The bright constellation

1. 1
   Weigh yourself.(Example: if you weigh 150, and you want to lose 30 pounds, 120p,) Write down how many pounds you want to lose. An average person in middle, high school loses 2 pounds per week at maximum. (Don't push, or aggravate yourself,as this will take time and effort to achieve.) Figure out how long you have to lose the pounds, and set a REACHABLE goal. (You can use an app on your iPhone/iPod Touch; "MyNetDiary" is recommended) Try to weigh yourself once or twice a week, but not obsessively. You will aggravate yourself too much and give up.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Set up a plan. Once you figure out what you need to lose, the second step is to figure out how to lose it. Create a exercise schedule for every other day to start out with. You should ALWAYS do at least 20 minutes of ANY exercise a day, but at first you need to make sure to take it every OTHER day. (Ex: Mon: 30 min. Cardio, 10 min. Stretching/Yoga, 20 min, Strength/Toning Exercises., Tues: 20 min. LIGHT Cardio/Yoga). Always Hydrate with water and take 5-10 minute breaks in between each routine.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Drink water. Water, Water, Water. ALWAYS drink at least 6-7 glasses of water a day. This will flush out your body, and keep your skin crystal clear. Try to ditch soda for at least 1 month, for a mini challenge.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Check your schedule. Whether it's your school, work, or Social schedule you need to always make time to exercise. If you have more time in the morning, do 50-100 crunches, or 30 min. Run outside with your music but not loud so that you can't hear everything around. If you have more time at night do 50-100 crunches, or 30 min. Run outside with your music! When you come back from a Run or finish your crunches make sure to drink a glass or bottle of ice cold water, and to wash your face to keep it clear. These morning/afternoon activities go ALONG with your regular exercise routine.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Change the diet. DITCH THE JUNK. No processed Foods. Instead of chips when you come home, have an afternoon banana. You should eat something every 3 hours to keep your metabolism going.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Eat… Your… Breakfast. If you think that skipping meals will make you fit in those skinny jeans, think again. Your body will go into starvation mode, and WILL CLING TO ALL YOUR FAT. Breakfast in the morning keeps your metabolism going throughout the day, and gives you energy for school, work, and better food AND exercise choices.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Have a healthy lunch. Lunch is kind of like a big snack. This is usually the most unhealthy meal of the day. A perfect lunch would be: Rolled up Turkey, 10 Wheat Thins, Some fruit, (NO GRANOLA BARS!! They hold onto fat), yogurt, and OF COURSE water! Or if you need something sweet go for whole cranberry juice. Don't go with cranberry juice COCKTAIL because they add sugar.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Choose one energy-boosting, fulfilling, satisfying and tasty thing. For me its an apple with one spoonful of peanut butter (natural, less fat) FOR THE WHOLE APPLE. Yummy! You can choose a fruit, vegetable, No processed foods (Bags, Plastic, Boxes are not welcome here.) Eat Slowly and focus on taste! After all, you are supposed to ENJOY delicious food!
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Eat less dinner. Dinner. This is usually the biggest meal. Try to use smaller plates to make your food look bigger. Eat Slowly and use this method: Every bite, try to chew for 5 seconds, then swallow, wait 3 seconds and drink a sip of water. Confusing? It's not. Just 53D 5 seconds, 3 seconds, Drink. Don't over think it. You don't HAVE to use this method. Try to eat Protein at every meal. Chicken, Steak, and Beef should be about the size of a deck of cards. Always eat greens! If you are having pasta (which isn't the BEST choice, but whatever.) It should be about the size of your fist. Use 53D and you'll be full! Always eat veggies and protein WITH EVERY meal. And of course WATER!
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
10. 10
    Have a healthy dessert. On those special occasions when you feel you want to cheat a little, go for the healthier options. Like, Strawberries. Or Bananas dipped in chocolate. (Not TOO much!) Or one or two spoonfuls of whipped cream for those really big cheat moments.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
11. 11
    Eat more, smaller meals. 5-meals, instead of 3? That's right. It's better to have 5 small meals rather than 3 big meals. Have Breakfast, Morning Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack, and Dinner. All small of course. Eat Slowly. 53D, and Enjoy!
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
12. 12
    Pay Attention! Read labels, it's important to know what's going in your body. You don't have to be obsessed, but do pay attention. Make sure your consuming your individual calories for the day, and not going over board. Sugar is your #1 ENEMY! Stay away from it as long as you can. Sugar= Fat. Too much Bread = Sugar, which = Fat.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
13. 13
    Go to sleep! Try to go to bed on a routine every day, even on weekends. To keep your body energized and ready to make good choices all day. Also to keep your skin glowing and healthy!
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
14. 14
    Don't eat in front of the TV! Eating while you're distracted is one of the biggest reasons teens are overweight. If you are hungry, get a morning snack, or afternoon snack and portion-control it. Put however many you SHOULD eat in one bowl, and eat that. NO REFILLS!
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
15. 15
    Portion Control it. Portion Control EVERYTHING, from now on. B.M.L.A.D (Breakfast, Morning Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack, Dinner.) everything. You'd be surprised what REALLY makes you full. Pay attention to the labels, and eat the appropriate serving amount.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
16. 16
    Smile! Stand up straight and embrace your healthy body! This will not be instant, and you may slip-up from time to time. THAT'S NORMAL. Just always go back to it and fight, and try our hardest, pretty soon every food choice will have your brain thinking "What is the HEALTHIEST way to eat?" or "Should I really eat this?", "Am I really hungry?". After a couple of months you will look and feel awesome! Good Luck!!
    
    
    

1. 1
   Do not eat when you are not hungry! Boredom and depression can lead a person to eating things that will lead to weight gain. If you are bored, try reading a book, playing a sport, or talking to friends. Try to avoid your kitchen if you are home all day. Make sure there is no food in sight or you will get cravings. Study, if possible.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   If you get the need to crunch or chew food when you are not hungry, eat something low in calories such as fruit or gum. Ask someone like a parent to stop you from over-eating.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Drink at least 4 to 8 glasses of water a day, depending on how active you are, and how hot it is at your location. It curbs hunger, makes you feel better and makes your skin glow!
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Check food labels. Eat foods that are low in calories and carbohydrates. Although carbohydrates can help you think better and they fuel the nervous system and power fatmetabolism. Avoid saturated and trans fat (which leads to weight gain). Eat foods that have vitamins and minerals in them. Protein, fiber, and iron are all good for you. If you can't read an ingredient or if you've never heard of it, most likely it is not good for you. Do not go under 1200 calories a day for an extended period.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Know how to respond to binges. If you have a pig-out and want to burn off the calories you just consumed, go for a brisk walk or any other physical activity. Also, eat a nutritious meal after a pig-out. Alternatively, if you are tempted to binge, try eating something nutritious beforehand. By the time you finish this initial food, you may change your mind.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Always eat a good, hearty breakfast! Do not think that skipping breakfast will make you lose weight! In fact, eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, which leads to more weight loss. Breakfast will also help you to concentrate and eat less throughout the day.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Eat your dinner earlier (in between 4:30 and 6:30) so that you can burn off some of the calories you consumed.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Fill up half your plate with veggies.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Limit your intake on sweets. Too much isn't good for you but a little once in a while is okay.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
10. 10
    Avoid fast food and junk food (French fries, pizza, etc.) It's only okay once in a while, but if you keep buying junk food, learn to overcome it
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
11. 11
    Eat only until you are satisfied. Do not over stuff yourself. If you are given a ton of food on your plate, don't feel obligated to eat it all.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
12. 12
    Try to avoid stress or learn to deal with it. Stress will cause pig-outs.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
13. 13
    Try to replace things you usually eat with something healthier. If you're reaching for a handful of chips, force yourself to stop, and go grab an apple instead. (Note: this can be easier said than done.)
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
14. 14
    Avoid large quantities of sugar. Avoid eating chocolate and crisps first thing in the morning. This can make you lose your concentration and you won't be able to concentrate at school. And you may get headaches.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
15. 15
    Every time you go to put something in your body, ask yourself: "Is this going to improve my health, or harm it?" If the answer is the second one, you know what to do.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
16. 16
    You should also ask yourself WHY you are eating something before you eat it. If the answer isn't "It's time for lunch/dinner/breakfast and I'm hungry," PUT IT BACK.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
17. 17
    If you have a very sugary diet, you may get a Sugar Withdrawal Headache. These are tough to deal with and hurt a lot, so if you can't just ignore it, keep a single Hershey bar (or other candy bar) in your locker a week. Eat a single square when you get a headache and it'll help. Make sure it doesn't melt, or you'll end up tricking yourself into eating more than one "square" (melted lump). Remember to change it out about once a week, or it'll get moldy and make you sick. Even if there's some left.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
18. 18
    Try to eat salads and ask your parents to make them. Or, make them yourself by whipping together some ingredients. Salads are healthy and with the proper dressings and toppings of your choice, taste great. Toppings should be low-fat and examples are grated cheese, bacon, and diced eggs.
    
    
    

1. 1
   Don't write down everything you eat. While it is beneficial to some, it gets rather tedious, so stick with portion size and keep an estimate in your head as to how much you are consuming.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Take it one meal at a time. Instead of looking at a list of what you ate that day you should focus on that single meal. For example, consider breakfast. Let's say you want two toaster pastries. That's 200 calories each right there. So, if you want the pastry, eat it and have a piece of fruit. Save the other for later.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Use portion control. Eat enough food the size of your fist. It will keep you full, but not stuffed, and you won't be hungry in an hour.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Wear comfortable clothing. If your body shape is round, don't wear tight clothes. Petite or not, wear bigger clothes until you get into the body shape you want. That way you can really show those curves off.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Your metabolism is very important for dieting. Everyone's metabolism is different, and some are a lot faster than others. If yours is a little slower then you have to cut down on junk foods and work out a little longer every day.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Working out is important. Dieting can only go so far. No matter what shape you are in, work out frequently, 5-7 times a week.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Remember that the first few days are extremely difficult. You are going to want to cheat the first day but restrain yourself! You will feel much better in the end.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Dieting takes a lot of willpower, so make sure you reward yourself. Every once in a while, take a day off from working out. Watch your favorite television shows. Stay up 30 minutes later then usual.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Don't wear yourself out. After gaining so much muscle, you can actually lose it by over working out.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
10. 10
    If your first diet try doesn't succeed, try and try again. Remember that what you are doing is not easy!
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
11. 11
    Remember, food is food and nothing else. So if you're feeling down, don't use it to make you feel better. Food is a necessity, not a luxury. However, you also shouldn't punish yourself for something by not eating.
    
    
    

     

     

     

     
     
12. 12
    Every day, compliment yourself. Say to yourself "I am healthy and beautiful and I love me and who I'm becoming."
    
    
    

1. 1
   Use a good toothbrush. Your toothbrush should have soft nylon bristles which are gentler on your gums, fit comfortably in your hand, and have a small enough head so that it reaches all your teeth easily.[3] 
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Replace your toothbrush regularly. The bristles will wear out over time, losing their flexibility and effectiveness. You should get a new one every 3 months, or as soon as the bristles start to splay out and lose their shape.
   • Research has found that thousands of microbes call toothbrush bristles and handles "home," and can cause infections.[4]
      
   • Always rinse your brush after using it, and store it upright and uncovered so that it can dry before your next use.[5]
      
    
3. 3
   Use a fluoride toothpaste. It not only helps remove plaque, it also helps strengthen tooth enamel.[6] However, it's important to note that fluoride toothpaste is not to be swallowed, as ingesting too much can have serious health consequences.[7]
    

Part Two: How To Brush

1. 1
   Wet your toothbrush. Squeeze only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. Applying too much toothpaste can cause over-sudsing, tempting you to spit and finish too early.[8]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • If brushing is painful, switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
      
    
2. 2
   Set your bristles at the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush with a short, vertical or circular motion. Don't brush across your teeth.[9]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Clean all your teeth. Brushing just a few teeth at a time, work your way around your mouth so that you get every tooth, spending about 12 to 15 seconds in each spot. If it helps, you can divide your mouth into quadrants: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. If you spend 30 seconds on each quadrant, you'll get a full two minutes of brushing time in.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Brush your molars. Position the toothbrush so that it's perpendicular to your lips, or so that the bristles are resting on top of your bottom molars. Work the toothbrush in an in-and-out motion, and move from the back of your mouth to the front. Repeat on the other side of your mouth. When the bottom teeth are clean, flip the toothbrush over and work on the top molars.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Brush the inner surfaces of your teeth. Tip the toothbrush so that the head of the toothbrush is pointing towards your gum line, and brush each tooth. Dentists report that the most commonly skipped area is the inside of the lower front teeth, so be sure not to forget those![10]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Gently brush your tongue. After you've cleaned your teeth, use the bristles of your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue. (Don't press too hard, or you'll damage the tissue.) This helps keep bad breath away.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Rinse out your mouth. If you choose to rinse after brushing, take a sip of water from a disposable cup, or cup your hands under the faucet. Swish it around your mouth, and spit it out.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Note that there is some debate on whether or not this is recommended. While some feel that it reduces the efficacy of the topical fluoride treatment, others wish to ensure that no fluoride is ingested. There are also those who just don't like having toothpaste in their mouths! If you're at a high risk of getting cavities, it may be beneficial not to rinse, or rinse with just a small amount of water—effectively creating a fluoride mouthwash.[11]
      
   • Other studies have shown that rinsing after brushing has no significant impact on the effectiveness of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.[12]
      
    
8. 8
   Rinse your toothbrush. Hold your toothbrush under running water for a few seconds, or (if you have a bowl or cup of water) wiggle it around under water for a bit.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Finish with a fluoride-based mouthwash. (Optional) Take a small sip of mouthwash, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Be careful not to swallow any.
   
   
   

1. Choose positive friends. Being around other tobacco-free people will strengthen your will to remain tobacco free. Teens want to do whatever it takes to fit in, and if it means not taking tobacco, they will do it.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Avoid situations or places where tobacco is allowed and used a lot. You may be tempted to bum a cigarette from a friend or stranger to fit in, or at best you will be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Use refusal skills. Time will come when you are faced with peer pressure, and have to make a personal decision. Half of all teen smokers started because of peer pressure.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Find another activity to do. It should not be illegal or harmful to your health or the health of others around you.
   
   
   

Outside

1. 1
   Take a shower or bathe. Use shower gel or soap of any smell to wash yourself (eg. strawberry soap, chocolate soap, orange soap.) Be sure to wash everywhere with your hands or a washcloth or a shower sponge.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
    
2. 2
   Wash your hair. Choose a shampoo and conditioner combo that you like and that suits your hair type (get advice from others if you are unsure). When washing your hair, massage it for a couple of minutes, then rinse well so that the soap doesn't get stuck your hair and hardens. Be sure to get in the scalp. If you have dandruff, use a dandruff-fighting shampoo. Avoid heat styling tools or, if you must, put heat protector in you hair
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Put body lotion on. Put iy everywhere after you bathe, to moisturize. Avoid your face, we'll get to it later
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Keep your nails clean, trimmed and filed. If you want to, paint them, taking care to do so neatly
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Wash your face. Wash your face at least twice a day and consider providing a facial routine for yourself. Search for products that suit your skin type and consider getting help from someone when choosing a face wash. Use cold or warm (not hot!) water to wash the product off and apply a facial moisturizer adequate to your needs. If you have oily skin, you still need to moisturize, only with a lighter formula.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Stay Fit. Be sure to keep fit and healthy. Exercise or/and at least walk for 30 minutes a day. Also, if you stretch at night before you go to sleep, you will feel great (and never tense) when you wake up in the morning.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Hair removal. If you have any unwanted body hair, get rid of it in any way you prefer. Shaving is a cheaper and easier option, but be careful not to cut yourself. Waxing or sugaring make sure you stay hairless longer. Remember: never shave the unwanted hair on your face!
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Clothes. Dress in clothes that obey to three criteria: quality, style and fit. Make sure the fabric is good quality and isn't see-through or feels cheap. A good rule is to use only natural materials like 100% cotton or wool. Also make sure you are expressing your personal style and that your clothes fit right
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Oral care. Get a new brush every three months and brush your teeth after meals. Floss too, for maximum oral health. If your lips are dry, use chapstick, being careful to choose one with beeswax or Shea/coconut butter.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    

Inside

1. 1
   Get enough sleep. Getting at least 8 hours a sleep for someone is vital. Sleep helps restore your body inside and out so don't skimp on it!
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Wash your hands. Every time you think you might need to, wash them. It prevent bad germs and avoid touching your face or you will grow pimples.
3. 
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Eat right. Eating right is good to being healthy but it doesn't mean to stop eating the foods you like. Eat loved non-healthy foods in moderation, and a lot of healthy food too. Get your hands on a proper nutrition guide and try to follow the daily guidelines for fruit and veggies
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Do not smoke. You must already know it's terrible for you: it makes you smell and look awful and it destroys your organs from the inside out. If you don't smoke, never start because it's very hard to quit. You can get medical help if you want to quit or try by yourself, smoking less and less. Stay away from other drugs too (non-prescribed medication, alcohol, excessive caffeine and others). Even if someone tells you that they're not bad for you, they sure can't do any good
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Drink plenty of water. Keep some water with you at all times and drink to keep healthy. Water is good to every part of you and most people don't drink enough
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Have a good attitude: be nice to people. If you are not nice, people will never want to be your friend.
   
   
   

1. Eat healthily and exercise-
    
    
   1. Always eat breakfast
       
   2. Eat every 3 hours to keep your metabolism going
       
   3. Avoid fast food and junk food
       
   4. Eat plenty of fruit and veg
       
   5. Drink plenty of water
       
   6. Try to exercise daily
       
   7. Perhaps come up with your own workout routine
       

    
2. 2
   Sleep!  
   1. Aim for 8-9 hours every night
       

    
3. 3
   Be confident-  
   1. Remind yourself every day how amazing you are
       
   2. Walk tall
       
   3. Believe in yourself
       

    
4. 4
   Make sure you have a great group of mates!
    
5. 5
   Have a homework routine
    
6. 6
   Prepare your things for school the evening before
    
7. 7
   Aim to go out with your friends at least once a month
    
8. 8
   Aim to spend at least an hour with your family every week, try to communicate with them and get on with them
    
9. 9
   Be careful which guys you choose to date  
   1. If a guy insults you, he's a big no-no
       
   2. If a guy tries to pressure you, ditch him!
       
   3. If he's immature, give him some time to grow up
       
   4. Avoid players
       

    
10. 10
    Always make sure you have a spare pad/tampon with you, in case mother nature strikes!
     
11. 11
    Follow basic hygiene rules-  
    1. Brush and floss teeth, use mouthwash
        
    2. Shower daily
        
    3. Wash your hands
        

     
12. 12
    Look good!-  
    1. Wear a bit of make up to enhance your best features
        
    2. Make sure your hair isn't frizzy
        
    3. Take care of your skin and moisturise
        
    4. Dress to suit your figure and still look trendy
        
    5. Develop your own style

1. Appearances

   1. 1
      Reduce the size and redness of pimples by putting an ice cube over the area. Then use an over-the-counter pimple treatment cream, like Clearasil. Prevent pimples by drinking 8 glasses of water a day, eating healthy, balanced meals and cleansing with facial cleansers like Proactiv, which keeps pimples, oils and blackheads away. If all else fails, dab on a bit of cover up.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   2. 2
   3. Deal with bad breath depending on the situation. If you're at home, brush your teeth. Use a mouthwash afterwards. If you're at a friend's house, find mouthwash and rinse. Carry breath mints wherever you go (!). Breath mints or minty gum are a great way to keep breath fresh. Be forewarned, if you're planning on doing any kissing that night, gum builds up saliva in the mouth.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   4. 4
      Keep a makeup bag. Cheap makeup bags can be found anywhere from WalMart to your local dollar store. Include in it,
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
      • A small mirror, which come in most compacts
         
      • Fingernail clippers
         
      • If you wear foundation or blush, keep an identical (or the same) case of makeup with a brush for touch-ups
         
      • Lip gloss or chap stick
         
      • Concealer
         
      • If you're wearing lipstick, take the tube with you for touch-ups
         
      • Mascara, if you wear it
         
      • Hair bands, even if you don't normally use them
         
      • Breath mints or gum
         
      • An emergency "tampon!or "pad!"
         
      • Your Cell-phone.(when things go wrong, you can call your mom.)
         
      • Anything else which you always find yourself needing.
         
      • Carry a light body spray, not one with a strong scent, with you. When you feel yucky, spritz yourself. Body spray is common enough that it isn't unusual.
         
      • A brush is also a good idea, and if you have room and are that concerned, hairspray.
         
       
   5. 5
      Have your makeup bag! Even if you don't wear much makeup, you will find yourself needing it more and more.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   6. 6
      Stay awake and energized by doing four simple things: Drink more water, eat a very large breakfast, exercise, and sleep well.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
      • People get dehydrated very easily. Soda, coffee, tea, or sports drinks do not count as water. Drink at least one full water bottle a day, more if possible.
         
      • People who don't eat breakfast at all are surviving off of energy they last got more than 12 hours ago (if you ate at 6 at night and woke up at 6 in the morning). Then they go all the way until lunch without any food. If they are used to it, they will not be tired. However, eating a big breakfast to give yourself all the energy you need will be a big improvement. If you are worried about weight gain, remember to eat a small snack every 2 hours to keep your metabolism up, and eat a very small dinner (you don't need much energy if you are about to sleep!)
         
      • There is something house pets get called "cage syndrome". If your dog sleeps all day, he has cage syndrome. It is what happens when you never exercise: Your body decides to pretty much just shut down and be tired all the time, because it will never get to run or play. If you are tired and don't exercise much, you probably have what your dog has. Taking a long walk (at least 1/2 hour) every day is a good way to get rid of this. Jogging with your poor dog, doing a few crunches, or dancing are all good ways to be uncaged. If you feel tired for no good reason, jog around the block – you'll feel much better instantly.
         
      • Sleep well! Teens need more rest then everybody else because we're growing. If you usually sleep for only 5-7 hours a night, try getting 10. The difference is amazing.
         
       
   7. 7
      Keep track of the monthlies. It is surprising how many teen girls don't keep track of when the scary red monster comes to visit. It is as simple as marking off your calender with a different color when you start and stop your period. It is a good idea to know, because your period will make you tired, grumpy, crampy, and bloated – all very bad things to have if you planned to go to a dance or party in the middle of "girl time".
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   8. 8
      Don't be a bad girl. You can't go wrong with being good. If your parents or teachers don't approve of something you're thinking about doing, don't do it. That means drugs, alcohol, sex without love, partying, or anything sketchy like that. Just be good. If you're not, you're going to limit yourself beyond what you can imagine. Say for example that you have sex with some boy you know just because you were curious and you thought he was cute. You're going to feel terrible about yourself later, but you may have also just ruined your chances with the guy you REALLY like, who now thinks you're someone you're not. You may think that the people who are 'good' are just being prudes, but they have a simple tool that they go by: their conscience. Just listen to the little voice inside of you, and you will never go wrong. Make yourself someone you're proud of, and someone other people can be proud of. Be the best person you can be.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   9. 9
      Know when 'just a little more' is too much. If you don't normally wear much makeup, then turn up at school one day wearing foundation, powder, blush, mascara, eye shadow and liner, your hair up, and a strong perfume, things will be way too much. Take a look at yourself in the mirror. If a dab of concealer and a nice necklace do it for you, go with that.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   10. 10
       Remember how desensitization works. "Desensitization" is when you see something so much that it doesn't affect you anymore. People who cuss a lot are so used to it that if you hear them say a bad word, it doesn't mean anything. If you see a devout Christian use that kind of language, however, the room will quiet down. If you wear a lot of makeup all the time, it will be hard for you to top yourself for special occasions. Following the step above, if the normal day calls only for mascara, only wear that. This way, when something big does come up, your makeup will show that it is a big occasion.
       
       
       

        

        

        

        
        
   11. 11
       Ask your friends how you look. Have them be very honest. When we look at ourselves in the mirror, we get distorted images. If you have always thought you had a bad nose, you will see it badly when you look at yourself in the mirror. You might also miss some stuff when you take that one last look before you head out the door. You need to get one good friend and ask every morning, "How do I look?" If they feel you are being conceited, explain yourself. In some cases, the truth might be you have never felt you have looked good, and are trying to improve your appearance. If this isn't true for you, just say you want to be sure of how you look.
       
       
       

        

        

        

        
        

   Social Interactions

   1. 1
      Just telling you to be confident is preaching to the choir. You know you should be confident. So we'll tell you why (far better explained here). Take a look at yourself (mentally, that is). Chances are, you are not perfectly happy with how you are. Either your grades, social life, family life, or most importantly, looks, are not good enough for you. If only you had more money, more friends, a boyfriend… the list goes on and on. Now think of a girl at school – she is exactly the same way. All girls are insecure to a point. Some may be perfectly secure, but you will be hard pressed to find a girl who will honestly tell you, "I am happy with everything about myself. I love myself, how I look, my family, and everything to do with my life." Just remember that everyone is insecure, but try to focus on the positives of yourself; everyone has them.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   2. 2
      Pretend to be confident. Just telling you why you should be confident probably will not work. So pretend to be. Think about the worst possible thing that could happen to you. Now think of the second worst thing that could happen. Now think of the third worst thing. Thatwill be what happens in 98% of the cases.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   3. 3
      Put things into perspective… your problem may not be as big as you think. You and your friend got into a tiff at lunch… was it that big of a deal? Was it your fault? Go over what happened. Were you teasing her and she took it too personally? Your friend didn't say yes when you asked him out. Was it really because of you? Maybe his life is weird right now, or maybe you're a really good friend and he doesn't think of you that way. Maybe instead of being mean, your friend just said something without thinking. That person who shoved you probably didn't mean to.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   4. 4
      Fix things if they are your fault. That tiff you got into at lunch – did things last past the end of school? If it was your problem (even if it wasn't!), call her right up – calling is an easy way to talk to people about personal things. Apologize! You don't lose points for saying sorry, if it really was your fault. Saying "Sarah, I'm sorry – that was totally my fault today" can be hard. Try it out anyway. She may just feel bad because she thought that was what you really thought of her, or because the teasing struck too close to home.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   5. 5
      REMEMBER! Saying "sorry" is a hard thing. The reason there is so much drama in high schools is because neither girl is willing to say sorry, even though they both want to be friends again. You will have a lot more friends, and they will like you more, if you just come up and say sorry. Also, keep secrets. That's a no-brainer, but it'll help you avoid some messy situations.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   6. 6
      Be nice to people. Do you hate where you are at your school's social ladder? Are you considered unpopular and want to change it, now? Yes, contrary to popular belief, being a jerk isn't going to make you popular like in the movies. Help people, compliment them, just be nice to everyone, especially if you hate them! There is no reason not to lend the kid who sits behind you your textbook, or answer the boy who asked what time it was. People like nice people. Be nice, and people will like you. If people like you, you're popular.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   7. 7
      Avoid being a "compliment fanatic". Just like dressing up every day ruins the specialness of dressing up on occasions, people will feel less special getting a compliment from you if you compliment people all the time. When you see something you think is cool, go up and tell the person! No one's going to hate you for complimenting them.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       
   8. 8
      Assume people like you. Don't assume they hate you, this will just make you paranoid and people will get annoyed at you if you go around saying "oh nobody likes me, everybody hates me" because that gets annoying; and if you say it enough, people ARE going to hate you eventually! People do like you, you just need to break down the 'everyone hates me' wall and get into a more optimistic mindset.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
       

   Steps for Planning

   There are already some great articles out there about planning your day, but there is one thing that can't be ignored. If you are always forgetting things, needing help organizing your day, or just want to feel more confident, this section is for you.

   1. 1
      Make a to-do list. Simple as that! To-do lists ensure you won't forget anything. They make you more confident and relaxed during the morning. This is an example of a to-do list.
      
      
      

       

       

       

       
      • Take a shower
         
      • Get dressed
        • Body spray
           
        • Hair/Makeup
           
        • Deodorant!
           
         
      • Eat breakfast
         
      • Brush and floss
         
      • Check backpack for,
        • History
           
        • Science
           
        • Math
           
        • English
           
         
      • Get lunch money
         
      • Have a jog in the evening. (keep fit)