Holiday movie binge watches have transformed into marathon training. Sleeping in has evolved into walking up before dawn to become “productive”. The takeout containers are thrown out and replaced with every kind of green leafy thing imaginable. 

And in the midst of the new year, of the LEGOs being built, of the TBR’s getting bigger… school arrives. 

That’s right. Getting up before the sun sets, putting on real people clothes, and going through the glorious eight period day has returned. Yes, it is wonderful to see friends again and laugh about what we did over the break. Yes, it is refreshing to have structure in our lives. And finally, yes I will admit it, it is nice to go back to learning lessons and improving my young mind. 

However, as time goes on, the happiness of being at school dwindles back to near nothing. The homework weighs us down, the quizzes crush us beneath their oppressive multiple choice questions, the essays mock us with their repetitive jargon. 

I know. I know. It sounds like I am wallowing in self-pity and I will be honest… I am. 

But not anymore! I am throwing away my negative attitude with my semester exam grades and becoming more positive! And I want to help you do the same. 

High School Burnout is a real struggle for all 9th through 12th graders. It has numerous different monikers, most famously senioritis. It causes a complete lack of motivation in all types of students, from jocks to the most studious nerds. In October, you can complete two essays, a quiz, and 5 homework assignments with ease. In February, you struggle to remember which shoe goes on which foot. 

I know it appears impossible to overcome, it is just human nature, but have hope! I have some tips on how you can manage your own burnout. 

 The first tip I have about burnout is to never overfill your plate. The second semester is challenging even without all the extracurriculars and clubs you can do. You have more challenging content, harder recital pieces to learn, and more engagements to go to, if you are a senior. You will get overwhelmed and stressed, which will cause the burnout to become worse. If you pile on more activities, you will not have time to relax.

Which brings me to my second tip: Give yourself time away from all your requirements and relax. With all of the activities we get into this time of year, it can be difficult to give ourselves some personal time. Believe me, I understand feeling like you are being lazy after you just completed a hard day of work because you take time to watch a show. But you can not let the guilt run you rugged. If you keep working with no stops, you will get burned out. You will have no motivation to do anything. Give yourselves a few hours a day to just watch a movie or read a book. Recharge your batteries and just breathe for a second, I promise it is worth it. However, with this relaxation time comes a dangerous habit. It can be easy to give yourself too much free time, which leads to more stress down the line. You need to understand how much personal time you need and be responsible enough to not allow extra time. 

Now for my final and most important piece of wisdom: Enjoy your time in high school. I know it sounds cliche but it is true. You need to cheer at the pep rallies. You should support your sports team. Help fundraise for your school. Just enjoy all the moments of school you have left. It might seem like it will make the burnout worse, however it is the exact opposite. Making good lasting memories in your school helps deplete your burnout because it makes your work worth it. All the assignments and work seem less when you are surrounded by fellow students who are going through the same thing as you. If you participate, you will not regret it. 

Burnout can be a huge hurdle for people to get past, but I hope I have helped you with these tips!

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We don’t text all day anymore.
We send one photo, maybe two,
and trust the rest.

You still know when I’m tired.
I still know when you’re pretending
not to be.

We learned each other
in small places.
Bus rides.
Shared snacks.
Laughing too loud
when we were supposed to be quiet.

Somewhere, we stopped needing proof.
No constant updates.
No matching schedules.
Just the quiet understanding
that we’re still here.

When we meet again,
it’s easy.
Like sitting down in a chair
you once thought you lost.

We don’t hold each other tightly.
We don’t have to.

We stay
because we want to.

The post How We Stay Friends appeared first on GirlSpring.

I often operate under the idea that social media has nothing good to offer, when that is just the opposite. While it can negatively impact young girls, I firmly believe that it is due to excessive use. Social media is a beneficial tool for connecting and communicating, but anything in excess is never positive. As Jimmy Buffett once said, “Moderation seems to be the key”, and I believe that goes hand in hand with my outlook on social media use.

The National Library of Medicine shares that although social media poses “privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and bad effects on schooling and mental health”, it also creates an environment in which it “boost[s] self esteem, promote[s] health, and [allows people to] gain critical medical information” (NLM). Society seems to view social media as a space of toxicity, but when used correctly, it can improve people’s lives.

Additional research has shown that it can lead to sleep loss when used in excessive amounts as well as increased mental distress. Some experts work with people to reduce hazards, such as those previously stated regarding social media presence, by guiding people towards healthy use (NLM). The help of an outside professional is fantastic, but being able to catch the problem before it escalates through self-regulation can save both time, money, and mental state. Different strategies, such as setting app limits, leaving your phone on silent, or turning off notifications, can be the first steps in the right direction.

In all, there are many pros and cons within the realm of social media. But my parting advice aligns with Jimmy Buffett’s: moderation is the best way to tackle this issue.

The post Pros and Cons of Social Media appeared first on GirlSpring.

The best year of your life

The year filled with lasts, laughs, memories, and traditions

The year you spend every second with friends

Reconnect

Relive

Rejoice in the friendships you have made

The year you think back on all of the recesses, field trips, exam sessions, and group projects

When you remember old trends, fast fashion, and nostalgic movies

The year when you have to step into a new part of your life

The year when you have to leave what you know behind

The year you have to decide what you want to do 

And who you want to be

Senior year is the door into the unknown

And while the unknown can be terrifying

It can also be exciting

Not knowing what exactly comes next 

Leads to unexpected opportunities

Yes,

Senior year can be the best year of your life

But not because of the lasts, laughs, memories, and traditions

But because of the new path you are about to take

Senior year is a year of goodbyes 

And you are ready to say farewell

The post Senior Year appeared first on GirlSpring.

To SAT, or Not To SAT

Deciding whether to take the test or not may seem like a complicated decision, but it doesn’t have to be. In general, private universities are more likely than public universities to require standardized test scores, and highly ranked or international universities almost always need the test. These are general guidelines, and ultimately, your choice should be based on individual circumstances and your college plans. It is best to check the universities you are considering on a case-by-case basis, as they can differ greatly in terms of policies and acceptance rates. Remember, if a school is test-optional, only submit your highest scores, as lower scores will weaken your overall application. 

Since preparing for the SAT requires months of studying and can stress even the most veteran scholars, you should only take the exam if it is necessary or if it could fill any gaps you may have in your application to get into one of your dream schools. 

It is important to note that the SAT costs $68 each time. The College Board makes it easy to apply for a fee waiver to cover the cost of two tests.

Study Recommendations

You should begin preparing two to three months before your exam date. Before anything else, you must create a College Board account, download the Bluebook app, and take a full-length practice test. This test will be scored like the official SAT and is a great way to pinpoint which areas need improvement. Do not stress over your practice test results; this is just a base for your studies.

Review all incorrect answers and identify areas of strength and weakness, whether it is reading and writing, math, or pacing the test. After that, log on to Khan Academy, which partners with the SAT, and go to the SAT section and practice according to your weak spots. Additional resources, like YouTube, can also be very beneficial, as there are a plethora of videos addressing every type of question the SAT poses. Remember: there are only six official practice tests on Bluebook. To avoid wasting these tests, only take them after seriously studying.

Although everyone’s study path is unique, I have linked a few videos below that give excellent foundational advice:

All of SAT Math Explained in 26 Minutes

The only SAT Math DESMOS Guide you’ll ever need

All of SAT Reading Explained in 21 Minutes  

How to Score a 750+ on the SAT Reading without Reading the Whole Passage! 

The SAT season runs from August to June and is offered seven times each year. This means there are plenty of times to try again if your first score is not what you wanted. Colleges typically consider only the highest score submitted and understand that it is completely normal to take the SAT more than once. 

Test Day Expectations

The SAT registration is offered on the College Board website, and you must register at least a month in advance, as testing spots often fill up quickly. Testing centers typically open at 7:45 a.m., and the exam begins around  8:00 a.m. The SAT lasts two hours and forty-one minutes and is divided into a reading and writing section, a math section, and a ten-minute break in between. The reading and writing portion allows seventy-one seconds per question, while the math portion allows ninety-five seconds per question. 

On test day, I recommend arriving a few minutes early with a valid ID, admissions ticket, pencil, and a water bottle. Additionally, during the ten-minute break, bring a light snack and keep your body moving to keep yourself energized for the math section, as the reading may cause fatigue. If the timing of the test does not work for you, it is worth noting that the SAT does offer accommodations that are easy to request.

While the SAT may appear intimidating, the most important piece of advice for the test is to understand what the question is truly asking. Remember: if you understand the question, you already know half of the answer.

All things considered, the SAT does not have to be a scary test that will determine your future. If the SAT is not something that is for you that is fine. If the SAT is something that will get you to where you need to be, that is also fine. Remember to study smarter, not harder, keep your head in the game, and take a few deep breaths. This test is only one piece of the bigger picture that is your future.

The post SAT Tips and Tricks appeared first on GirlSpring.

You have an assignment due at midnight. Suddenly, the urge to clean your room, read a book, scroll through Instagram, or do literally anything else intensifies, even if the other task isn’t more desirable. That is procrastination. It’s tempting to blame laziness, but this runs deeper. An essential component of overcoming hindrances is understanding why we procrastinate.

The Hidden Costs

Procrastination can be called an emotional coping mechanism because, at its core, it is the brain’s way of avoiding discomfort. Everyone’s reasons for procrastination are different, usually masking something more profound, which can be boiled down to one (or more) of the following:

● Fear: The fear of failure is one of the biggest reasons many prefer to avoid rather than commit. It’s easy to say failure teaches, but failure often demotivates people. Past failures, the thought that you could fail, or the constant feeling of doom all cause people to overthink rather than allowing the chance to try.
● Gratification: Small endorphin highs can be addictive, making them more desirable than
something that induces anxiety. Procrastination is linked to the brain’s limbic system, which craves pleasure, overpowering the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making.
● Perfectionism: We want conditions to be “just right.” Instead of producing imperfect work, we wait for the mythical perfect moment– something that just never comes.

The real trouble is that procrastination rarely leaves you feeling fine once the gratification and rush of the other task subside. The guilt in the aftermath leaves you feeling worse than before. Delaying tasks creates a constant mental weight; even when we’re “resting,” the undone task is a continuous burden on the mind, causing anxiety and stress. The guilt accumulates every time we procrastinate, making the task seem even less desirable, as it is associated with feelings of self-hatred and self-blame. Ultimately, it can erode your confidence and ability to perform any task, making you less dependable to those around you.

Procrastination is not the Enemy.

Everyone assumes that procrastination is just inherently bad. There are times when procrastination serves as a way to protect you from losing a part of yourself or exhausting yourself. Creative people often procrastinate in search of the right inspiration. The body’s way of saying that it simply cannot go on presents as mental burnout and physical fatigue.
So while you battle procrastination, take a moment to ask yourself: “Why am I actually procrastinating?” Is it fear, or is it something else? There are parts of yourself you only discover when you question yourself at your most vulnerable state. Be honest with yourself, and only then will you actually succeed.

With Women, Yet Another Layer Emerges.

Many women struggle with perfectionism, driven by the hardships of their past and society’s endless expectations. Some say women put things off because we don’t care enough or care too much. The truth is, women have things to plan besides their tasks that are often procrastinated. Every activity can be mentally draining, so when we finally sit down to work on our own goals, our exhaustion takes over. So while the fight wages on, one really has nothing left to give.

Outsmarting yourself

Once you understand the root of your procrastination, you can effectively tackle it. The basis of most psychological solutions is to reframe the perspective, allowing yourself to challenge your mind and work around your problems on your own.

● Schedule breaks: Incentivizing your tasks with a break is a common tactic in most study methods or techniques. This tip enables you to schedule your breaks and time off, giving you something to look forward to. It gives your brain a time limit to work with, knowing that relief is just around the corner.

● Relief as motivation: Getting through a task you procrastinated can be hard. Try picturing yourself in the future: happy, relaxed, and proud. Strive towards making that your reality.

● Compassion over criticism: Allow yourself to procrastinate and tell yourself that it is okay to do it occasionally. The shame and guilt cycle reinforces the feeling of procrastination more than forgiving oneself and allowing for imperfection.

● Reward Progress: In any scenario, effort is significant and should be celebrated. Accepting and being proud of yourself for every step you take will create a sense of pride.

● Take Responsibility: Asking others to help hold you accountable, or training yourself to take responsibility for any past procrastination, will motivate you to prevent it.

There is no right or wrong approach; ultimately, motivation is a state of mind. Deadlines motivate some people, while they deter others. The freedom of time sparks creativity for some, while it makes it impossible for others to do tasks under the illusion of “there is still time.”

It’s not about time, it’s about trusting yourself.

Your brain is wired to seek comfort and avoid pain. Procrastination is a term applied when the “pain” is avoided past the point at which you can do the task well. It is not laziness in its entirety; it runs deeper. Even the tiniest step forward proves something powerful to yourself. You can start, follow through, and trust yourself.
So, remember to ask what’s wrong before beating yourself up. Then, ask yourself what the smallest possible step you can take is. Once you begin, you may surprise yourself at where you end up.

Need some more study tips? Read this!

The post The Psychology of Procrastination appeared first on GirlSpring.

Lulus

Lulus offers a variety of options for dresses, ranging from long to short. Their styles vary from formal to casual, featuring monochrome, lace, and floral patterns. Alongside dresses, Lulus offers shoes and heels that perfectly complement your outfit. The store is also well-known for its fast shipping and superior packaging. 

Lucy in the Sky

Lucy in the Sky is known as one of the best places for teen girls to shop for dresses to make you stand out on HoCo night. Their styles are unique and trendy, and their dresses are often embellished with sequins and trendy colors! If you’re looking for a fun but stylish dress for the day, consider Lucy in the Sky. This store also sells jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and rings. 

Windsor

Windsor is overall quite similar to Lulus in terms of their dresses and patterns; however, their options tend to be more revealing. Depending on the weather, you can always wear a fun coat or shawl with your dress. If you are looking for a more mature look for your event, Windsor is the ideal location. 

Dillard’s

Dillard’s is an online store offering a wide selection of clothing articles for both men and women. They sell an assortment of dresses, some of which are featured in other stores listed in this article. If you aren’t sure what style you are looking for, or need other accessories to pair with your look, Dillard’s would be a perfect fit

JJ’s House

JJ’s House was designed specifically for dresses on formal occasions such as weddings and fancy dinners. However, their clothing options are very elegant and well-suited for more formal events such as banquets and award ceremonies. As a result, their dresses are often a bit more expensive, with most listed at over $100. If you’re looking for a modest evening look, JJ’s House would be an excellent option, but be sure to consider your budget.

Learn more about how to maximize your formal dresses!

The post Five Best Online Dress Stores for Homecoming appeared first on GirlSpring.

In these moments, there is a split second where one decides to conform or reject the pressure. The cycle goes, the more you agree, the easier it is to agree the next time. These tiny compromises slowly chip away at your sense of self as opposed to one big moment of weakness.

At its Core

Peer pressure, fundamentally, is a form of influence, whether good or bad. A spoken word or a silent nudge biased towards a specific action aimed to align with others instead of yourself.

We like to think that peer pressure is a teenage thing; it goes beyond that, and it becomes smarter, a lot more mature. From bad parties, bad people, and bad choices to overspending, overindulging, and overcommitting– peer pressure can influence anyone from any age group.

It’s not by definition a bad thing. For example, being around ambitious, intelligent people motivates someone to work harder and be better. Peer pressure becomes a problem when one action crosses a line, an action you normally wouldn’t do, an action that reflects what people want you to be rather than who you are.

The Subtle Art of Saying Yes (When You Mean No)

Peer pressure works because it preys on something deeply human– our need to belong. Our sense of belonging allows us to feel comfortable with those around us, but it comes at a cost. Think of the last time you said yes to someone reluctantly. The decision, though fleeting, had a sour aftertaste: resentment, guilt, regret.

The expectation to say yes when so many people are involved is what prompts responses, which eventually reduces down to one person asking. The trouble with saying yes to others is that habits stick. You start outsourcing your decisions, silencing your instincts, and eventually, you stop trusting your own judgment.

Your gut instincts are the ones you truly should always rely on. Even the slightest negative feeling should prompt you out of unsafe situations, as it is truly better to be safe than to deal with the consequences of giving in. Peer pressure never disappears. People will always have an opinion on how you should live your life because, in their eyes, it is the right way. The real change comes from trusting your inside voice, ensuring it doesn’t get drowned in the eruption of cheers when you say yes.

Questions to ask yourself before saying Yes

Do I wanna do this, or do I want to fit in?

Is the “Yes” from desire or fear?

If no one was watching or judging, would I still choose this?

Saying NO!

Rejecting an idea or action does not have to be dramatic or spiteful; it is simply not your place to be doing that action, so in your right, you can say no to the question. It also doesn’t need to be accompanied by an apology or promises to make amends. “No.” is a complete sentence. Refusing peer pressure should be done calmly and with confidence.

“No, that doesn’t work for me.”

“I have different priorities at the moment.”

“I don’t think I can right now.”

The world will not end when you say no to someone. In fact, because you are now given the freedom to do what you want, the world might just begin. Yes, not all peer pressure is bad. Oftentimes, it’s another person wanting to spend time with you. A true friend would ask you what you want to do instead of getting offended or throwing a fit and judging.

Redefine Belonging

At the end of the day, your oldest and closest companion is always yourself. Peer pressure challenges you, your identity, and your sense of self. Conforming essentially means betraying that. Does belonging really justify betraying yourself?

NO is never about conditional friendships and understanding. It’s about being understood for who you are. You do not really belong if you have to change yourself. Your life is not going to get bigger and better when you say yes to everything; it will definitely be more enriched if you say yes to the right things.

The best thing sometimes is smiling kindly at the crowd, saying a pleasant “No,” and making your way home safely.

Read more about how peer pressure can affect safety here!

The post Peer Pressure (& How to Not Fall for It) appeared first on GirlSpring.

This affirmation is one of my personal favorites, because it really helps me think about procrastination and what I should be doing instead. It’s also a great affirmation to start the school year with; it enables you to acknowledge and realize how costly procrastination really is. I want you to think of and visualize your dream life, your dream car, house, wardrobe, etc., and imagine the dream version of you who has all of those things. Did she procrastinate throughout the entire process of achieving those things? Look up to that dream version of you and try to make her proud by not procrastinating.

I’m the main character in my own story:

For me, this affirmation is just refreshing to hear, even if I am the one saying it. This affirmation is so powerful because it’s so easy to get off track in your own life. The “main character” doesn’t care what people think. She doesn’t care that someone said they didn’t like her outfit last Tuesday, because she understands that this belief makes her a side character in her own life. By valuing others’ opinions more than her own, she makes other people more important to her than she is to herself. It makes them the main character in her story, rather than herself. So, you need to remember that sometimes you are the main character in your own story.

Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay, then it’s not the end:

Friend break-ups, getting a bad grade on a test, and worrying about what’s going to happen after your mom sees you on your phone after midnight are all things that feel like the end of the world. It is easy to get caught up in bad situations by telling yourself that it’s the end or that you cannot do anything to change the situation. This mindset does not help the situation and perpetuates the cycle. That mindset of “It’s the end!!!” prevents you from texting your friend saying you’re sorry, from retaking your test or studying harder for the next one, or asking your mom to be grounded from your phone for only a couple of days, not a week. Overall, it’s essential to remind yourself that everything will ultimately be okay and that you can always take steps to help yourself navigate your issues.

The post Three Affirmations to Tell Yourself When Feeling Down appeared first on GirlSpring.

Beach Camping Getaway

Camping by the beach is a fantastic way to enjoy sun, sand, and waves without spending a fortune on hotels. You can rent tents or even camp in your own gear at a nearby state park or campground. During the day, swim, play beach volleyball, or go for a long walk collecting seashells. At night, gather around a campfire for stories and s’mores. It’s a simple, affordable way to make lasting memories.

City Scavenger Hunt Adventure

If your group loves exploring urban spaces, organize a city scavenger hunt. Pick a nearby city, divide into teams, and create a list of landmarks, quirky shops, and fun challenges to complete. Use public transportation or walk to keep costs low. This trip encourages teamwork and lets you discover hidden gems you might never see on a typical sightseeing tour.

Nature Hiking and Picnic Trip

For girls who appreciate the outdoors, plan a hiking and picnic day trip to a local nature reserve or national park. You can pack homemade snacks and drinks and enjoy the beauty of nature together. Hiking trails come in all difficulty levels, so choose one that suits your group’s fitness, whether you want a stroll or a grueling climb. If everyone carpools and splits the cost of gas, expenses can stay minimal for the whole day.

Go on a Kayak Fishing Expedition

For those seeking an active and unique adventure, planning a multi-day kayak fishing expedition could be the ideal senior trip. This experience blends physical activity with outdoor skills and teamwork. You’ll paddle along scenic waterways, camp on the shore, and enjoy fresh-caught meals. Renting kayaks and gear in advance and sharing expenses with your group can keep this trip budget-friendly and unforgettable.

Start Planning Your Perfect Senior Trip

Senior trips don’t have to be expensive to be extraordinary. By choosing budget-friendly destinations and activities, you’ll create lifelong memories and strengthen your friendships. These affordable senior trip ideas for high schoolers empower you to explore, laugh, and enjoy your final year in a way that suits your style and your wallet. What are you waiting for? Start planning today!

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