Hi, it’s Sarah and Lizzie here. Even though you might be super-busy at school and running your social life (hey, we know what’s important!), you’ve gotta remember to take time to look after yourself. Here are some of our favourite ways to help keep looking and feeling your best – both on the outside and the inside. And the best thing is, you can do all of these activities with your bestie, which will make them even more fun!
1. Have a facial, or DIY one at home
If you’ve got enough dosh, book yourself in for a beauty treatment a few times every year. This is especially relaxing after a hectic time like exams or assessments at school. Have a mini-facial, a manicure or a pedicure at the salon – it’ll make you feel really spesh without breaking the bank. Short on dollars? Then pool your beauty supplies between you and your bestie, and have a DIY session in one of your bathrooms. Put on robes, put your hair back in headbands, then take turns at pampering each other – paint your toenails, massage oil into your fingernail cuticles, or do facial massages. You’ll feel great!
2. Do a dance class (or make up your own in your lounge room)
Check out your local dance school or community centre’s class schedule and see if there’s a fun class you can join. Think belly dancing, funk or hip hop – anything that gets you moving to the beat, really. You’ll get a workout as well as have loads of fun with your best mate. If you’re short on cash, invite your bestie over and make up a dance in the lounge room to your fave upbeat song.
3. Breathe some fresh air
Getting outdoors to enjoy some fresh air and wide open spaces can do wonders for your mind, body and soul. And doing some exercise while you’re at it will up your fitness levels and boost your mood even more. So instead of heading home to vegetate on the couch after school, throw on your runners and trackies, and hit your local park for a walk or run on the grass.
4. Get stuck into a good read
Stimulate your mind by delving into a can’t-put-it-down book. Reading a juicy novel relaxes you by allowing you to escape to a whole new dream world, while non-fiction books will teach you heaps and really get you thinking! Oh, and don’t forget to put the latest copy of Dolly on your reading list, too. It's packed with everything a girl needs and wants to know … from beauty advice to guy stuff to hot fashion and celeb goss. Hours of entertainment!
5. Say thanks to your folks
How long is it since you told your parents how much you appreciate everything they do for you? Think about all the stuff Mum helps you with – it could be making your school lunch, picking you up after netball practice, or letting you stay out ‘til after curfew at the end of term. And how about Dad? Perhaps he’s helped you with your maths homework or given you a few driving lessons lately … So say a big thank you to your folks and tell them you love them – it’ll make their day, and it’ll boost your warm, fuzzy, feel-good factor too!
6. Have a belly laugh
It’s not hard to laugh your head off when you’re with your bestie! And laughing is an excellent way to lift your mood – you’ll get a rush of feel-good hormones that can make you feel fab for the rest of the day. So tell each other a funny joke, watch DVDs or re-runs of your favourite comedies like Seinfeld or Will & Grace, or have a silly-face pulling competition until you’re rolling around on the floor in hysterics!
7. Overhaul your eating habits
OK, so it can be hard to resist junk food all the time – let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a hamburger or fries once in a while?! But if you can’t get through lunch without sipping on a sugar-laden soft drink washed down with a king-sized chocolate bar, it could be time to put the brakes on your intake of the bad stuff. Artificial foods that are high in sugar and fat do absolutely nothing for your skin, hair, and insides, so keep them for treats. And anyway, there are heaps of foods that are delicious and good for you – like a juicy slice of watermelon, or a banana and yogurt smoothie.
8. Try a new hairstyle
Do something radical in the hair department – it’s the quickest way to give yourself an image overhaul. If you’re feeling brave and fancy a change, how about trying a new hair colour, getting a fringe, or chopping your waist-length locks into a boy-short ‘do. You’re sure to get loads of compliments on your new look, which will up your confidence and make you feel like a brand new you!
9. Volunteer at a local charity
Contact a charity you’re interested in and see if they have a youth program where you could volunteer from time to time. Even if it’s just during your school hols or once a month, you could bring a helping hand to those less fortunate than you. For example, you could help walk dogs at your local animal shelter, or spend time with teenagers who are sick in hospital.
10. Give your bestie a compliment
It doesn’t take much to say something nice, but it can really make someone’s day! Has your bestie done a good deed lately? Maybe she comforted you when you were upset at school the other day or brought you over a copy of Dolly when you were last sick in bed. Or maybe she’s achieved something cool at school, like got her first A ever in a maths test or made it into the top tennis team. Whatever she’s done, don’t assume she knows that you think she’s great, let her know you’re proud of her. She’ll appreciate it and you’ll feel good ‘cos she does!
