Lifestyle Archives - GirlSpring https://www.girlspring.com/tag/lifestyle/ is an online community for girls (13-18) where all opinions are respected and welcome. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:14:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 /wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cropped-gs_icon-32x32.png Lifestyle Archives - GirlSpring https://www.girlspring.com/tag/lifestyle/ 32 32 Gendered Stereotypes and Women’s Place in Them: Simplified https://www.girlspring.com/gendered-stereotypes-and-womens-place-in-them-simplified/ https://www.girlspring.com/gendered-stereotypes-and-womens-place-in-them-simplified/#respond Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:56 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=36647 Modern cheerleading was invented around the late 19th century, and for the first hundred years of its existence, it was considered a...

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Modern cheerleading was invented around the late 19th century, and for the first hundred years of its existence, it was considered a complex and elite sport that the female body was incapable of performing [1]. During the foundational era of computers—around World War II—and up until the late 1960s, computer science was considered a simple and feminine career [2].

When isolated, these historical facts may seem trivial or even funny, but when paired with the hundreds of other examples of gendered expectations and stereotypes changing, it becomes clear that—contrary to common belief—there is no such thing as a hobby or skillset that one gender is inherently better at. In reality, the things that are considered either masculine or feminine are viewed the way they are because of socio-political misogyny. By analyzing the current treatment of “feminine” stereotypes, the degradation of “feminine skills,” and society’s overall disdain for any hobby or skillset an individual woman has, it is clear that skills are only considered valuable based on their dissociation from women.

The Irony of Feminine Interests

In and of themselves, stereotypical feminine interests—makeup, pumpkin spice lattes, the Pride and Prejudice movie—are generally accepted by and as mainstream culture. However, once a woman actually likes any of the above, both the interest and the woman are ridiculed. This scrutiny can be seen every time a male comedian makes a career off mocking women for fitting these stereotypes, or in every eye-roll a girl receives when mentioning an interest in these subjects. Iliza Shlesinger [3] pointed out the irony of men who rampaged through India and Southeast Asia for a taste of cinnamon mocking women for their occasional Instagram post featuring a pumpkin spice latte. This irony can be found every time a man is praised for keeping up his appearance and is called “well-groomed”; meanwhile, if a woman is caught putting effort into maintaining the flawless appearance expected of her, then she is vain.

While not as ironic, another double standard appears when men revere The Godfather and the film is immediately regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, but when women praise Pride and Prejudice, it is dismissed as a stupid “chick flick.” Society expects women to have feminine interests, but once they actually do, they are shamed. There is no inherent issue with effeminate things; they only become a problem when they are embraced by women.

The Reality of Feminine Skills

On the flip side, women are both allowed and expected to have what have been deemed feminine skills. Cooking, a sense of style, teaching—but these skills are considered fundamentally less skilled and important by society. This perception changes, however, when a man shows interest in these fields. For instance, the burden of cooking falls disproportionately on women because it is considered a natural feminine skill, yet men make up 94% of Michelin-star chefs [4]. Although fashion and physical appearance are considered natural feminine interests, men hold 86% of leadership positions within major fashion companies [5]. Even though teaching is considered a feminine job, men constitute 56% of college professors [6].

These dissonant facts prove that once separated from women, these skills become redeemed in society’s eyes and become high-paying and well-respected industries. The worth of these skills is not determined by their actual complexities or their impact, but rather by who is performing them.

The Trap of Femininity vs. Masculinity

Even though women will not get recognition through feminine interests or skills, they will receive an equal amount of mockery when engaging with ​“masculine” interests and skills. If a woman likes to play video games, she will be accused of doing so for male attention. And she may even be harassed out of the gaming community [7]. A woman who plays sports will not simply be called an athlete, but rather, “too aggressive” and “unladylike” [8]. A woman who engages with high fantasy literature or comic books will be dismissed with the assumption that her interest is based on attraction to a male character. And likewise, she may be harassed out of a fandom [9].

On the other hand, men’s interests are always presumed to stem from a place of genuine passion and talent. By embracing femininity, women are subjected to mockery. By embracing masculinity, women are ostracized; either way, this is a system in which women are designed to lose. Society created femininity and then ridiculed it and the women who participate in it. But  society betrays women who do not participate in it. This begs the question of whether it is femininity that society dislikes or if it is just women.

How to Win

When passions and talent are judged not by merit but by the subject, the real reward is not working for the praise you will never receive but allowing yourself authenticity. In a system that will judge a woman whether they conform to the system or rebel against it, then the only solution is to ignore the inevitable judgment of others and make yourself who you want to be. A world that will not validate you is not a world that should be allowed to control you.

Works Cited

Janik, Erika. “The Masculine Origins of Cheerleading.” WPR, 7 Sept. 2016, www.wpr.org/history/masculine-origins-cheerleading.

Little, Becky. “When Computer Coding Was a “Woman’s” Job | HISTORY.” HISTORY, Sept. 2017, www.history.com/articles/coding-used-to-be-a-womans-job-so-it-was-paid-less-and-undervalued

Wikipedia Contributors. “Iliza Shlesinger.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Feb. 2026, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliza_Shlesinger

Staff, Chef’s Pencil. “Share of Female-Led Michelin Restaurants Is Only 6%.” Chef’s Pencil, 20 July 2022, www.chefspencil.com/female-chefs-6-percent-reach-the-top/

Guest Contributor. “Women Are Finally Leading Global Brands. So Why Is Fashion Still Failing Them?” FashionUnited, 2025, fashionunited.ca/news/people/women-are-finally-leading-global-brands-so-why-is-fashion-still-failing-them/2025100742019.  

KLACZYNSKA, MIRIAM. “Gender Demographic Disparities between Teachers and Professors.” Berkeley.edu, 27 Apr. 2024, econreview.studentorg.berkeley.edu/gender-demographic-disparities-between-teachers-and-professors/

Fishman, Andrew. “Women in Gaming: A Difficult Intersection.” Psychology Today, 2022, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/video-game-health/202201/women-in-gaming-a-difficult-intersection 

Women’s Sports Foundation. “Do You Know the Factors Influencing Girls’ Participation in Sports? – Women’s Sports Foundation.” Women’s Sports Foundation, Women’s Sports Foundation, 2024, www.womenssportsfoundation.org/do-you-know-the-factors-influencing-girls-participation-in-sports/ 

Juliet Kahn. “Why Women in Comics Don’t “Just Report” Sexual Harassment.” Comics Alliance, 23 Sept. 2014, web.archive.org/web/20141210174642/comicsalliance.com/sexual-harassment-women-comics-games-fear-way-of-life/?trackback=tsmclip

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Spring Is Not a Makeover https://www.girlspring.com/spring-is-not-a-makeover/ https://www.girlspring.com/spring-is-not-a-makeover/#respond Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:00:50 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=36292 Spring is not a makeover.It doesn’t ask for before photosor proof you’ve changed enough. It shows up anywaythrough open windows,through sleeves rolled...

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Spring is not a makeover.
It doesn’t ask for before photos
or proof you’ve changed enough.

It shows up anyway
through open windows,
through sleeves rolled up without thinking,
through the quiet decision
to try again tomorrow.

The trees don’t rush it.
They don’t explain themselves
for standing bare all winter.
They trust green to arrive
when it’s ready.

I start doing the same.
Wearing the shoes I kept saving.
Raising my hand once.
Letting unfinished things
stay unfinished.

Some days I still feel small.
Some days I doubt myself.
But the light keeps finding me
on the walk home,
soft and steady.

Spring doesn’t ask me to be new.
Only present.
Only open.
Only brave enough
to grow in my own time.

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Addicted to the scroll? Try these 7 Creative Experiments https://www.girlspring.com/addicted-to-the-scroll-try-these-7-creative-experiments/ https://www.girlspring.com/addicted-to-the-scroll-try-these-7-creative-experiments/#respond Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:05 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=36339 Over winter break, I cleared my browsing history and was SHOCKED to see how much time I blew on Instagram or YouTube....

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Over winter break, I cleared my browsing history and was SHOCKED to see how much time I blew on Instagram or YouTube. So while it felt like I spent hours writing college essays, most of the time was surfing the web “for inspiration.” Once all of my essays were in, I decided to get a head start on my New Year’s resolution: To create more, consume less. After all, I was graduating this year and wanted to study to live instead of living to study.

Although I stayed at home and it felt like I did practically nothing, I picked up a few new skills and felt more fulfilled than ever before.

Here are some of the things I tried: 

1. Reading

I had lots of books lying around at home that I hadn’t looked into. Currently, I’m in a nonfiction phase where I have the patience for good science writing and nothing else. I found Ways of Being by James Brindle and X+Y by Eugenia Cheng to be insightful. A few pages a day when there’s time to spare really compounds.

2. Coding

I will study computer science in college, so I refreshed my coding skills. If you don’t know how to code, W3Schools tutorials are a great place to start. I personally think that although AI can do low-level coding, it is still important to understand the logic behind programs. 

3. Baking cookies

This was my first time baking without the help of my parents. I followed a Preppy Kitchen recipe. My snickerdoodles had too much flour in them so they were spherical, but they still tasted good. It felt nice knowing I won’t starve in college since I could follow a recipe. 

4. Art

I haven’t drawn on paper in a long time, so I revived my creative muscles by sketching faces at various angles. Then I tackled a digital portrait on my iPad. It’s been a while, so I really needed to review how to shade and make my colors cooperate to convey value and form.

5. Origami

I especially love making 3D geometric shapes with modular origami. I could cut out 30 squares, fold them into units, and build a dodecahedron while watching a movie. It is very relaxing and rewarding to finish a polyhedron.

6. Physics

I was getting scared about AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, so I watched YouTube tutorials about electric fields and solving for voltage, current, and resistance in circuits. I hope that effort I put into physics now will pay off when it’s crunch time in April.

7. Starting a tutoring business

I’ve been teaching math with a company for a while, but I wanted to learn how to manage my own finances (and have emergency money for college). On New Year’s Day, I posted an ad into the city Facebook group and gained a client. I’m having my first sessions soon, so I’m excited so see how this goes! 

Hopefully, my creative experiments will inspire you to try new things and dream big this year. Happy 2026!

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Making New Years Matter: Tips for Setting Goals https://www.girlspring.com/making-new-years-matter-tips-for-setting-goals/ https://www.girlspring.com/making-new-years-matter-tips-for-setting-goals/#respond Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:50:47 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=36278 If you’re anything like me, you love the new year. You love setting goals, you love regaining peace of mind, and you...

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If you’re anything like me, you love the new year. You love setting goals, you love regaining peace of mind, and you love starting fresh. However, if you’re anything like me- a busy high school student with endless tasks to complete- sometimes those goals seem to get lost on you. If you’re anything like me, the end of December can make you feel like you’re back where you started. And if y0u’re anything like me, you want to change that. 

Tips for Making New Years Matter

1. Examine your goals. How are they worded? Why are they your goals?

I often find that goals (even my own!) are superficial in nature. Things like “losing weight”, or “reading more books” are unspecific, and they often lack meaning. Ask yourself WHY you want to make a change. If you aren’t truly going to be fulfilled by making changes, the changes won’t happen. 

2. Make a Plan

One comment I get fairly often is that I’m “the most type A person” my friends have ever met, and I see that as my super power. Buy a cute planner and specifically devise a plan to accomplish your resolutions. Set “mini-goals” or checkpoints every few weeks, make a schedule, and WRITE! IT! DOWN! Neuroscientists have said that writing goals down makes them 42% more likely to happen, and that’s not a coincidence.

3. Use Accountability Partners

Discipline is hard to practice, and it’s even harder to build. Discipline can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Spend New Years Eve eating yummy food and hanging out with friends, and set goals while you do so. Make a plan, and rely on each other to stick to it! When I get texts from friends asking me if I’ve had my water amount or finished my book club book, I feel healthy pressure to complete it, and knowing those questions are coming motivates me to stick with my resolutions. Not to mention, everything is more fun with friends!

4. Adjust, Adjust, Adjust!

I am great at overestimating myself. I feel unstoppable with my surplus of free time over holiday break and have a tendency to be slightly unrealistic with my resolution setting. When school starts back sometimes I feel as though my goals are unattainable, and that has pushed me away from them in the past. Adjusting as you go -adding more or reducing your load- can be a powerful skill. Less is better than none, and quite frankly, if you feel like what you’re doing is too much, reduction can be healthier than pushing forward. Don’t be afraid to take a step back at times. Recognizing your needs is a strength, not a weakness.

Wishing 2026 brings you happiness, good health, and healthy habits!



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Winter Scalp SOS: Your Survival Guide to Beating Dryness and Flakes https://www.girlspring.com/winter-scalp-sos-your-survival-guide-to-beating-dryness-and-flakes/ https://www.girlspring.com/winter-scalp-sos-your-survival-guide-to-beating-dryness-and-flakes/#respond Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:51:08 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=36197 Let’s be honest, winter can really mess with your hair. One day, you have a perfect blowout, and the next, you’re quietly...

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Let’s be honest, winter can really mess with your hair. One day, you have a perfect blowout, and the next, you’re quietly stressing about flakes and scratching your itchy scalp in the office bathroom. It’s a real struggle. When the temperature drops, your scalp can get dry, irritated, and those annoying white flakes always seem to show up on your favorite black sweater.

Here’s the good news: your hair isn’t doomed this season. You just need to make a few smart changes to your usual routine to protect it from the winter weather.

Don’t Get Shook—Your Skin Type Hasn’t Changed Overnight

Here’s the sitch—winter doesn’t magically transform your skin type. That oily or combo scalp you’ve been dealing with all year? Still there, just throwing a little tantrum because of these harsh new conditions. No need to ghost your entire routine! Simply slide a few fire products into your lineup to keep your scalp vibing until spring finally shows up.

1. The Hat Hack: Cover Up Without Wrecking Your Look

Rolling outside bare-headed in freezing temps? Big yikes and a total fail. But—listen up—not all hats deserve to be in your winter squad. That cute wool beanie? It’s sus AF, secretly causing breakage and static that has you looking like you stuck your finger in an electrical socket.

The glow-up solution: Cop a silk or satin-lined hat (absolute goals!) or tuck a silk scarf underneath your fave winter cap. Before bouncing, spritz a lightweight dry oil through mid-lengths and ends. This creates a legit barrier against the elements while keeping hat hair from cramping your style. Hair pros swear this trick is clutch after watching clients suffer through multiple winters of broken, janky hair.

2. Hydration Station: Hook Your Thirsty Scalp Up

Winter hair care is straight-up about one thing: hydration. Your parched scalp is basically begging for moisture from every possible source.

Start with the basics—ghosting conditioner after shampooing? Never that. Level up with a leave-in conditioner on towel-dried hair, focusing on the ends, which are lowkey suffering the most. Once a week, treat yourself to a deep conditioning mask while catching up on whatever show you’re currently obsessed with. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Your hair will be all “thank you, next” to dryness.

Between washes? A few drops of argan oil rubbed between palms, then lightly applied to ends, hits different. And remember—snatched hair starts from within. Drink your water, fam! Aim for those eight glasses daily and pack your diet with omega-rich foods like salmon, avocados, and walnuts.

3. Turn Down the Heat (All That Heat is Extra)

Facts only. Nothing slaps harder than a scalding shower when it’s brick outside. But hot water is straight-up stealing moisture from your scalp and hair shaft with every steamy second. Hard truth: that momentary vibe is low-key wrecking your long-term hair goals.

Lukewarm water is your ride-or-die here. Not exactly lit, but mad effective. Finish with a cool rinse to seal those cuticles and add shine. The difference? Highkey amazing—no cap.

The same energy applies to styling tools! Your blow dryer, flat iron, and curling wand are all basic contributors to that dehydration life. Can you ditch the heat styling twice a week? Your hair will stand you forever. When you must use heat, always (and that’s periodt!) use a heat protector and keep it on the lowest setting that still slays.

Pro tea: Wash your hair in the evening and let it air dry overnight. Wake up to naturally styled hair without the damage—absolute game-changer for the morning grind.

Bonus Tip for Scalp Care: If winter flakes are giving you a hard time, consider adding Jupiter Anti-Dandruff Shampoo to your routine. It’s formulated to gently cleanse while tackling dandruff and dry scalp. This shampoo works to restore moisture balance, leaving your scalp feeling refreshed and free from flakes, even through the coldest months.

4. The Freeze Factor: Never Bounce with Wet Hair!

This isn’t just boomer advice—it’s straight facts. Wet hair + freezing temps = total hair fail. When water freezes within the hair shaft, it expands, creating tiny fractures that lead to breakage. Unless “straw that got run over” is your aesthetic, always dry your hair completely before braving the cold.

Running late? A quick 5-minute blow-dry on low heat still slaps harder than risking the freeze. Just ask anyone who’s been caught slipping and ended up with those mysterious broken pieces all through their once-bomb hair.

5. Chill on the Washing Obsession

Daily washing might have been your summer vibe, but winter calls for a different energy. Every time you shampoo, you’re basically snatching away the natural oils your scalp needs for protection.

Try stretching to 2-3 washes per week. The first few days might feel sus if you’re used to daily cleansing, but your scalp will adapt and be low-key grateful. Dry shampoo can be your bestie on the in-between days—just be sure to brush it through thoroughly to avoid buildup that gives major “I haven’t washed my hair” vibes.

6. Snip It Good: The Magic of Regular Trims

Those dry, split ends? They’re not fixing themselves—and they’re actually creeping up the hair shaft, causing more drama. Schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep ends fresh and prevent problems from spreading faster than hot gossip.

Ask your stylist about adding a moisturizing treatment during your appointment. The bougie professional-grade products they use hit different against winter dryness. Worth. Every. Penny.

7. Humidity Hero: Why You Need a Humidifier ASAP

Your heater is working overtime, but that toasty vibe comes at a cost. Indoor heating systems zap moisture from the air, which in turn yoinks hydration from your hair and scalp. It’s a moisture-stealing cycle that never quits!

A humidifier is the low-key solution nobody hypes enough. Slide one into your bedroom and run it while you sleep. You’ll wake up with softer hair, more hydrated skin, and fewer static flyaways serving “I just touched an electric fence” realness. (Side flex: it might help prevent winter colds, too!)

8. Heat Tool Hiatus: Rock Your Natural Texture

Winter is prime time to give those hot tools a timeout and explore what your hair actually wants to do naturally. Those waves you’ve been fighting every morning? Stop beefing with them and let them slay instead.

Try heatless styling methods like overnight braids, twist-outs, or buns secured with silk scrunchies. YouTube is popping with endless tutorials for every hair type. The break from heat styling allows your hair to bounce back and rebuild strength—by spring, you’ll be serving looks with dramatically healthier hair.

9. Mask Mondays (or Whatever Day): Your Weekly Hair Vibe Check

Remember how mom was always dropping knowledge like “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? She was totally talking about hair masks. For real, though, a weekly deep treatment can reverse damage and create a protective barrier that tells future dryness, “we don’t want that energy.”

Store-bought masks work great, but don’t sleep on DIY options using ingredients straight from your kitchen. A tried-and-true emergency fix? One mashed avocado, two tablespoons of honey, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix that concoction up, slather on damp hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Silky, soft hair that didn’t cost a bag? We stan.

1O. Feed Your Follicles: Eat Your Way to Hair That Slays

Your hair is literally built from what you eat. Mind = blown, right? During winter, focus on foods rich in biotin, protein, and healthy fats that are good for your hair health.

Load up your plate with eggs, salmon, spinach, sweet potatoes, and nuts. Consider adding a high-quality biotin supplement if your diet is giving “meh” energy. Healthy hair grows from the inside out—no bougie treatment can fix what poor nutrition wrecks.

Your Winter Hair Doesn’t Have to Give Struggle Vibes

Winter scalp issues aren’t the vibe you’re stuck with—they’re totally preventable with the right approach. These small adjustments to your routine can make the difference between suffering through the season and maintaining hair that’s absolutely fire.

Remember, consistency is key. You wouldn’t expect one salad to undo months of junk food vibes, so don’t expect overnight miracles from your hair care either. Stick with it. By the time spring rolls around, you won’t be desperately hiding damage—you’ll be serving looks with your healthiest hair ever.

What’s your biggest winter hair struggle? Have you tried any of these hacks? Drop what works for you!

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Things to Add to Your 2025 Christmas Wishlist https://www.girlspring.com/things-to-add-to-your-2025-christmas-wishlist/ https://www.girlspring.com/things-to-add-to-your-2025-christmas-wishlist/#respond Wed, 10 Dec 2025 22:25:05 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=36091 Down below are some general ideas and recommendations for your 2025 Christmas wishlist which could help boost motivation to make a wishlist...

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Down below are some general ideas and recommendations for your 2025 Christmas wishlist which could help boost motivation to make a wishlist or spark a new idea for something to add.

 

Phone cases: 

Holiday themed or even just a pattern you like! Phone cases are versatile when it comes to looks and are a great gift.

 

Perfume: 

Perfumes are the perfect touch when leaving the house and the perfect gift. Whatever your favorite scent, or scents, are, they would make an amazing addition to your Christmas wishlist this year.

 

Pimple patches: 

Not much explanation needed for this one, we all need them sometimes, and they can even just look like a sticker on your face that no one knows a blemish is hiding under.

 

Polaroid camera: 

I think polaroid cameras are the perfect gift, they can come in a variety of colors, they’re great to have just in case you want to take photos or if you want to document your 2025 Christmas! 

 

Stuffed animals: 

Look, I know some people claim to have grown out of the phase of unicorn plushies, but I will always love a tiny companion on my bed. What’s great about stuffed animals is that there are so many different brands and kinds that you can tailor it to the holidays, a favorite animal, or both at the same time!

 

Lip products: 

Whether it be lip liner, lip gloss, or lipstick, it’s always good to have a lippie or two on hand for touch-ups or reapplications.

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“Moderation Seems to be the Key” https://www.girlspring.com/moderation-seems-to-be-the-key/ https://www.girlspring.com/moderation-seems-to-be-the-key/#respond Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:00:42 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35999 “Moderation Seems to be the Key” I often operate under the idea that social media has nothing good to offer, when that...

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“Moderation Seems to be the Key”

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 excess use. It 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 for people to] gain critical medical information” (NLM). Society often views 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 great, 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, keeping your phone on silent, and more, 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.

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A Guide to Thinking Thankful https://www.girlspring.com/a-guide-to-thinking-thankful/ https://www.girlspring.com/a-guide-to-thinking-thankful/#respond Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:00:47 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35981 Personally, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It marks the beginning of my favorite season, Christmas, and it also lets me...

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Personally, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.

It marks the beginning of my favorite season, Christmas, and it also lets me indulge in many of my favorite foods without guilt. Sometimes, though, I find myself so caught up in the rush of cooking the perfect dishes and finding the most incredible deals that I forget what Thanksgiving is about: a time to give thanks and express gratitude. 

If you are a busy bee during this time of the year like me, here are three easy ways you can give thanks in your daily life.

1: Say thank you to EVERYONE!

On a day-to-day basis, I encounter at least 30 staff at school, and workplaces alike have several employees diligently working to keep companies and businesses running smoothly. Custodial staff, lunchroom workers, teachers, principals, bosses, and interns alike help their respective institutions meet their daily needs and goals. It is essential to thank EVERYONE, and it takes two seconds!

2: Take care of yourself instead of making others care for you.

Similarly, some employees, like custodial staff, already have a LOT to do. In an effort to show gratitude and general conscientiousness, it is always a good idea to clean up your own mess, push in your own chair, and leave spaces better than you found them. I first heard the phrase “leave it better than you found it” from my 1st grade teacher, and it seems simple enough to remember! As much as we all try, sometimes even the most conscious people get in a hurry or create messes they don’t want to clean. Putting genuine effort into simple tasks like these can have a greater impact and leave a lasting impression.

3: Hold the door, give a compliment– the kind gestures we crave ourselves.

In the midst of Black Friday fighting and late-night grocery store runs, the intensity of the hustle can bleed into our attitudes. The holidays in general are a stressful time- they’re pricey, busy, and sad for some. Showing simple kindness to strangers can go farther than we think, and showing appreciation for other people’s time by holding the door, making an effort to seem put together by complimenting their appearance, and generally smiling can make all the difference. You can even make it a challenge! How many acts of kindness can you, your friends, and your family perform in one day?

As we step into the season, remember to hold a thankful heart. We can make a difference in each other’s lives, and Thanksgiving serves as a fun and tasty reminder of that. 

 

Click here for more articles about gratitude this holiday season.

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Gratitude Means More than Thankful https://www.girlspring.com/gratitude-means-more-than-thankful/ https://www.girlspring.com/gratitude-means-more-than-thankful/#respond Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:05:26 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35969 With Halloween over, and the calendar already reading November, Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are right around the corner. This time is...

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With Halloween over, and the calendar already reading November, Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are right around the corner. This time is often full of the words gratitude and reflection, reminding us to be thankful for what we have. However, there’s more to gratitude than just saying thanks to the people and things that have an impact on your life.

What is Gratitude?

The meaning of gratitude, which people usually think of first, is the quality of being thankful. But in the actual definition of the word, it explains a second part of gratitude: willingly showing appreciation and returning kindness to the people/things you’re thankful for. This means, to fully participate in the gratitude process that comes with Thanksgiving and the holidays, you need to be thinking about the people you care about and showing your appreciation for them. How can you show your gratitude?

Actions Speak Louder than Words.

How many times have the words “Let’s go around and say what we’re thankful for” been said at your Thanksgiving dinner table? For me, it’s too many to count. This may work for occasions or objects that you’re thankful for, but the people who make a difference in your life deserve more. While the sentiment is there, just listing off all the things you’re thankful for doesn’t always do the trick for fully showing gratitude. Instead, try actually doing things to show the person you’re grateful and that you care.

It’s the Little Things that Count!

When it comes to showing your gratitude, start small by performing kind acts for the people you care about. This could mean going out of your way to spend time with the people doing something you know they care about, even if it’s something you don’t really enjoy. Another idea would be to bake one of their favorite treats or bring them dinner from a favorite restaurant.

Also, for your parents or siblings, especially, offer to do things around the house that you know are usually a hassle for them. Maybe even offer to take over some of your siblings’ chores for a day.
Even just being more consistent with checking in on the people around you can show how much you care. Ask them how their day is going and show them you actually want to know and listen to their honest answer.

None of these is overly complicated, but they can all go a long way toward showing you care.

Take it Beyond Just This Season.

Showing this kind of love and gratitude doesn’t have to be limited to Thanksgiving or the Holidays. In fact, we all need to take a little more time to reflect and be thankful for more than just the two most festive months of the year. In the same way, also take the time to do little things for the people you care about throughout the year because everyone needs to feel loved and appreciated for all they do.

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Back to School Playlist https://www.girlspring.com/back-to-school-playlist/ https://www.girlspring.com/back-to-school-playlist/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:00:17 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=29684 It seems as though back to school season is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I like to have music...

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It seems as though back to school season is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I like to have music to power me through every season of life. Because of that, I’ve created a playlist to serve as the soundtrack to the start of your school year. It features some upbeat summer tunes, some sentimental sounds, and some beats to get your ears ready for fall. Feel free to add some of your favorites to the list. I hope you find something you like to get you through the highs and lows of back to school season!

 

“Summer Child” by Conan Gray

“Amelie” by Gracie Abrams

“Grape Juice” by Harry Styles

“Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson

“dorothea” by Taylor Swift

“Wonder” by Shawn Mendes

“Must Be Love” by Niall Horan

“Together” by Sia

“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers

“You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” by Hannah Montana

“Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” by Train

“Grace Kelly” by MIKA

“Silver Tongues” by Louis Tomlinson

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

“Breakthrough” from Lemonade Mouth

“What About Us” by P!nk

“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John

“Fifteen (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift

“Little Things” by One Direction

“September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire

“Sunrise” by Norah Jones

“Hey Lover” by Daughters Of Eve

“Hurricane” by Bridgit Mendler

“Generation Why” by Conan Gray

“Something That I Want” by Grace Potter

“Davy Crochet” by The Backseat Lovers

“Tongue Tied” by GROUPLOVE

“Glue Song” by beaba doobee

“When Emma Falls in Love (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” by Taylor Swift

“We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes

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