The summer is almost over and in less than a month you'll be sitting in your first class of the school year - yeah, bummer right? If you can't get your mind off the beach, summer bonfires or a summer crush then try watching some movies. TeenMag picked out five must-watch movies to get you in Back-to-School mood so you'll be ready for school in no time.
Mean Girls: What better way to get ready for the catty girl clicks, back-to-school gear and crushes than the new classic Mean Girls? When home-schooled Cady Heron becomes the new girl at North Shore High School and encounters The Plastics - the most elite, "popular" social set of the school - her world changes. With scores of SNL comedians (Tina Fey), talented actors (Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried and Rachel McAdams), and history-making one-liners ("She doesn't even go here!"), Mean Girls is a great choice to get you revved up for the big first day back.
Clueless: Experience the ultimate Beverly Hills high school experience (popular clicks, hot guys, sunshine and all!) in a little over an hour. This classic '90s film might be something you have read in for one of your English classes because its based off of the 1816 novel Emma by Jane Austen with little more edge. Follow Cher (Alicia Silverstone) as she tries to get her license, finds a crush and gets into a little trouble with her friends (of course she does it all in her best outfits)!
Legally Blonde: Get back into study-mode with this fun and super-cute movie. Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods, an all-pink-clad sorority president who lives for a goodtime. When her boyfriend Warner dumps her as he moves on to Harvard Law School, Elle finds herself chasing after him to prove that she isn't just a dumb blonde. Elle learns that with hard work and the right attitude, anything is possible. A must-see to get yourself prepared for your most ballsy school year yet!
The Breakfast Club: Dubbed as the best portrayal of adolescent life, this '80s flick that is not to be missed. Five students are forced together during Saturday detention (ugh!) and 1,000-word, self-reflective essays (double ugh!) in the school library. They each hail from different stereotypical cliques of school life: the brain, the athlete, the princess, the criminal, and the "basket case" but ultimately realize they have a lot more in common than they ever would have thought. It will give you the guts to branch out in your social circle this year.
10 Things I Hate About You: Inspired by another book that might be assigned by your English teacher, Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, this 90s flick shows you just how much one guy will work to date the girl of his dreams. It stars a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars and Heath Ledger in his breakthrough role. Be sure to watch this for the confidence to go after that cute guy - and to have fun doing it!
What are some movies you watch to get into the back-to-school frame of mind? Tell me in the comments section below!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Get Organized (And Go Green!) For Back to School!
We know that your to-do list for going back to school can start to spin out of control as the summer winds down! Regardless of whether you're heading back to middle school, high school, or college, there's a ton of ground to cover: everything from pens and notebooks to cute new leather boots to gear for your locker. But whether you live in a dorm or a house, chances are you can always use new things to help you get organized and save space, so check out some of the ideas we had for simplehuman's cute new products. A lot of them can even help you stay green!
1.Put your crumpled-up papers from your never-ending history essay into stacked recycle bins.
2.Wrappers from late-night snacking on granola bars, post-it notes, and receipts can all go in the mini trash can, which fits on a desk.
3.Take your lunch or school projects with you in a plastic bag. You can hide bags from the grocery store inside the upright trash bag holder and grab them or return them as you need.
4.Keep your recycling organized with the cute magnets that will help you to easily sort by glass, aluminum, paper, and plastic.
5.Free up some counterspace in your dorm's tight kitchen with the compact dishrack!
6.Stop tripping over bottles in your shower with the liquid dispensers, perfect for your body wash, shampoo, conditioner, or facial cleanser.
1.Put your crumpled-up papers from your never-ending history essay into stacked recycle bins.
2.Wrappers from late-night snacking on granola bars, post-it notes, and receipts can all go in the mini trash can, which fits on a desk.
3.Take your lunch or school projects with you in a plastic bag. You can hide bags from the grocery store inside the upright trash bag holder and grab them or return them as you need.
4.Keep your recycling organized with the cute magnets that will help you to easily sort by glass, aluminum, paper, and plastic.
5.Free up some counterspace in your dorm's tight kitchen with the compact dishrack!
6.Stop tripping over bottles in your shower with the liquid dispensers, perfect for your body wash, shampoo, conditioner, or facial cleanser.
Are You Ready For Back To School?
Hey! It's back-to-school time! Either you've already packed up your book bag, or you're about to. To me, it's the ultimate fresh start—you're taking new classes, showing off cute new style, telling new stories from your summer. This year, you can be the girl you've always wanted to be!
The editors at Seventeen have been in back-to-school mode for a few months now, working on features that will help you get prepared for going back. Check it out at seventeen.com/bts.
On a scale of one to ten, how much do you love starting fresh at school? And what are you looking forward to the most? Tell me about it!
XOXO
-A.
The editors at Seventeen have been in back-to-school mode for a few months now, working on features that will help you get prepared for going back. Check it out at seventeen.com/bts.
On a scale of one to ten, how much do you love starting fresh at school? And what are you looking forward to the most? Tell me about it!
XOXO
-A.
How can I be a better student? I just started high school, where grades really count.
Dear Freshman Fears,
Attitude is important, so I applaud you for wanting to kick off high school on a solid note.
Arrive early and well-rested. Get in the habit of participating in class, rather than sitting in the back and texting friends. If you get confused in any courses, seek help from teachers. Stay organized, and divide big projects into manageable assignments. Sign up for after school activities to provide a great balance to academics and to make new friends.
It feels good to be on top of things, and four years from now, it should pay off big-time.
Dear Freshman Fears,
Attitude is important, so I applaud you for wanting to kick off high school on a solid note.
Arrive early and well-rested. Get in the habit of participating in class, rather than sitting in the back and texting friends. If you get confused in any courses, seek help from teachers. Stay organized, and divide big projects into manageable assignments. Sign up for after school activities to provide a great balance to academics and to make new friends.
It feels good to be on top of things, and four years from now, it should pay off big-time.
If you’re like us, you start thinking about your midday meal around, say, 10:30 in the morning. But you don’t have to be frightened by what’s getting dished out in the caf. Yvette Garfield, author and founder of the Handstand Kids Cookbook Company, shared some tips for how to make school lunch better for ya.
Follow the new golden rule
Try to avoid any foods that are a shade of golden brown—that means all fried foods like tater tots, french fries, chicken fingers and onion rings.
Milk is good, sugar is not
Skip past sweet drinks, including juices and flavored milks. “The easiest way to improve your diet is to switch from soda to water,” she reminds us. Regular moo juice (or soy milk) is always a great pick.
Make a beeline for the salad bar
A recent study found that kids eat more veggies when they’re at the front of the line, so hit the greens first. Eat as much of the fresh foods as possible. Salad bars, fresh fruits and vegetables are always the best way to go.
The Ultimate Brown Bag Lunch
Always bring, never buy? Yvette shared a yummy recipe from the Handstand Kids Mexican Cookbook. Take leftover grilled chicken and pop it on whole-grain French bread. Top it with avocado, lettuce and salsa. For sides, try carrot sticks with low-fat dip or orange slices. Can’t live without a serious sweet? “Try a few pieces of dark chocolate as an occasional dessert.” Totally delish.
Follow the new golden rule
Try to avoid any foods that are a shade of golden brown—that means all fried foods like tater tots, french fries, chicken fingers and onion rings.
Milk is good, sugar is not
Skip past sweet drinks, including juices and flavored milks. “The easiest way to improve your diet is to switch from soda to water,” she reminds us. Regular moo juice (or soy milk) is always a great pick.
Make a beeline for the salad bar
A recent study found that kids eat more veggies when they’re at the front of the line, so hit the greens first. Eat as much of the fresh foods as possible. Salad bars, fresh fruits and vegetables are always the best way to go.
The Ultimate Brown Bag Lunch
Always bring, never buy? Yvette shared a yummy recipe from the Handstand Kids Mexican Cookbook. Take leftover grilled chicken and pop it on whole-grain French bread. Top it with avocado, lettuce and salsa. For sides, try carrot sticks with low-fat dip or orange slices. Can’t live without a serious sweet? “Try a few pieces of dark chocolate as an occasional dessert.” Totally delish.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sleep
Most teens need about 8½ to more than 9 hours of sleep each night. The right amount of sleep is essential for anyone who wants to do well on a test or play sports without tripping over their feet. Unfortunately, though, many teens don't get enough sleep.
Why Aren't Teens Getting Enough Sleep?
Until recently, teens were often given a bad rap for staying up late, oversleeping for school, and falling asleep in class. But recent studies show that adolescent sleep patterns actually differ from those of adults or kids.
These studies show that during the teen years, the body's circadian rhythm (sort of like an internal biological clock) is temporarily reset, telling a person to fall asleep later and wake up later. This change in the circadian rhythm seems to be due to the fact that the brain hormone melatonin is produced later at night for teens than it is for kids and adults. This can make it harder for teens to fall asleep early.
These changes in the body's circadian rhythm coincide with a time when we're busier than ever. For most teens, the pressure to do well in school is more intense than when they were kids, and it's harder to get by without studying hard. And teens also have other time demands — everything from sports and other extracurricular activities to fitting in a part-time job to save money for college.
Early start times in some schools may also play a role in this sleep deficit. Teens who fall asleep after midnight may still have to get up early for school, meaning that they may only squeeze in 6 or 7 hours of sleep a night. A couple hours of missed sleep a night may not seem like a big deal, but can create a noticeable sleep deficit over time.
Why Is Sleep Important?
This sleep deficit impacts everything from a person's ability to pay attention in class to his or her mood. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2006 Sleep in America poll, more than one quarter of high school students fall asleep in class, and experts have been able to tie lost sleep to poorer grades. Lack of sleep also damages teens' ability to do their best in athletics.
Slowed responses and concentration from lack of sleep don't just affect school or sports performance, though. More than half of teens surveyed reported that they have driven a car drowsy over the past year and 15% of students in the 10th to 12th grades drive drowsy at least once a week. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration estimates that more than 100,000 accidents, 40,000 injuries, and 1,500 people are killed in the U.S. every year in crashes caused by drivers who are simply tired. Young people under the age of 25 are far more likely to be involved in drowsy driving crashes.
Lack of sleep has also been linked to emotional troubles, such as feelings of sadness and depression. Sleep helps keep us physically healthy, too, by slowing our body's systems enough to re-energize us after everyday activities.
How Do I Know if I'm Getting Enough?
Even if you think you're getting enough sleep, you may not be. Here are some of the signs that you may need more sleep:
•difficulty waking up in the morning
•inability to concentrate
•falling asleep during classes
•feelings of moodiness and even depression
How Can I Get More Sleep?
Recently, some researchers, parents, and teachers have suggested that middle- and high-school classes begin later in the morning to accommodate teens' need for more sleep. Some schools have already implemented later start times. You and your friends, parents, and teachers can lobby for later start times at your school, but in the meantime you'll have to make your own adjustments.
Here are some things that may help you to sleep better:
•Set a regular bedtime. Going to bed at the same time each night signals to your body that it's time to sleep. Waking up at the same time every day can also help establish sleep patterns. So try to stick as closely as you can to your sleep schedule even on weekends. Don't go to sleep more than an hour later or wake up more than 2 to 3 hours later than you do during the week.
•Exercise regularly. Try not to exercise right before bed, though, as it can rev you up and make it harder to fall asleep. Finish exercising at least three hours before bedtime. Many sleep experts believe that exercising in late afternoon may actually help a person sleep.
•Avoid stimulants. Don't drink beverages with caffeine, such as soda and coffee, after 4 PM. Nicotine is also a stimulant, so quitting smoking may help you sleep better. And drinking alcohol in the evening can also cause a person to be restless and wake up during the night.
•Relax your mind. Avoid violent, scary, or action movies or television shows right before bed — anything that might set your mind and heart racing. Reading books with involved or active plots may also keep you from falling or staying asleep.
•Unwind by keeping the lights low. Light signals the brain that it's time to wake up. Staying away from bright lights (including computer screens!), as well as meditating or listening to soothing music, can help your body relax. Try to avoid TV, computer and telephone at least one hour before you go to bed.
•Don't nap too much. Naps of more than 30 minutes during the day may keep you from falling asleep later.
•Avoid all-nighters. Don't wait until the night before a big test to study. Cutting back on sleep the night before a test may mean you perform worse than you would if you'd studied less but got more sleep.
•Create the right sleeping environment. Studies show that people sleep best in a dark room that is slightly on the cool side. Close your blinds or curtains (and make sure they're heavy enough to block out light) and turn down the thermostat in your room (pile on extra blankets or wear PJs if you're cold). Lots of noise can be a sleep turnoff, too.
•Wake up with bright light. Bright light in the morning signals to your body that it's time to get going.
If you're drowsy, it's hard to look and feel your best. Schedule "sleep" as an item on your agenda to help you stay creative and healthy.
Why Aren't Teens Getting Enough Sleep?
Until recently, teens were often given a bad rap for staying up late, oversleeping for school, and falling asleep in class. But recent studies show that adolescent sleep patterns actually differ from those of adults or kids.
These studies show that during the teen years, the body's circadian rhythm (sort of like an internal biological clock) is temporarily reset, telling a person to fall asleep later and wake up later. This change in the circadian rhythm seems to be due to the fact that the brain hormone melatonin is produced later at night for teens than it is for kids and adults. This can make it harder for teens to fall asleep early.
These changes in the body's circadian rhythm coincide with a time when we're busier than ever. For most teens, the pressure to do well in school is more intense than when they were kids, and it's harder to get by without studying hard. And teens also have other time demands — everything from sports and other extracurricular activities to fitting in a part-time job to save money for college.
Early start times in some schools may also play a role in this sleep deficit. Teens who fall asleep after midnight may still have to get up early for school, meaning that they may only squeeze in 6 or 7 hours of sleep a night. A couple hours of missed sleep a night may not seem like a big deal, but can create a noticeable sleep deficit over time.
Why Is Sleep Important?
This sleep deficit impacts everything from a person's ability to pay attention in class to his or her mood. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2006 Sleep in America poll, more than one quarter of high school students fall asleep in class, and experts have been able to tie lost sleep to poorer grades. Lack of sleep also damages teens' ability to do their best in athletics.
Slowed responses and concentration from lack of sleep don't just affect school or sports performance, though. More than half of teens surveyed reported that they have driven a car drowsy over the past year and 15% of students in the 10th to 12th grades drive drowsy at least once a week. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration estimates that more than 100,000 accidents, 40,000 injuries, and 1,500 people are killed in the U.S. every year in crashes caused by drivers who are simply tired. Young people under the age of 25 are far more likely to be involved in drowsy driving crashes.
Lack of sleep has also been linked to emotional troubles, such as feelings of sadness and depression. Sleep helps keep us physically healthy, too, by slowing our body's systems enough to re-energize us after everyday activities.
How Do I Know if I'm Getting Enough?
Even if you think you're getting enough sleep, you may not be. Here are some of the signs that you may need more sleep:
•difficulty waking up in the morning
•inability to concentrate
•falling asleep during classes
•feelings of moodiness and even depression
How Can I Get More Sleep?
Recently, some researchers, parents, and teachers have suggested that middle- and high-school classes begin later in the morning to accommodate teens' need for more sleep. Some schools have already implemented later start times. You and your friends, parents, and teachers can lobby for later start times at your school, but in the meantime you'll have to make your own adjustments.
Here are some things that may help you to sleep better:
•Set a regular bedtime. Going to bed at the same time each night signals to your body that it's time to sleep. Waking up at the same time every day can also help establish sleep patterns. So try to stick as closely as you can to your sleep schedule even on weekends. Don't go to sleep more than an hour later or wake up more than 2 to 3 hours later than you do during the week.
•Exercise regularly. Try not to exercise right before bed, though, as it can rev you up and make it harder to fall asleep. Finish exercising at least three hours before bedtime. Many sleep experts believe that exercising in late afternoon may actually help a person sleep.
•Avoid stimulants. Don't drink beverages with caffeine, such as soda and coffee, after 4 PM. Nicotine is also a stimulant, so quitting smoking may help you sleep better. And drinking alcohol in the evening can also cause a person to be restless and wake up during the night.
•Relax your mind. Avoid violent, scary, or action movies or television shows right before bed — anything that might set your mind and heart racing. Reading books with involved or active plots may also keep you from falling or staying asleep.
•Unwind by keeping the lights low. Light signals the brain that it's time to wake up. Staying away from bright lights (including computer screens!), as well as meditating or listening to soothing music, can help your body relax. Try to avoid TV, computer and telephone at least one hour before you go to bed.
•Don't nap too much. Naps of more than 30 minutes during the day may keep you from falling asleep later.
•Avoid all-nighters. Don't wait until the night before a big test to study. Cutting back on sleep the night before a test may mean you perform worse than you would if you'd studied less but got more sleep.
•Create the right sleeping environment. Studies show that people sleep best in a dark room that is slightly on the cool side. Close your blinds or curtains (and make sure they're heavy enough to block out light) and turn down the thermostat in your room (pile on extra blankets or wear PJs if you're cold). Lots of noise can be a sleep turnoff, too.
•Wake up with bright light. Bright light in the morning signals to your body that it's time to get going.
If you're drowsy, it's hard to look and feel your best. Schedule "sleep" as an item on your agenda to help you stay creative and healthy.
A new school year is exciting. There's that wonderful feeling of making a fresh start, catching up with old friends, and making progress by moving up a grade. But there's no denying that it can be stressful too.What's Worrying You
If you find yourself preparing for school by hoping for the best and imagining the worst, you're not alone. Here's what we heard from 600 people who took our survey on back-to-school worries.
Managing Worries About Schoolwork
Rachel, 15, told us, "I'm kinda hard on myself, like I feel really bad if I don't have a 4.0 grade average."
Lots of people are hard on themselves, but worrying can just add to the pressure. Casey, 15, offered this advice: "Stressing too much about it doesn't get you anywhere. It's good to be concerned about your work, but you have to act on that."
Here are some of the plans you have for coping with schoolwork:
Zach, 18, said, "Better time management. I need to stop talking with the social butterflies and get to work!"
Michael, 16, plans to "come home, take a quick break, and then get started on my work straight away. Procrastination only brings frustration!"
Katie, 17, offered this advice: "To avoid trouble, do homework as soon as possible and at least start projects the day you get them."
Finding the Right Balance — and Support
Fallon, 16, said, "Finding time for everything is going to be a challenge!"
Daniel, 14, agreed. "I play sports so I have to keep my grades up to play." How does he keep the balance? "Work really hard and lean on my parents for lots of support. If you have parents around that actually take an interest in you, take advantage of that and let them be there for you."
Relying on other people for support and advice can help balance all the pressures school can bring.
Claire, 15, depends on her brother. "He is 18 and has been through it."
Dana, 14, advised, "Use the guidance counselor. That's why they are there."
Chelsea, 16, said her teachers were a big help when she was trying to catch up in school: "Since I asked for help I've felt more relaxed and more normal so that now it doesn't bother me as much as it did."
Balancing school with life's other demands means staying healthy. Lots of people told us their goal for the school year is to eat well, get plenty of exercise, and lots of sleep so they'll be primed to succeed.
Managing Social Pressures and Problems
When it comes to the social scene, making new friends is one of the biggest worries people mentioned. Lots of people said that friends would be in different classes or even at different schools.
Jessie, 15, said, "I'm going to try to make new friends and talk more. Don't worry about being awkward because others are too. Lots of people are good at being cool, but they are insecure too."
Finding a safe, welcoming group is a great foundation for dealing with the ups and downs of school. Jessie's advice: "It's important to have your own little or big group that you can hang out with."
Lolo, 14, explained how "My best friend left last year, and I'm worried about who I'll hang out with." Her strategy is: "Don't hang out with anyone who has a good social image but who is mean. Try to find someone who will really be your friend."
Lots of people are concerned about drifting apart from friends and breaking away from existing friendships to start new ones.
Jen, 16, told us, "I have not talked to my best friends all summer. I don't want to be their friend anymore, but they don't get that.
Leanna, 14, said, "I am stressed about the groups and who I am going to sit with because I have different friends in different groups."
Tim, 14, worried about "making new friends without ex-friends spreading rumors."
Brittany, 15, who worried about dealing with "rude old friends" offered this advice: "Be nice to everyone. You never know who you may need help from in the future."
And Amina, 14, said, "There are these really jealous girls and they are always stressing me out." She found that just being nice to them can make a lot of difference: "They will be amazed at how you treat them and maybe loosen up some."
Using kindness to stop meanness in its tracks is one good way to deal. Jessica, 16, has another strategy for coping with rude people: "I just ignore them. It drives them crazy when you don't act or seem like you care about anything they have to say."
Some of you worry that the things you did in the past will influence how people see you now. Tina, 15, told us, "My best friend and I were in a car accident last year when we decided to go to a party instead of school. So I am worried that my peers and teachers will think that I am irresponsible because of that incident."
Amanda, 14, said her way of dealing with rumors and gossip is "to hold my head up high, smile, and try to create a new reputation for myself. Change the negatives into positives!"
Looking Good
How we feel about the way we look is closely tied to social issues, feeling comfortable, and being accepted.
Codi, 14, said, "I am not usually a shy person, but starting high school in a new school is scary. I don't know anyone other than those on my soccer team. I am afraid that once they see me out of my soccer clothes and in my skater cut-up clothes they won't want to talk to me."
"At my old school, I was the most popular girl," said Emily, 14. "Now I'm starting to get acne and developing." Dealing with body changes is a big issue for lots of people
It's natural to worry about appearance, but most people said they try to keep things in perspective.
Casey, 14, said, "A year from now, will what you worried about really be a big deal? Other stuff is going to happen."
Lots of you recommend getting the support of a friend, parent, or counselor when you're feeling down about your appearance.
Keisha, 15, said, "Don't worry about it so much. And when your family and friends say you look great, accept the compliment, because it's true!"
Mickie, 14, told us she has no worries about starting school, but she does have this advice for looking good on the first day: "Wear clothes that fit your style. Don't wear something that makes you look like a poser."
And Lia, 14, reminds us, "If you're worried about your clothes and how you look, just remember that it's what's on the inside that matters."
We couldn't agree more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)