set to become a revolution in her time, starting with her flawless debut single, “Overthinking”.
In discussing her debut single, Cloe states: “I’m glad that this is my first single because it’s a pretty accurate representation of me”.
Stream and Download “Overthinking” HERE
Learn More about Cloe through her Socials!
Cloe Wilder Official Website
Cloe’s Facebook
Cloe’s Twitter
Cloe’s Instagram
By
Girl Spring

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GirlSpring.com
Best Starbucks Drinks for Hot Summer Days
May 7, 2019

Cool Drinks that Beat the Heat
The Best Starbucks Drinks for any hot day!
1.Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato
This is a new item and I am obsessed with these. Perfect for a nice treat on a beautiful day!
2. Starbucks Strawberry Refresher with Lemonade
These are so delicious… With the real berries inside it’s perfect for a hot day.
3. Starbucks Doubleshot on ice with Almond Milk and 2 pumps of Vanilla Syrup
This is my new go-to! I like my coffee pretty strong so this is the perfect drink because it has a tiny bit of milk and a little bit of syrup.
4. Matcha Frappuccino
I love matcha…so matcha in frappuccino is something I definitely reserve for my cheat days!
5. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
These are so good and it is so different from plain cold brew…it has a different taste and the sweet cream makes it taste so good!
By
emmacaroline

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