B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED

TEEN Breathe

Motivation nation • All the world’s a stage • Are we there yet? • Magic numbers
There’s no such thing as normal • Mythologise your life • Pause before sharing
CONTENTS
2 Mythologise your life 30 There’s no such thing
Applying some legendary as normal
storytelling rules to your life Meet the new movement
can make you the main that’s all about embracing
character in a classic tale neurodiversity in all its forms
of your own
34 Tidy room, tidy mind?
6 Be book-smart Making the bed first thing in the
It’s not just school books that morning can make your whole day
can teach you a thing or two
36 Best foot forward
10 Motivation nation Time to put your feet up and
How to get those engines up read about what they stand for
and running again when you – then try a few tips to keep your
lose your drive toes sweet

12 Are we there yet? 40 Precious pollinators

If you’re all going on a summer They might not be as cute as
holiday, start by packing this regular pets, but some bugs do
guide to spending more time the Earth a world of good
with your family
44 Magic numbers
16 Have no fear of heights Figure out the secret code
Why no one should measure found throughout nature
their worth in feet and inches
48 Fantastic fungus
18 Pause before sharing Discover just how magic
Online news travels fast – mushrooms actually are, and
and far – so try not to click some fresh ways to use them
without thinking when cooking

22 The science of funny 52 All the world’s a stage

Find out why you sometimes In a few lines you can learn why
get the giggles when not it’s still worth a trip to the theatre
everyone sees the funny side…
and vice versa 56 Lines of thought
Spark your creativity with a free-
26 Dance up a storm flowing form of Indian folk art
If you don’t think you could
hold the traditional poses 60 Red sky at night
for long enough, give dance And finally, let’s take a look
yoga a go at the weather…

Don’t miss the next issue of

Teen Breathe: on sale from 24 May
Find more inspiration at
teenbreathe.co.uk
ON THE COVER: Illustration by Charly Clements
 Welcome to
TEEN Breathe
Stories are, at their very core, a means of sharing
experiences. Storytelling is how humans communicate
their history, handing it down throughout generations.
You might use familiar narratives to make sense of
the world around you. Everyone has stories they tell
themselves about their own lives. Having a script can be
a soothing tool.
As common themes emerge, it’s natural to fit them into
a framework. Some of these structures are embraced so
widely they’ve become myths or folklore – from fairy tales
and folk art to classic jokes and sayings about the weather.
Of course, not everything that’s shared is true, and it’s
important now to bear that in mind online. But the sheer
enjoyment of sharing stories has never really gone away.
You can do it in communal ways, such as going to the
theatre. There you’ll find a chance to connect with the
people on stage in front of you, and those around you.
But some say you can’t beat curling up with a good
book. It might seem solitary, but reading someone’s life
story opens up new points of view in quite an intimate
way. You can relax in peace and quiet, while accessing a
whole new world even as you retreat from the one outside.
There’s a reason people still take books away on holiday.
Whatever’s on the page is an escape from the everyday,
which is what a vacation is meant to be about, after all.
Read on…
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MYTHOLOGISE YOUR LIFE
Taking inspiration from classic tales can help to make sense
of your experiences and celebrate your strengths

Stories are everywhere – in the books you read, the films journey’. The hero can be any gender and the details
you watch and the conversations you have. Your own can vary wildly, but the structure (see overleaf) remains
life’s made up of countless tales – your experiences and essentially the same: a character grows through the process
memories – but have you ever considered using a story- of accepting a challenge or embarking on an adventure.
telling structure as a tool for understanding yourself? And one of the most exciting things is that you can also
The structure of myths is particularly useful in this make yourself the hero of your own story by applying this
respect, which is why it’s the basis of so many well-known structure to an element of, or episode in, your life.
stories, both old and new. Mythologising your experiences, with you as the
From the Bible to Greek and Celtic myths, Hansel and central character, can help you recognise challenges
Gretel to Cinderella and Harry Potter, there’s a recognisable and achievements as important parts of your life story.
pattern that can help you understand and learn from your It can also help you see how they contribute to your
own experiences. personal growth – and that’s part of your story, too.
In fact, the pattern is so clearly identifiable that
American author Joseph Campbell named it ‘the hero’s Turn the page for a guide to writing your own hero’s journey

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 Write on it
Following Joseph Campbell’s lead, here’s how the hero’s journey can be broken down into five sections

The call to adventure The ultimate test and its reward

1 This is where something happens to threaten the hero’s
normal life, presenting them with a challenge that they
4 This is often shown as a battle, with a tangible prize
at its end. It’s the part of the journey where everything
have to take on, even if at first they resist it. For instance, that the hero has endured so far helps them to face a
in the film Shrek, the ogre is happy living in his swamp but final challenge. In The Lion King, Simba overcomes his
his life is disrupted when all the fairytale creatures are sent uncle and becomes the rightful king. In Arthurian legend,

WORDS: SARAH RODRIGUES. ILLUSTRATIONS: MAGGIE STEPHENSON

there by Lord Farquaad. In order to get his swamp back for King Arthur and his knights are challenged by enemies
himself, Shrek has to rescue Princess Fiona. In Snow White, such as Morgan le Fay before they’re able to find the
the call to action comes when the princess discovers that Holy Grail. Similarly, Aladdin defeats Jafar and is rewarded
her stepmother is plotting to kill her. by marrying the princess he loves.

The crossing of the threshold The return

2 At this point, the hero leaves one environment and
enters another. Alice tumbles down the rabbit hole in
5 The final stage sees the hero leave the other world to
return home, but as a changed person, with the addition of
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Jane Eyre accepts a the rewards that have been gained on the journey. These
job as a governess and travels to Thornfield Hall. Greek hard-won prizes improve the lives of others, as well as their
mythical king Theseus ventures into the labyrinth to own. Hansel and Gretel go back to their father with the
slay the Minotaur. Of course, Lucy enters the wintry witch’s treasure and no longer need to live in poverty. In
world of Narnia in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Magician’s Nephew, one of The Chronicles of Narnia,
Sometimes the threshold can be more symbolic than an Digory makes it back home with the potion that will cure
actual, physical environment. It might be a change of his mother’s illness. Finally, in Frozen, Elsa is reunited with
appearance, like when Cinderella is transformed for the Anna and, having learned to use her power positively,
ball. This point on the journey represents a change, and brings back summer to Arendelle.
the understanding that the hero’s life will never be quite
the same again.

The tests of will and abilities

3 Whether just one test or a series of them, this stage
of the hero’s journey sees their courage and endurance
challenged by setbacks, obstacles, monsters or enemies.
For instance, when Harry Potter arrives at Hogwarts,
he makes an enemy of Draco Malfoy – a feud that lasts
throughout the entire series. Harry and Ron have to tackle
a troll to save Hermione, Harry’s frequently in trouble with
Snape, and Quirrell puts a broom-jinxing spell on his first
ever game of Quidditch. These challenges help characters
to develop and grow in confidence and, crucially, the hero
doesn’t always come out on top. Their mistakes are just as
vital as their victories to their resilience
and learning.

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 Be your own hero
Think of a life challenge you’ve experienced and write a story about it, following the
steps on the left. Be as creative as you like: a vast exam hall could be a dark cave,
or a rival sports team could be a swarm of bees. Turning your story into a myth will
help to gain a different perspective on the obstacles you’ve overcome, identify
your own strengths and feel proud of what you’ve achieved

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 BE BOOK-SMART
If you’ve fallen out of love with reading, biographies and memoirs might
reignite your interest – and they have some life skills to offer along the way

With the sheer amount of fiction on offer, knowing what in the case of autobiographies, where writers often
to read – and whether it’s going to be enjoyable – can share their deepest thoughts.
sometimes feel overwhelming. Perhaps you haven’t picked Discovering such personal tales can help you to
up a book for a while and would like to find something explore your own thoughts and feelings about matters
different to get into. This is when immersing yourself in – whether it’s the road to success, the death of a loved
a true story might be the solution. one or overcoming a physical or mental challenge. And
positive stories about how people have dealt with such
Life’s a great teacher trials can allow you to look at the world in a different light.
As you probably know, biographies and memoirs (or Take the friendship between Martin Ganda and
autobiographies) are about real lives, either written Caitlin Alifirenka in their book, I Will Always Write Back
by a close observer or the person whose story is being (see overleaf). Their lives couldn’t be more different
told. True stories can feel more inspiring than fiction, as – Martin lived in poverty in Zimbabwe, while Caitlin
they invite the reader to step into another (real) person’s had a privileged upbringing in Pennsylvania in the
shoes and see the world through different eyes. US. However, through exchanging letters about each
Reading about other people’s lives is a rare treat. It other’s experiences, they found kindness, empathy and
allows you to learn from lived experiences, especially developed a friendship that changed their paths forever.

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 Secrets of success In addition, discovering how others have dealt with
Inspiration is another key benefit of reading people’s difficult times can help you assess your own strategies and
true stories. Whether you’d like to be the next Greta offer coping tools you might not have thought of before.
Thunberg or Tim Berners-Lee, the path your heroes have There are also stories that spark empathy and can put
WORDS: TRACEY DAVIES. ILLUSTRATIONS: NIKA MAMEDOVA

taken can help you focus on your own dreams for the challenges of your own into perspective, such as that of
future. Michael Morpurgo’s Such Stuff – A Story-Maker’s Malala Yousafzai, who was 10 when her life changed after
Inspiration, for example, weaves the personal recollections the Taliban took over her town in Pakistan. Her memoir,
and historical context that fed into some of the acclaimed I Am Malala (see overleaf), allows you to step into her shoes
author’s children’s books, including War Horse. and gain insight from her extraordinary determination.
Perhaps best of all, memoirs and biographies can help
Self-discovery you understand other people’s attitudes and offer the
It can also be easier to relate to the challenges of a real opportunity to learn about different cultures and beliefs.
person than a fictional character. Many people are drawn They open doors into unfamiliar worlds and show you that
to topics that resonate with their own life experiences, what makes people different can also bring them together.
and subjects such as bullying, divorce and illness can feel
especially poignant if you’ve experienced them yourself. Turn over for a selection of thought-provoking life stories

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Our picks for moving memoirs
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
Malala was only 10 when the Taliban took control of her town in Pakistan and, in her
fight for the right to be educated, she was shot. During her recovery, she became
an activist for girls’ education and, as a result, the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize
winner. In her memoir, Malala tells her story in her own words, giving readers a first-
hand account of her remarkable experience. (Edition adapted for young readers, 11+)

I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka
What started as a school assignment grew into a friendship built on six years
of exchanging letters. The true story of Caitlin, from the US, and Martin, from
Zimbabwe, is a heart-warming read, taking in two very different continents.
It explores friendship, poverty, kindness and why we should never take certain
things for granted. (11+)

The Reason I Jump: One Boy’s Voice from the Silence of Autism
by Naoki Higashida
Written by Naoki when he was just 13, this is a direct insight into an autistic mind.
Naoki explains how he perceives the world, offering a window on his thoughts and
feelings. He explains why he behaves as he does and highlights how people with
autism have imagination, humour and empathy, just like anyone else. (11+)
See page 30 for more about autism.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

This is a book that’s relevant to everyone, young and old. Following the former First
Lady’s inspiring life from the South Side of Chicago right up to the White House, it’s
as interesting as it is accessible. She treats her triumphs and disappointments with
compassion and grace. It’s a great lesson in how to do the same. (Edition adapted for
young readers, 10+)

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

‘I don’t need easy, I just need possible,’ says Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer
who lost her arm in a shark attack in Hawaii. Soul Surfer is her story and, although it
touches on the incident, this is very much a tale of resilience, hope and surfing.
It’s gives readers a glimpse of what it’s like to grow up in Hawaii and also shows how
to pick yourself back up after tragedy. (13+)

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 MOTIVATION NATION
How to get your mojo back up and running

How many times have you been told you can do anything if interest in anything, it can have a detrimental effect on
you put your mind to it? Whether it’s getting an A*, running your mood. Spending time with people who are passionate
a marathon or winning Britain’s Got Talent, it’s not quite as about what they do is a good antidote. Just knowing you’re
simple as just wanting to succeed. doing something at the same time as a friend can help.
Motivation is the internal force that drives achievement
but sometimes it can start to run low. There could be any Procrastination, or just plain old putting things off, is
number of reasons why, but – whatever lies behind a nose- known as the enemy of success. Not everything is going to
dive in motivation – don’t panic. What matters is how to get be super-fun or interesting, so train the mind to focus on
it back firing on all cylinders. the end result of less enjoyable tasks. From cleaning your
So, what makes people lose motivation? Some say it’s bedroom every week to handing in that tricky end-of-term
laziness but often it’s more a reluctance to do something project, every story deserves a happy ending.
you’re not invested enough in. This can happen for all kinds
of reasons: Fear of failure is a big one, especially when it comes to
studying for an important exam or entering a contest. No
Feeling overwhelmed by All The Things all the time one likes to fail, whether they’re a perfectionist or not. The
is enough to leave anyone exhausted and distracted. obvious way to avoid feeling like a failure is by not trying
It’s tempting to slack off when there’s a lot on your plate, in the first place, right? Wrong. Facing self-doubt and
whether it’s homework, chores or too many social events in chipping away at it is one of the key pathways to success
the calendar. Brains struggle to cope when there’s so much and makes everything feel even more rewarding in the end.
to think about and sometimes freeze up, making it difficult
to achieve anything. Exercise gives you energy, so a short A dwindling desire or willingness to do something is
walk could be all it takes when everything gets too much. completely normal, usually temporary, and there are many
ways to get your mojo going again (see panel, right).
Negativity can also dampen drive. If you’re surrounded
by people who don’t want to study or work, or have little WORDS: TRACEY DAVIES. ILLUSTRATIONS: MARTA PANTALEO

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Lazy ways to get motivated
If you’re dwelling on how much there is to get done, some of these strategies might spur you on

Break it down Visualise your feelings Fake it until you make it

1 ‘What do I do?’ ‘Where
do I start?’ When it all feels
3 When you start thinking ‘Why
bother? I’ll only fail’, spend a few
5 When you really need a
kick-start, don’t succumb to
overwhelming, begin by making minutes imagining how it would lethargy by staying in pyjamas
a list of everything you need to do feel if you actually did fail. Picturing and binge-watching box sets. Trick
to complete the task. Then take a these unpleasant feelings can your mind into feeling motivated
step back and look at what you’ve often make you more determined to by getting dressed and getting
just written. Break the list down attempt the task – even if it’s just in the work zone, even if you
into easy-to-manage chunks so to avoid winding up that way. don’t really feel like it.
you can focus on one at a time.
Chart your progress Finally, be kind
Try building in rewards – plan
something fun to follow every
challenge you complete.
4 Be sure to acknowledge
when you’ve achieved something,
6 Most people’s motivation
wavers from time to time, so don’t
whether it’s ticking off a household think there’s anything wrong with
Revisit previous
2 success stories
Another way to boost motivation
chore on your to-do list or finishing
a particularly difficult chapter of
reading. Always note down the
you. If you’re tempted to berate and
blame yourself, instead ask: ‘How
would I speak to a friend who’s
is to relive past glories. How did it progress you’re making. These feeling this way?’ Then respond to
feel to finally hand in that difficult little hits of dopamine stoke your yourself appropriately
project? Recalling those giddy motivational fires and keep you – and kindly.
feelings of relief, satisfaction and moving towards the end goal.
pride will remind your brain that
hard work reaps rewards and
reignite the urge to do it all
over again.

If you find you’re still struggling to get back on track, talk to a teacher or another
trusted adult. For more information, visit youngminds.org.uk or kooth.com.
 ARE WE THERE YET?
If you’re lucky enough to have a family break planned, you’re probably getting
excited about it. But sometimes an extended period with your nearest and (most-
of-the-time) dearest can get a bit rocky. Here’s how to smooth out the bumps

The family holiday is in the diary. That big block of white has more than 30 years’ experience working with children
space promises uninterrupted time off, plus a chance to and families.
shake up your regular routine, explore unusual places Margot says that family-holiday experiences can help
and share new experiences. It can also be a great way tap into two systems in the brain that go largely unused
to unwind after all the pressures of studying and exams, while you’re at home.
attending social events and juggling after-school activities. First, there’s the ‘play system’, which ignites the ability
All that empty calendar space is filled with potential for to develop and play with ideas. The second – the ‘seeking
what your time away could be, but how it plays out might system’ – encourages you to explore new surroundings.
be quite different. For some, the packing process alone is And the great thing about these systems? Once
enough to cause friction and that’s before you even set activated, they prompt the brain to release feel-good
foot on fresh ground. chemicals that help reduce anxiety.
It gets even better, too. Professor Jaak Panksepp, the
Mixed bag world-leading neuroscientist who first discovered these
This is in part because holidays, although often a lot of fun, systems, likened them to muscles. So the more you ‘play’
also come with their own challenges. There’s a new routine and ‘seek’, the more this becomes part of your personality.
to get to grips with, more time spent with various family
members (some of whom might be more demanding than Benefits for the body
others), and disagreements about to what to do and see. A holiday can also improve your physical health, especially
Spending time away – and together – might seem to if it involves exercise like swimming or cycling. Even
highlight differences, but with some planning (see panel, traipsing around castles or gardens, which might not be WORDS: CLAIRE PESTANA. ILLUSTRATIONS: ANNA BROADHURST
overleaf) there are ways you can smooth things out. your idea of a great day out, will improve your fitness as
Look a little deeper, too, and you may find holidays offer you’ll walk far more than you would on an average schoolday.
opportunities. A family break is a chance to see siblings in a Anything that gets you outdoors in the gentle sunshine
new light, a space to talk to adults when they’re (hopefully) will also help your body produce more vitamin D, which
more relaxed, and a moment to renew enthusiasm for is needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. And
creative hobbies or school projects. spending time in nature is one of the best-known ways to
boost feelings of wellbeing.
Exercise for the mind So, if you’re in the fortunate position of travelling beyond
Studies show that taking a vacation – if you’re able to the place you call home, enjoy the well-earned rest with
– can play an important role in mental and emotional those you love – and make the most of the opportunities it
development. Study International, an online platform for brings to bond and relax. Bon voyage!
students and universities to share information, features the
research of child psychotherapist Margot Sunderland, who Turn the page for a few tips on keeping your cool on a trip

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 10 tips for a fulfilling break
1 Before the trip, let the prospect excite and engage you. Think about things you might
like to do and discuss them with your family.

2 Pack carefully and include items that will make you feel good.

3 While you’re away, try to resist the temptation to always turn to a device for
entertainment. You could instead take board or card games for all the family to play.

4 Use the time to talk about what matters to you and explore what’s important to your
family, too.

5 Disagreements happen. Remind yourself that it’s OK to agree to disagree and that if
everybody was the same, life would be boring.

6 Consider stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new activities.

7 Help out with any chores. Tasks can be enjoyable if they’re done as a team.

8 If it’s safe and you’re keen to make friends, reach out to other holidaymakers your age.

9 Enjoy quiet time to yourself and fill it with things that inspire you. Reading, writing,
drawing or listening to music can be relaxing and help to spark creativity.

10 Take a journal or scrapbook and create a lasting memory of your time away.

Did you know?

The concept of taking a holiday or vacation can be traced back to the 11th century, when
William the Conqueror introduced the idea in order to help with the grape harvest. It saw
many wealthier families moving to a summer home for part of the year and leaving their
regular home vacant.

The amount of vitamin D generated by being out in the sun for short periods depends
on various factors, including the season, the time of day, your skin tone and how much
skin you have exposed. Always make sure you don’t get sunburnt, so cover up or protect
your skin with sunscreen before it starts to turn red.

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Holiday heaven
Use this space to explore what you’d
pack as your holiday essentials and
how you might use the time to get to
know yourself and your family better

15
 HAVE NO FEAR OF HEIGHTS
Whether you’re shorter or taller than average, you’ll always measure up

Do you sometimes feel conscious of your height? Perhaps while boys don’t stop growing until their late teens and
when you’re standing in a group of friends, you notice that sometimes even into their early 20s.
they’re all shorter than you, then worry that being taller As you can see, how tall you are is totally beyond your
makes you stick out. Or maybe younger siblings suddenly control, but thankfully that’s not the end of the story…
seem to tower over you and it feels strange being the
shortest, even though you’re the eldest. Everyday images
It’s perfectly normal to compare how tall or short you Ever noticed how women are often paired with taller men?
are with other people of a similar age. But just as there’s Whether in movies, TV shows, books or even sporting
no perfect size or shape, there’s no right height, either. events (where athletes compete as mixed pairs), it’s rare
Everyone’s different, and the unique things about you to see a woman who’s taller than a man.
are what make you an individual. This is down to gender stereotyping and gives the
impression that men are stronger, more confident and
What makes you the height you are? deserving of being in charge, whereas women appear
Of course, during childhood, you’re growing all the time, weaker, more fragile and in need of support.
but most people have two major growth spurts. Number It also makes it seem as though girls are supposed to
one comes in the first year of life, when babies grow a be shorter than boys at all times, when actually height
whopping 25cm or so. That’s pretty impressive. The increases at a different rate for everyone.
second one happens during puberty. How much you In fact, growth spurts tend to happen a bit earlier in girls
grow throughout this period depends on a few things. than boys (between the ages of eight and 13 for girls and
Like many physical features, height is mostly determined from nine to 15 for boys). So this means that girls often
by DNA. Since genes come from both parents, you might start getting taller before boys of the same age.
get some idea of the height you’ll grow to if you know Unfortunately, these misleading images have a knock-on
theirs. You could end up short like one, tall like the other, effect. They can make some boys worry that they’re too
or… anywhere in the middle. short and some girls feel like they’re too tall, which can
affect self-esteem and confidence.
When do you stop growing? This is why it’s important to look beyond these
There’s really no way of knowing for sure how tall you’ll impressions and reflect instead on everyday life. In the real
be until you stop growing, and this only happens at the world, people come in all shapes and sizes, each with all
end of puberty. Girls keep growing up to their mid-teens, sorts of abilities, talents, strengths and vulnerabilities.

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 Why it might feel like height matters
Sometimes, the different rates of height change lead
to teasing at school – and being targeted for something
you can’t do anything about feels unfair and hurtful. If this
happens, try to remember that there’s absolutely nothing
wrong with how you look.
In fact, people who make such unkind comments are
often trying to make themselves feel better about their own
insecurities – particularly when it comes to appearance.

Stand proud, however tall

How you’re perceived has far more to do with the way
you carry yourself than how tall or short you are. Qualities
such as a positive attitude, kindness to others and
confidence in yourself matter a great deal more than
physical features in the long term.
If you’re still not convinced, think about the people you
WORDS: PASCALE DUGUAY. ILLUSTRATION: SUSANNA GENTILI

know, respect and care about. Do you pay much attention

to their height? If they were taller or shorter, would that
affect the way you view and interact with them? Chances
are, it wouldn’t change a thing. So why would your height
make them think any differently about you?
Variety is something to be celebrated, so go ahead and
enjoy the height you’re meant to be.

If anyone teases you or makes negative comments

about your height, try to find a trusted adult you can talk to
rather than ways to change what you can’t control. You can
also find help online at childline.org.uk and kidshealth.org.
 PAUSE BEFORE SHARING
Why it always makes sense to stop and think before you pass
on information over social media

There’s little doubt that social media is deeply ingrained in Fact or fiction?
many people’s lives, and you’re probably aware of some of It’s important to pause before you share anything
the negatives surrounding this – the hours lost to endless you see on social media and to think about how accurate
scrolling and being less active or present in your real life, to it is. (Of course, cute memes of dancing cats or singing
name a few. It also has many benefits, including the ease dogs are usually just fun – and often hilarious.)
with which information can be shared. Sometimes, however, posts contain information that
might seem shocking or interesting – that a certain
Rumour mill medicine is dangerous, for example, or a supermarket
Not all information is factual, however, and a problem chain’s supply of meat has been poisoned.
arises when people press ‘share’ without fully considering The impulse could be to immediately share such a post
what they’re reposting and what the consequences of with everyone in your network. ‘Oh, my goodness, this is
this might be for others or themselves. awful!’ you might think. ‘Everybody needs to know about
You could compare this with spreading rumours – for this sooner rather than later!’
instance, imagine another student tells you that tomorrow’s Instead, it’s worth doing some research and seeing
history test has been cancelled. Rather than going to a how much truth there is to what you’re about to share.
teacher to check, you tell five of your friends the same Where has this information come from? Is it from a
information. Before long, the entire class thinks the test reliable source, such as a respected newspaper? See what
has been cancelled, so nobody bothers to revise – and a teacher or guardian has to say about it.
then everyone gets a nasty shock the following day when You could also check reports from a reputable newsfeed.
the exam goes ahead as originally planned. If its reporting contradicts what you have just read, or if
you’re still not sure about what’s true and what’s not, it’s
Far and wide best not to share the post.
Because of its reach and immediacy, social media can
spread information far more quickly and to far more people Avoiding gossip
than just a single history class – so its potential to cause This doesn’t only apply to large-scale news. There are
harm by spreading the wrong kind of information is huge. times when a post is created that says something about

18
19
 a person or situation closer to home. The temptation Potential harm
to share gossip can be strong – and it might be even When everyone’s talking about something that has – or
stronger when all that’s required is the press of a button. that they think has – happened, it’s easy to get caught up
But the harm this seemingly simple action might do can in the drama of it and want to be part of the excitement.
be immense. What you’re sharing could cause genuine But remember that, as well as the additional harm and
distress to the person or people it involves – and because upset you could be causing someone else, you might also
social media posts travel so far and so fast, their impact be creating trouble for yourself.
can be like ripples in a pond, getting bigger and bigger.
One way of putting this into perspective is, of course, Candid camera
to imagine yourself as the subject of the post. Sharing photographs and images can also be problematic.
How might you feel if information – true or false – was If an unflattering shot of another student or a photo that
being shared about you? And what would you do knowing shows them doing something embarrassing appears in
that, in just a few hours, it could spread beyond your school your feed, you might be tempted to repost it because you
and to people and places you’ve never even heard of? think it’s funny.
WORDS: SARAH RODRIGUES. ILLUSTRATIONS: MAGDA AZAB

But imagine if it was you in the photo. Would you want

It’s criminal it to be shared and seen by countless people? Chances
There’s another important aspect to consider about are you’d be upset if it was.
this kind of behaviour, and it’s one that can have severe The old saying about treating others as you’d like
consequences for the person sharing information, as to be treated yourself is as true when it comes to social
well as for anyone mentioned in the post. media as it is for face-to-face encounters.
The law takes these matters seriously and the police
will investigate if a person posts something that: Choose kindness
The most important thing to remember when posting
they know is false or sharing anything is to always respect other people’s
is offensive feelings and consider the impact your actions could
is intended to cause distress or anxiety have. So, be kind, and pause before sharing.

20
 MISSED AN ISSUE?
B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED

TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe

Silver linings • In your best interest • Beyond words • Rumination game • Feeling stuck? In the picture • Nice to meet you • It’s OK to say no • Lost for words • Exit stage left Presenting… you • Attitude of gratitude • The power of togetherness • Under pressure Pockets of tranquility • Second that emotion • Keep the peace • Cool and collected
Go with the flow • Back to the future • A question of trust • Seeds of celebration Find your way forward • Big-day butterflies? • Naturally inspired • Incognito mode Finding your wolf pack • See the way • Cyberbullying… and how to block it • Picture this As you like it • Mini marvels • Double, double, toil and trouble • Judgment call

B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED

TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe

Love the skin you’re in • Creative sparks • Walking on air • Fowl language • Get on board Mind if we talk? • Striding out • To the Moon and back • Fantastic beasts • Flipping fun! Picture the moments • Funny business • Looking ahead • Revive the natural world Raising the barre • Body positive • Friends forever? • All creatures great and small
Own goals • Breathe into bravery • Mind maps • All cried out? • Step into the rainbow Time out • Unlock the past • On a whim • Core strength • Go ahead and giggle Go for it • Power to the poets • It’s all in the detail • Playing to the crowd • Sleep tight Letting go • Forgotten stories • Mood boosters • No purchase required • Long stretch

B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED B E I N S PI R ED • B E B R AV E • B E K I N D • B E YO U R S EL F

TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe TEEN Breathe

Be a joy spotter • An eye for mystery • Deadline dread • Scrolling through the moods Get grounded • Lines of power • Secret formula • Friend in a fix? • Pet rescue Celebrations of life • One up front • Make it happen • How to change the world Be the real deal • All or nothing • Staying safe online • Puppy love • In the zone
Stand tall • Strength of feeling • Mind games • Surf the creative waves • Wonder women Copy that! • Just the fit • Set in motion • In your interests • Grand designs Up for debate • Birds of a feather • Building boundaries • Fright night • Make a splash The magic of the Moon • A kitchen garden • Worlds of fiction • Singled out: why me?

VISIT TEENBREATHE.CO.UK/BACKISSUES
OR CALL +44 (0) 1273 488005
 THE SCIENCE OF

FUNNY
Jokes come in many different forms, but what is it about
them that makes people laugh?

Feeling of superiority
Have you ever sat down to watch something that your
friends have told you is hilarious and… nothing? It doesn’t
even make you smile. Or maybe you’ve watched a TV
3 This idea, first suggested thousands of years ago by
philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato, is still a source of
comedy and laughed so much it hurts, but other family amusement today. The theory goes that people laugh at
members just can’t see what’s so funny. others because it helps them feel superior to the person
Wherever records of modern humans have been found, on the receiving end: ‘Ha, that’s funny. I’m cleverer than
so has evidence of humour, but what’s the science behind that person because I’ve never walked into a glass door.’
it? What makes jokes funny? And, if laughter is universal, Some groups (such as those with a particular physical
why do different people laugh at different things? characteristic or of a certain nationality) might become
Psychologists who study humour suggest there are the butt of jokes that rely on stereotypes. Psychologists
five main factors that can make something funny. believe that such jokes become popular because they
work in a similar way – making people from other groups
Element of surprise
1 The mismatch between expectations and reality is
one place that humour can come from. Consider this joke:
feel superior. That doesn’t mean they’re OK, however.
These kinds of jokes can often be offensive and even racist.

Building of bonds
What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple? 4 Does your friendship group have in-jokes that
outsiders wouldn’t even understand? These are likely
Finding half a worm in your apple.
based on your shared experiences and help to cement
your friendships. Insider humour helps with bonding and
The question encourages you to think about something allows people to experience a sense of belonging.
other than worms, so the answer is unexpected. This also
Loss of control
explains why many jokes seem far less funny the second
time you hear them. 5 Finally, things can be funny when there’s a breakdown
of order. People like to believe they have some control
Release of tension
2 Another laughter trigger is the build-up of tension,
followed by a release. Imagine a TV advert featuring a
over the world around them, so laugh when this is
exposed as an illusion. Have you ever wondered why
slipping on a banana skin is considered funny? According
rhinoceros chasing someone – tension builds as viewers to psychologists, it’s because there’s a loss of control
wait to see if the person gets away. The creature then gets over the environment. (This example actually presses a
distracted by the product being advertised – say, a can of triple whammy of funny buttons because there’s also the
deodorant. The person escapes safely, tension is released element of surprise and a sense of superiority.)
and so the viewer laughs. (This example also includes the Puns can also fall into this category. They’re jokes
unexpected – a rhino who cares about personal hygiene.) based on words or sentences that have more than one

22
23
 meaning, and the confusion this causes can become jokes often don’t translate well to other languages or in
comic. If language is another way of bringing order to the other cultures.
world, then these jokes serve as reminders that sometimes Humour also reflects current cultural values. What’s
words can bamboozle humans, too. deemed appropriate changes over time. Some popular
comedy shows from the past are now considered offensive
because there’s greater equality among social groups and
Why did the scarecrow win a Nobel Prize?
more awareness of how damaging stereotypes can be.
Because he was outstanding in his field.
Also, humour goes through fashions and trends like
everything else. Some comedies are now considered
old-fashioned or cringeworthy because tastes and
Why is Cinderella bad at football? expectations change.
Because she keeps running away from the ball. Sometimes the funniness of a joke depends on who’s
telling it. Have you ever made a negative comment about
WORDS: VICKY H BOURNE. ILLUSTRATIONS: CHIARA LANZIERI

a group you belong to, but then felt annoyed if somebody

Different strokes for different folks outside the group makes the same observation? Humour
But why is humour such a personal thing? Well, firstly, it works in the same way. It’s generally considered more
can depend on time and place. Comedians often base acceptable to joke about a social group you belong to than
their routines on current social issues, live political themes one you’re not a member of.
or the latest celebrities, meaning the humour is lost Although it’s interesting to analyse what makes
outside these contexts. jokes funny, there’s not always a clear explanation.
Some gags also depend on shared knowledge and Consider the worm in the apple – reactions might range
understanding. This certainly applies to pun-based jokes. from ‘That’s hilarious!’ to ‘That’s absolutely disgusting, I
For the first one above to work, the listener has to be feel sick!’ or simply ‘I don’t get it’. Sense of humour seems
familiar with what a Nobel Prize is, and in the second case to vary so much from one individual to another, reflecting
they need to know the story of Cinderella. For this reason, personal values, background and past experiences.

24
 Game for a laugh
Use this space to note down your favourite jokes or see if you can
think up some of your own to try out on your friends

is the
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est surv cles and Philag s
The old iero elo
los by H s. Philog
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ie r’.
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fr

25
 DANCE UP A STORM
If you’ve never done yoga because you’re not sure you’d be able
to keep still in the poses, natya yoga could be just the thing
You may not have heard of natya yoga before, but it music can vary the mood and also give your practice
could be the kind of physical activity you’re looking for, a flexible range of rhythm, tempo, flow and energy.
especially if you prefer your exercise on the energetic side. With such a wide choice of dance yoga classes available,
Natya translates from Sanskrit as ‘dance’ and yoga means there’s something for everyone – including hip-hop yoga,
‘union’. Many indigenous cultures have used dance as a kundalini dance, vinyasa dance, yoga trance dance and
communion of the body, mind and spirit for centuries, so chair yoga dance. You’re sure to find your rhythm.
natya yoga is similar in this respect.
In India, natya yoga has long been performed and taught Do try this at home
by temple dancers and sages, confirming the spiritual If you don’t have access to a studio or just prefer to explore
connection between the two activities. Harnessing the dance yoga at home, there are many videos on YouTube
art of dance and the practice of yoga can bring a whole that you can follow. Internationally acclaimed kundalini
host of physical, mental and spiritual benefits (see right). yoga instructor Maya Fiennes has a fun, high-energy
The fusion of the two offers a powerful tool to improve dance yoga DVD called Yoga for Real Energy, which is
personal wellbeing on several levels. simple enough for people of all levels and abilities.
Select some songs or beats you’d like to do dance yoga
How yoga and dance make up modern natya yoga to. The lively, expressive movements raise more energy and
When you break it down, dance is basically a sequence of heat within the body than other types of yoga, so you may
movements performed in a rhythmic way, usually to music. find it handy to keep a glass of water within reach.
Dance yoga, then, is a series of fluid rhythmic yoga poses Remember, the music in dance yoga allows for more
to the beat and tempo of song or sound, as you aim to freedom of expression. You can have fun with friends or
reach a higher state of being. just get your groove on with no one else around. Either
There are many styles of dance and yoga, so it follows way, feel free with your movements.
that there are many styles of natya yoga to explore –
something to suit all ages and interests. A broad taste in Turn the page for an easy exercise to try at home

26
 Physical benefits Mental benefits Spiritual benefits
Increases flexibility and muscle Boosts mood and self-esteem Symbolises the connection
strength and tone. through the release of the between the outer world and
feel-good hormone serotonin. your own inner world.
Improves respiration, energy
and vitality, and cardio and Can help alleviate symptoms of Can elevate emotions and
circulatory health. depression and anxiety. energy flow to a higher state
of consciousness.
Supports physical stamina. Activates sensory and motor
circuits in the brain, which can Provides space for personal
Releases stress and tension help relieve stress. self-expression to flow.
in the body, which can help
boost the immune system. Improves spatial recognition
and memory.
Promotes better posture and
body awareness.
WORDS: DAWATTIE BASDEO – MAGNIFICENTMEMAGNIFICENTYOU.COM. ILLUSTRATIONS: SARA THIELKER

27
 Care to dance?
Here’s a short natya yoga sequence
that you can explore at home

Stand tall, with your hands in prayer pose, and take

1
a few deep ujjayi breaths (or Conqueror’s breath,
see issue 6 or teenbreathe.co.uk/conquerors-breath),
bringing your attention to the moment. Release your hands
to the side and shake them out, moving your upper torso and
shoulders rhythmically to the music. Then join your hips and
legs in this coordinated movement for a couple of minutes.

Breathe in and freestyle to the music in any direction

2
or flow that your body takes you. Let your body express
itself for a few minutes.

Come to standing, with hands on hips. Breathe in, open

3
your shoulders backwards and lean your head back.
Breathe out then arch your shoulders forward and tilt your
chin to chest. Repeat for five breaths.

With hands on hips, rhythmically kick each leg

4
forward, one at a time, for a couple of minutes.

Stand with legs apart and hands on hips. Circle

5
your upper torso from the hips clockwise five times
and then anti-clockwise five times.

Stand tall in prayer pose, then step your left leg back
6
and lower your hips. Raise your hands into Warrior 1
pose (see image, right, and issue 14 for more on this), breathe,
then step back to prayer pose. Do the same with the opposite
leg, then repeat for three rounds of Warrior 1 pose.

Stand with legs apart and breathe in as you raise

7
your hands to the sky. As you breathe out, flow
forward and touch the ground before flowing back up.
Continue this rhythmic flow for a while.

Come to stand, with hands on hips. Breathe

8
in deeply through your nose and breathe out
through your mouth five times. Take a moment to
observe how you feel.

As with all physical activities, please do not attempt if you have

any medical or physical conditions that might be aggravated.
If in any doubt, always talk to your doctor first. Younger children
should be supervised.

28
29
 THERE’S NO SUCH THING
AS NORMAL
A new movement hopes to create a world where neurodiversity is accepted as
part of what makes a person unique – a world more accessible to all

Neurodiversity is fast becoming something of a buzzword, society’s rules and challenges are not balanced in their
but the term has been around since the 1990s. It was first favour. However, we all deserve the same right to live while
used to refer to autism only, but now the term covers a being accepted just the way we are.’
range of natural brain variations, including attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and dyspraxia. The importance of acceptance
A person might have more than one type of So how can neurotypical people do all they can to be more
neurodivergence and each type has its own set of accepting of difference? Simone has a few suggestions:
characteristics (see panel on page 33). Some of these
traits can cause challenges in daily life. But there’s much Be kind. Seek to include people who are different.
to be celebrated about this diverse group – and much that If you feel someone is uncomfortable, ask if there is
neurotypical people can do to accommodate those with anything you can do to put them at ease.
different learning styles or ways of processing information. ● Be informed. Develop your understanding and
empathy by reading books about neurodivergent
Movement for change people, such as October, October by Katya Balen.
Simone de Hoogh is a specialist in gifted education who Or just listen when a neurodivergent person talks
works with neurodivergent young people and their families. about what life is like for them (see Q&A with Emily
She founded PowerWood, an organisation that seeks to Elsworth, overleaf).
raise awareness about neurodiversity as a positive force for ● Be active. If you’re comfortable speaking up when
change in society. According to Simone, the neurodiversity others aren’t treating neurodivergent people kindly, just
movement has three main aims: say ‘Please be kind’, with a smile on your face.

To empower people who are often seen Diversity in action

WORDS: KIM BANSI. ILLUSTRATIONS: SILVIA STECHER

as having a deficit. Diversity in general is essential to human life. Just think

To educate people about understanding about how important biodiversity is to the survival of
neurodiverse groups. the planet. As Simone says: ‘It’s key to strengthening our
To celebrate the benefits of neurodiversity communities and coming up with imaginative and creative
for individuals and society. ways to enrich our lives, tackle challenges and make the
world a better place.’
She says: ‘A high proportion of people [15%] are Understanding that people don’t always think and
neurodivergent, and we need to treat them with the process things in the same way is the first step to building
same respect and understanding as so-called normal, or a world where difference doesn’t have to be a disability.
neurotypical, members of society. Sometimes it’s hard for
neurodivergent people to cope and function well because Visit powerwood.org.uk for further information.

30
31
 Ask Emily…
Emily Elsworth is autistic and an advocate for making the world more accessible
to those who are neurodivergent. She does this through her social media platforms,
delivering autism-awareness training and offering peer support

Q: What’s your favourite thing about being autistic?

A: I love being autistic and there are so many things that are positive about it. The best
thing is that so many of my strengths come from being autistic, such as my honesty, loyalty
and acceptance of difference.

Q: What obstacles have you overcome while living in a world that isn’t always
welcoming to all?
A: I’ve faced challenges in being able to access services and have my needs understood.
People often make assumptions about me and the support I need based on knowing me
for five minutes, rather than actually getting to know me.

Q: You’re hopeful about creating a more understanding society. What can neurotypical
people do to help?
A: The best thing they can do is to listen when we talk about our lived experiences and
what would make things more accessible for us. Understanding that each person is
different would also help.

Follow Emily on Instagram @emilyautism and on Twitter @EKElsworth.

Well-known people who are neurodivergent

Just a few examples of famous folk who haven’t been held back by their difference

Greta Thunberg. One Daniel Radcliffe. You may

of the most prominent know him as Harry Potter, but
climate activists in the the actor has also spoken
world has opened up out about having dyspraxia.
about being autistic. He says: ‘The fact that some
Greta believes that ‘being things are more of a struggle
different is a superpower’. will only make you more
Simone Biles. Famous for determined, harder-working
her seven Olympic medals, and more imaginative in the
Simone was diagnosed with solutions you find to problems.’
ADHD at a young age. She
says of her diagnosis: ‘Having
ADHD and taking medicine
for it is nothing to be ashamed
of – nothing that I’m afraid
to let people know.’

32
A brief guide to some
different neurotypes
Autism affects how people communicate and interact with the
world – this can involve sensory issues, doing the same thing over
and over again, plus highly focused interests and hobbies.

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and can

mean having challenges with focus, organisation and sitting still.

Dyslexia affects areas of the brain that process language, which

can lead to problems with reading and writing.

Dyspraxia (or developmental coordination disorder) affects physical

coordination, making tasks such as playing sports, getting dressed
and learning to ride a bike more difficult.

It’s important to remember that none of this has anything to do with

intelligence, and many neurodivergent people are great at creative
thinking, pattern-spotting and problem-solving.

33
 TIDY ROOM, TIDY MIND?
How making the bed could make your day

Some people make the bed as soon as they get out of The idea is that ticking off the first task of the day
it each morning. Some only get round to it once a week. as soon as you get up sets off a domino-style sense of
Plenty of others make a point of not doing it at all. achievement that can last until you’re ready to climb
But if you’re looking for a simple way to feel calmer and back under the covers.
more content, it might be worth giving your sheets, pillows, Admittedly, there aren’t any specific scientific studies on
duvet or quilt a daily shakedown. the benefits of bed-making, but there are many others that
American author, blogger and happiness expert suggest tidiness and setting small daily goals are good for
Gretchen Rubin found, while researching a book about mental health. Both help with focus, reducing stress and
what makes people happy, that making the bed each boosting self-esteem.
morning ‘was the number one most impactful change that Not convinced? Try making your bed every day for a
people brought up over and over’. week (using the tips on the right) and see how you get on.

34
 Give it a go
Set aside a small amount of time – maybe only two or three minutes
– in your usual morning routine. Use this to make the bed. If it’s hard
to remember at first, try setting a reminder on your phone or placing
a little note by your bedside

Throw back your blankets, quilt or duvet and smooth out the bottom sheet.

Tuck any stray corners or loose edges tightly under the mattress.

Plump up your pillows and replace neatly.

Shake out your duvet or blanket and place it squarely on the bed, giving
it a tug at each corner to pull out any creases.

Enjoy your achievement (and the thought of that neatly made bed
you can lie in once the day is done).
WORDS: CHLOE RHODES. ILLUSTRATION: KATIE SMITH

35
36
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Squeezed into sneakers and strapped into sandals, your feet carry you around
all day largely overlooked and yet they can be supremely symbolic. Here’s why
they’re worthy of their place on a pedestal

Shoes off literally, liberating. It also chimed with their interest

Taking off your shoes has long been seen as a sign of in eastern traditions, including yoga, which is usually
respect and humility. In the Abrahamic traditions, it’s practised barefoot to promote natural balance and a
believed that God told Moses to remove his sandals when connection with the earth.
standing on holy ground. This is one of the reasons why
Muslims remove their shoes before entering a mosque. Chakra zero
Hindus and Sikhs also take off footwear before entering Chakras are energetic centres throughout the body that,
a gurdwara. Removing shoes helps to keep special areas in some traditions, are believed to govern spiritual and
hygienic and acknowledges the spiritual cleanliness of physical health. Although the feet aren’t one of the seven
sacred places. conventional chakras, they are sometimes referred to as
‘chakra zero’. Unsurprisingly, zero is the grounding chakra,
Barefoot beliefs and if you’re feeling spaced out, indecisive or confused,
Walking discalced (a fantastic, fancy word for barefoot) is your foot chakra could be blocked. Massaging the feet
traditional for pilgrims of many faiths. Again, this is often with oil or soaking them in a bath of Epsom salts are just
a sign of respect, but people also go barefoot as a way two of the ways people open and balance chakra zero.
of identifying with those who are suffering physical or
financial hardship. Ayurvedic massage
On the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims Ayurveda is a holistic philosophy – meaning it sees all parts
climb Croagh Patrick, a mountain in County Mayo in the of the body as interconnected – that’s been practised
Republic of Ireland, without footwear as an act of penance in India for thousands of years. A little like yoga, one of
– acknowledging and apologising for anything they might its aims is to promote the flow of energy throughout the
have done wrong. In more recent years, pilgrims have been physical and spiritual body.
encouraged to keep their shoes on to avoid injuries. One of the ways Ayurvedic practitioners do this is
It’s not all about suffering, though. Walking without by massaging physical points, known as marma, on the
shoes can also be invigorating and was popular in the body. They believe the feet deserve special attention – in
1960s among people who felt it was symbolically, and keeping with ancient Indian wisdom, which says: ‘Diseases

37
 Treat your feet
Are your tootsies crying out for some
serious TLC? These easy tips will help
keep you on your toes

Massage clean feet with peppermint lotion

to freshen them up. Alternatively, add a cup of
peppermint tea to a bowl of water, then sit back
and soak your toes for 10 minutes.

do not go near those who massage their feet before Rejuvenate your hooves by blending three
sleeping, as snakes do not approach eagles.’ drops of lavender oil, one drop of geranium oil
A full Ayurvedic foot massage before bedtime might be and one drop of chamomile oil in two teaspoons
ambitious, but even a quick foot rub at the end of the day of olive oil. Massage the mixture into clean feet
can be a relaxing way to tune in to your own health. to relax the muscles, then use a foot roller or
small rubber ball on the soles to release tension.
Decorating feet Every few weeks, sprinkle some Epsom salts
The comforting effect of stroking the feet is also used into warm water before settling down to soak for
during a Hindu Mendhi party. Held before a traditional 15 minutes. Salts eliminate toxins through the
Hindu wedding, the Mendhi is a colourful occasion when sweat glands and also soften any hard skin on
the bride’s close friends and family will paint her hands your feet enough to gently scale away with a
and feet with intricate and meaningful henna designs. pumice stone.
The gentle painting can also help to ease any nerves that
the bride might have in the lead up to the wedding.

Tip-top toes
Finally, don’t forget to pay attention to your toes. They
might be small, but they’re by no means insignificant.
Some people claim to be able to read toes, which is
known as the art of solestry.
The big toe is known as the ether toe, with each of the
others named after the elements. A long second (air) toe
can be a sign of an artistic personality, while those with a
long middle (fire) toe might be particularly ambitious.
Whatever your own thoughts about the meaning of feet,
taking time to massage, wash and appreciate them can
be a simple and relaxing task (see panel, right).
If that’s not your thing, take off your shoes and socks
WORDS: VICTORIA PICKETT. ILLUSTRATIONS: STEPH MOLE

and stand in a yogic mountain pose (see breathemagazine.

com/tadasana). Feel your feet firmly on the floor and sense
the ground pushing back against the soles. From here, take
a moment to think about your connection with the Earth
and allow yourself to be grounded.

38
 S U B S C R I B E

B E I N S PI R ED • B E STRO N G • B E C U R I O U S • B E U PLI F TED

TEEN Breathe • Issue 33

TEEN Breathe

Free delitvoery
direct oor
yo ur d

Motivation nation • All the world’s a stage • Are we there yet? • Magic numbers
There’s no such thing as normal • Mythologise your life • Pause before sharing

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 Precious
POLLINATORS
They might not be cute or cuddly, but these crucial creatures
deserve our appreciation and respect

It’s well known that bees are facing threats to their where possible, leaving them alone – is best. If
survival and need our help – they’re essential to you’re really rattled, try to relocate them rather
the planet’s ecosystems and to the future of food than squashing them or reaching for the swatter.
production. But did you know there are lots of Release the creatures outside or move them to
other pollinators who could use a hand, too? a more suitable place – or you can ask someone
From ants and wasps to the Australian honey to do it for you.
possum and Brazilian lizards, the world is full of
creatures that are vital for plant fertilisation. Even Learn more about them
the slimy, flappy, creepy-crawly kind could benefit Another way of helping is to read up on bugs,
from our understanding. So, how can you help? learn about their amazing abilities, discover how
to identify them – and spread the word. By letting
Let them be other people know how remarkable pollinators are,
Besides creating and protecting environments you might be able to change opinions of them.
where these insects can flourish – long grass, So, let’s begin at the beginning – way back,
wildflower areas and bug or bat hotels – one of the before bees... before the dinosaurs, even – and
easiest ways to help is to give them a break. explore the world of beetles (see right), before
Even if you wish they’d buzz off and stop moving on to some other misunderstood and
bothering you, treating insects with respect – and, under-appreciated pollinators (see overleaf).

40
 Th
ick-
legged flower b
ee
tle

Brilliant
beetles
Scientists believe that the very first pollinators, active
Common red soldier beetle
around 150 million years ago, were beetles and there
are thousands of species still performing the lion’s This is so-called because of its resemblance to a soldier’s
share of pollination today. red uniform. Also known as leatherwings, different species
Guided by a strong sense of smell, pollinating beetles of soldier beetle exist all over the world. The red soldier
tend to head for highly scented species of flowers. They beetle likes to hang out in hedgerows, grassland and
also love open, easily accessible blooms like daises, and wooded areas – anywhere that’s a good source of their
plants with flowers arranged in flat, platform-like shapes, favourite flowers, which include hogweed and cow parsley.
called umbellifers. Carrots, celery and coriander are all
umbellifers, as well as common hedgerow plants such
as cow parsley.
Not all beetles are pollinators, but some common
pollinating species include:

Thick-legged flower beetle

This is one striking bug. Its gorgeous green elytra
(or wing cases) look like a shimmering ballgown,
and the male’s large femora (hind-leg thighs) make
him look like a professional cyclist. These hardworking
beauties love sunshine and meadows, and are found
all over western mainland Europe, southern England
and the Mediterranean.

Pollen beetle
You’re almost certain to have seen a pollen beetle before.
They’re absolutely tiny – just a couple of millimetres long
le
– but their dark forms can be seen crawling over roses, eet
b
alliums (bulbous plants such as onion and garlic) and all ier
kinds of prize blooms. They may be a nuisance for proud Common red sold
gardeners, but they do a lot of good.

41
 gbird hawk-moth
n
mmi
Hu

Small but mighty

Hoverflies
There are around 6,000 species of hoverfly worldwide
and they can survive in all but the most extreme
climates. These tiny, striped creatures can travel
incredible distances – even crossing seas – and
evidence suggests that collectively they visit nearly
three-quarters of the world’s food crops.

Wasps
True, they have an uncanny ability to turn up at a picnic,
but that sweet tooth is also what makes wasps effective
pollinators (see issue 7). They’re drawn into flowers
for nectar and, while snaffling the sweet stuff, pick up
pollen. Some clever plant species, including members of
the orchid and fig families, have evolved specifically to
attract wasps – with the plants and wasps now enjoying a
mutually beneficial relationship.

Houseflies Moths
There’s no doubt that they can be annoying, buzzing about With a reputation for eating clothes and fluttering around
the house and banging into windows, but even the humble light bulbs, moths are often thought of as a bit of a pain,
housefly plays a part in pollination. Unlike bees, flies aren’t but when the sun goes down, these incredible pollinators
fussy about the weather and will happily carry on their really get to work. Research even suggests that moths visit
search for nectar come rain or shine. They’re not put off a greater variety of plants than bees.
by dank, dark places like shady forests, and it’s this easy-
going nature that makes them valuable.
Bats
Bats aren’t just for vampires and Halloween, they’re
spookily good at nocturnal pollination too (see issue 12).
Attracted to musty-smelling and pale-coloured flowers,
pollinating bats have developed long tongues and noses,
perfectly suited to reaching the sweet nectar and pollen
at the bottom of big or bell-shaped blooms. The Mexican
banana bat, or trumpet-nosed bat, has a tongue that’s a
whopping two-thirds of its body length. As many as 500
species of plants worldwide rely on bats as their major or
exclusive pollinator, including fruits such as mango.
Marma
lad

ho
e

ve
rfly
42
 Lookalikes
Can you tell the difference between these commonly confused pollinators?

Moth vs butterfly Hoverfly vs wasp

The most obvious difference between This is a tricky one as some hoverflies have
butterflies and moths is the resting wing been known to deliberately mimic wasps and
position. Butterflies generally rest with their bees to fool predators (that’s you!). The biggest
wings up (or closed), while moths rest with giveaway is that hoverflies can, of course, hover
their wings flat (or open). Butterflies also have in mid-air but wasps can’t. If you get the chance,
club-like antennae, whereas moths usually have note that hoverflies have two wings, whereas
feathery ones. Moths are also usually less svelte, wasps have four, and hoverflies also lack the
with sturdier bodies than butterflies. nipped-in waist that wasps are known for.
Crucially, hoverflies can’t sting!

p
as

W
WORDS: VICTORIA PICKETT. ILLUSTRATIONS: LOU BAKER SMITH. PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

43
 MAGIC NUMBERS
The key to unlocking the secrets of the universe

One of the most famous formulas in maths is the Fibonacci Design for life
sequence. This series of numbers and its corresponding As well as occurring naturally, the Fibonacci sequence
ratio, known as the golden ratio, govern the dimensions has been widely used in art and architecture to create an
of so much in nature – from the curve of a nautilus seashell attractive framework. You can see the formula in a series
to the twisting coil of a hurricane – and it’s also significant of rectangles drawn to a ratio of 1:1.618.
in science, art and design. If you draw a line inside the rectangle to form a perfect
Whether you’re a maths enthusiast or not, the Fibonacci square, the remaining rectangle will have the same ratio
numbers are fascinating and easy to calculate. The as the main rectangle. Then a spiral can be drawn, starting
sequence order is: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144 and at the bottom left corner of the rectangle and following
on to infinity. Each number is the sum of the previous the opposite corner of each square as it goes clockwise.
two: 3 + 5 = 8 and 5 + 8 = 13 and 8 + 13 = 21, and so on. The legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci drew upon
The ratio between the numbers (1 to 1.618) is what’s the formula for some of his greatest works, such as the
referred to as the golden ratio and translates into the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Michelangelo, Salvador
famous spiral shape that can be found all over the place. Dali, Mondrian and many other renowned artists from
the past to the present day have used the pattern for
When was the sequence discovered? composition or symbolism.
Although described in ancient Sanskrit texts, the In architecture, you’ll see this magical maths in the
sequence came to wider public attention in 1202, design of structures as famous as Egypt’s Great Pyramid,
following the publication of Liber Abaci (Book of the Parthenon in Greece and the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel
the Abacus, or Book of Calculation) by the Italian in Rome. The Swiss-French architect Charles-Édouard
mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci. Jeanneret (AKA Le Corbusier) was fascinated by the idea
Inspired by mathematical ideas gleaned on his travels, of finding harmony in mathematical formulae and created
Leonardo wrote about the sequence when calculating a proportional scale, known as the Modulor, based on the
how many pairs of rabbits could be produced in one year Fibonacci series.
from a single pair. Fibonacci explored this mathematical
puzzle, perhaps without realising the formula would How to spot it
go on to perplex some of the world’s greatest minds. Once you understand the Fibonacci sequence, you’ll see
Throughout the ages, scientists and scholars have its spiral design everywhere. Look for examples when
pondered why so many natural patterns reflect the you’re out and about. Notice the patterns in trees, flowers
sequence (see panel, overleaf). Some think it’s simply and animals, and in your own image. See how it has
coincidence, but others believe that it’s part of life’s influenced the design of buildings and works of art.
divine source code. You’ll start to appreciate the magic of these numbers
Despite what is known about the formula, which has that make up so much of what gets taken for granted. By
played a key role in the development of maths and seeing the Fibonacci sequence at work, you’ll realise just
computer science over the years, no one can explain why how incredibly awe-inspiring life and the universe can be.
the code is echoed so beautifully in many aspects of the
natural world. But it’s truly something to behold and enjoy. Turn over for examples of the Fibonacci sequence in nature

44
45
 Nature’s secret code
From the tiniest seed to creatures great and small, there are plenty of examples
of the golden ratio in the natural world

Seed heads. You can see the spiral pattern of the seeds in sunflowers and pine cones.

Plants. It’s thought that many trees and plants grow in a corkscrew pattern, and express
the Fibonacci numbers in their growth points – usually where new branches form.

Fruit and vegetables. You’ll find the spiral pattern in pineapples, Romanesco
cauliflowers, artichokes and red cabbages.

Flower petals. The number of petals in flowers (such as buttercups, lilies and daisies)
follow the Fibonacci sequence of numbers.

Shells. Take a look at snail shells and nautilus shells and you’ll see those familiar curves.

People. Some parts of the face and body have details and proportions in line with the
Fibonacci numbers, such as the cochlea of the inner ear and the double helix spiral in
DNA molecules.

Animals. The sequence is even encoded in a hawk’s hunting flight pattern and the
ancestry of a drone bee.

Galaxies. The awe-inspiring spectacle of our galaxy, the Milky Way, has four primary
spiral arms around a central core.

46
 Drawing parallels
Have a go at creating your own images inspired by the Fibonacci sequence.
Perhaps the spiral could become a dolphin’s tail or a snail’s shell?
ORIGINAL WORDS: CAROL ANNE STRANGE. ILLUSTRATIONS: TONWEN JONES

47
 FANTASTIC FUNGUS
Tasty ingredients for a risotto or omelette? Strange spores in damp woodland?
Or a magical mould that springs up overnight in fairy rings? Whatever comes
to mind when you think of mushrooms, there’s more to them than meets the eye

Did you know that the mushrooms you might put on toast The future is fungal
or use as a topping for your pizza are just the visible fruiting Some of the qualities found in mushrooms might help
part of much larger organisms? This ‘fruit’ appears every combat future challenges, too. They’ve already been put
season to spread spores out into the world. Underground is to work cleaning up the environment – in New York City
where the fungi lie. Big tentacles called mycelia stretch out mushrooms are used to clear up environmental damage
for many kilometres below the earth in search of nutrients. like oil spills. There are even plans to build homes with them,
These vast structures are only just beginning to be fully using specially engineered mushroom bricks (see right).
understood by scientists and it’s thought there’s much to They also have other unexpected uses. Richard Wright,
be learned from them. The broader world of fungi is fungus expert and outreach officer at Kew Gardens
sometimes known as the ‘third kingdom’ because they’re in London, wrote in Kew’s magazine that he would want
neither plants nor animals (though scientists say that a tinder polypore fungus with him if he were stranded
they’re more closely related to animals). on a desert island.
He explained that this bracket fungus has a dense
Good health woolly material inside ‘that will easily light with a tiny spark.
Outside of the food world, fungi have other important This would help enormously with making fires for warmth,
uses – notably for wellbeing. Antibiotics and drugs that cooking and signalling for help.’
help with heart health are already produced from them. Without fungi, Richard says, we’d probably not have any
Martin Powell, a biochemist and expert in Chinese plants on land – so it’s unlikely there would be any land-
herbalism, studied fungi for several decades. He says dwelling animals, either. Who’d have thought life on Earth
that including them in your diet can support gut health owed so much to these humble organisms?
and boost the immune system.
Martin adds that fungi are important for the health
of the planet, too, and that in the natural world whole
ecosystems rely on them: ‘Some plants cannot grow
without mushrooms to help them absorb nutrients
from the soil they’re growing in.’

Food of the gods or the devil’s fruit?

In traditional medicine through the ages, mushrooms
have been valued for their healing properties. Greek
physicians noted how useful they were and ancient
Chinese texts describe one fungus as an ‘elixir of life’.
The Romans considered mushrooms to be the food
of the gods. And yet in medieval times they were
regarded as sinister or ‘the fruit of the devil’.

48
 Be aware!
Not all fungi
are friendly.
any mushroo Don't eat
m or fungus
been properl that has not
y identified
professional, by a qualifie
as some are d
ingested. All poisonous w
correctly ide he n
fungi should ntified, edib
be cooked b le wild
efore eating
.

Magical mushrooms
The white truffle (Tuber magnatum) is worth its weight in gold. In
2007, one found in the woods in Tuscany was bought at a charity
auction for £160,000. It weighed 1.5kg. One reason it’s so valuable
is because it can’t be cultivated – it grows naturally or not at all.

Beatrix Potter, author and creator of Peter Rabbit, was an amateur

mycologist. She made hundreds of detailed paintings
and drawings of fungi, studying them under a microscope. She
wrote a paper on fungi in 1897, and her artworks have been used
in the years since to identify a variety of species.

According to Guinness World Records, the Earth’s largest

living organism is a specimen of honey fungus – most
of which is below ground in the form of a mycelium –
in Oregon’s Blue Mountains. It’s 5.5km wide and the
equivalent to 1,350 football pitches in area.

Honeybees are vulnerable to virus-carrying mites, but

researchers have recently found that feeding bee
colonies a fungal extract reduced rates of infection.
ORIGINAL WORDS: BEVERLEY D’SILVA. ILLUSTRATIONS: LORNA DOLBY-STEVENS

Quick-growing oyster mushrooms produce masses of mycelia

that can be moulded into building materials that, pound
for pound, are stronger than concrete. Researchers at the
University of the West of England are using them as
the basis for a project focused on building a future
smart home made from fungi.

Turn over for different ways to use mushrooms in cooking

49
 GET YOUR SHROOMS
Easy mushroom omelette
Ingredients
100g chestnut or closed-cup mushrooms
A knob of butter or 1 tsp olive oil
2 eggs
A handful of grated parmesan (optional)
Salt and pepper

Method
Top tip
1. Roughly chop the mushrooms and heat the butter or olive oil For a vegan vers
in a small frying pan. ion, replace the
1½ heaped tbsp eggs with
2. Add the mushrooms to the pan and fry on a medium heat for of chickpea flour
salt and pepper . Mix with
around 3 minutes or until golden brown. in a bowl, add 4
and stir until you tbsp water
3. Crack the eggs into a bowl, whisk with a fork and add salt and pepper. have a creamy ba
Add the mushroo tter.
4. Space the mushrooms out as evenly as possible in the pan ms and mix. Hea
scoop the batter t the oil,
and pour over the eggs. into the pan and
it out with a spoo spread
5. Tilt the pan a little in all directions to make sure the eggs are n so you have a
round omelette ni ce
evenly spread and, as they cook, draw the edges in a centimetre . Cook for a few
minutes. Flip the
or so with a spatula. omelette and
cook for anothe
6. When the eggs are almost cooked through (quite firm), sprinkle r 2 minutes.
on the parmesan (if using) and fold the omelette in half to serve.

50
 Other ways to include more
mushrooms in your diet
Pasta
For a simple supper, cook your favourite pasta
and fry a handful of mushrooms and a finely
chopped clove of garlic in butter or olive oil.
Drain the pasta, add it to the mushrooms and
stir through. Add a tablespoon of mascarpone
for a creamier sauce and top with some freshly
chopped parsley if there’s any to hand.

Risotto
Fry a chopped onion and garlic in an ovenproof
pot, add a handful of mushrooms and cook until
golden. Add 200g risotto rice and stir until it
looks transparent, then about 850ml vegetable
stock (doing this a ladle at a time can be
surprisingly calming). Put the lid on the pot
and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Stuffed
Portobello mushrooms have a firm, meaty
texture and are great stuffed with your
favourite ingredients and baked in the oven
for 10 minutes. Cheese, chopped peppers
in pesto and garlicky tomatoes topped with
breadcrumbs all make delicious fillings.

On toast
This must be one of the most nutritious and
WORDS: CHLOE RHODES. PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

speediest of lunches. Fry the mushrooms

and a chopped clove of garlic for 3 minutes,
stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche and top
with fresh, chopped parsley. Serve on a slice
of wholemeal toast.

As a burger
Open-cup mushrooms are large, flat and
flavoursome, making them a tasty alternative to
meat. Drizzle with olive oil and grated cheese
(vegan mozzarella works well, too) and roast in
the oven for 10 minutes. Serve in a
wholemeal bun with ketchup
or garlic mayo.

51
52
ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE
A trip to the theatre can be an awe-inspiring experience. So why is it
so much fun seeing your favourite stories brought to life on stage?

There’s something incredibly special about a visit to Hamlet – each very differently. (See panel, overleaf, for
the theatre. You might find yourself sitting so close more actors who started out on stage.)
to the stage that you can see the sweat on the actors’ And because theatre is live, every single show will be
foreheads, or peering down from ‘the gods’ beneath slightly different. Another film star who has enjoyed a
the ornate ceiling of a beautiful old opera house. But career on the stage is Oscar-winner Judi Dench. A regular
what else makes the experience so thrilling? with the UK’s National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare
Company, she says: ‘In the theatre you can change things
Shared experience ever so slightly. It’s an organic thing… In film you only have
The theatre can remind you that you’re not alone. Not only that chance on the day.’
are you sharing the experience with other people in the
audience, the performers are sharing it with you, too. Bringing stories to life
Sitting in front of a TV screen doesn’t give you the Watching a theatre performance can completely alter your
same sense of intimacy, connection or participation that perception of a story. That classic play or book that you’re
live theatre brings. The script might be the same every struggling to get through in school could be absolutely
night, but each performance is unique. captivating when you see it acted out in front of you.
That’s not to say that reading plays and watching
Variety show movies isn’t enjoyable, but seeing them brought to life
Every production is unique, too, and can bring to life the can make you feel part of the story.
plays you’re studying in school, fill you with joy at the sight
of a cast performing a hit musical or leave you crying with Good for wellbeing
laughter at the physicality of a slapstick comedy routine. Attitudes towards theatre have changed over the
Some productions are a feast for the senses, with centuries. In Shakespeare’s time, for example, not everyone
colourful costumes and flamboyant routines, while others thought it was a worthy activity, let alone good for the
are so pared-back they leave you hanging off every word soul. Some even condemned theatre as evil and said that
or movement from a lone performer or dancer. acting was a wicked pastime.
Theatre also showcases how works can be interpreted Thankfully, their views weren’t shared by the majority
in many ways, with different directors and actors putting and live theatre in the UK – and around the world –
their own spin on famous parts. Screen stars David remains a much-loved and valued art form. More than
Tennant, Keanu Reeves and Jude Law have all played that, studies now also show it can be good for you and

53
 encourage empathy, understanding and a willingness to and make you more open-minded and accepting towards
embrace difference. others – but a movie did not produce the same results.
Seeing actors portray different lives helps people relate
to others and empathise with the range of human emotions Backstage drama
displayed in front of them. Audiences are often carried That’s the magic of theatre. Think of the smell of the
away on a tide of communal feeling. auditorium, the feel of the seats beneath you, the twinkling
Researchers at University College London even found lights, dazzling costumes and busy sounds of props being
that watching a live theatre performance can synchronise moved around… A live theatre performance can be a
your heartbeat with other people’s in the audience. completely immersive experience, transporting you to
People’s pulses really did speed up and slow down at the different times and places.
same time in response to what was taking place on stage. It also allows you to appreciate how much effort and
WORDS: JADE BEECROFT. ILLUSTRATIONS: LIDA ZIRUFFO

how many different skills it takes to put a show together

Talking points (see panel, right). You may spot a live orchestra in the
Playwrights often explore difficult emotional, cultural or pit or lighting technicians moving stealthily during the
social issues in their writing, holding a mirror up to society performance – it’s teamwork at its best.
in a way that people find easier to understand. In that From the moment the lights go up to the final curtain
respect, a theatre performance can open your eyes to call, many different people are involved in making a show
injustices in the world and offer insight into areas of life a success. Lady Gaga once explained the collaborative
that you haven’t encountered before. nature of her art by saying: ‘I’m not real – I’m theatre.’
It can also provide a safe space to explore challenging So, the next time you’re offered the chance of a trip to
ideas. Researchers at the University of Arkansas found that the theatre, why not seize the opportunity to enjoy an art
a trip to the theatre could increase your tolerance levels form that can be eye-opening and completely engrossing?

54
From stage to screen
If you dream of seeing yourself on the big screen
one day, live theatre is an excellent way to hone your
craft. Many film stars began by treading the boards.
Here are just a few of them

Anna Kendrick got her big break in High Society on

Broadway when she was just 12.
Meryl Streep acted in several Shakespeare plays
at the start of her career.
Sarah Jessica Parker played Annie on Broadway
in 1979.
Natalie Portman was just 10 when she became
an understudy (alongside Britney Spears) in an
off-Broadway play called Ruthless!.
Sidney Poitier made his debut in Lysistrata
on Broadway back in 1947.

Access all areas

For anyone interested in a career in theatre,
but not necessarily performing, there are many
areas to explore behind the scenes

Set design
Make-up
Stage management
Choreography
Hospitality
Direction
Costume design

55
 LINES OF THOUGHT
Want to express your creativity but find many forms of art restrictive
or intimidating? You might like to try drawing in the Indian folk style
of Madhubani

Also known as Mithila, after the area it

originated in, Madhubani art comes from India’s
northern state of Bihar and is thought to have
been around for more than 2,500 years.
It was traditionally painted by women onto the
walls and floors of their homes during festivals,
ceremonies or special occasions.
However, only when an earthquake in 1934
severely damaged these houses – revealing
the artwork on their newly exposed walls – was
Madhubani seen by the world for the first time.
Scenes usually depicted nature and images
from Hindu mythology. These were painted onto
walls that had been plastered with cow dung,
giving the artwork a dark background (dabbing
a used teabag or brushing some cold coffee
onto paper will get a similar look).
Delhi-based Bandana Agarwal runs Indian
folk-art workshops, including Madhubani. She
says: ‘The cow dung would be sieved, then
water added to make it thin. It was used to
prevent insects from coming to the walls or the
house – cow dung is germicidal – and it also
helps preserve the painting’s colours.’
These colours came from natural dyes. Here
are a few examples of their ingredients

BLACK – charcoal, soot.

YELLOW – turmeric, pollen.
RED – sandalwood.
BLUE – indigo.
GREEN – leaves of the apple tree.
WHITE – rice powder.
ORANGE – palash flowers.

56
 Notice how every space is filled with little details

Themes in Madhubani
Traditionally, many of the images relate to specific
occasions, such as weddings or important religious
events. But some motifs crop up again and again,
signifying certain things. Here are a few popular ones
Sun – large eyes and vivid colours represent the sun at
midday. More muted shades and mellow, half-opened
eyes indicate either sunrise or sunset.

Fish – good luck and holiness. Also, continuous growth

– a swimming fish doesn’t touch the same water twice.

Lotus – rises above all the mud and still provides beauty
for everyone, invoking a feeling of grace.

Turtle – symbol of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Also associated with water.

Bamboo – growth.

Cow – bond of love.

Peacock – romance.

Parrot – lovebirds.

Tiger – strength.

57
 Finding freedom through folk art
Bandana believes that folk art is liberating because there’s no rigid structure. It’s an accessible and fun
way to express your creativity, especially as you don’t need any special skills or tools to get started.
The repetitive linework seen in Madhubani also allows for a kind of meditation, as you fill in the space
with the same repeating lines.
Bandana also stresses the importance of going with the flow. This is why she suggests not using
a ruler or planning in pencil. Instead, she says to just dive in with freehand pen – fineliners or thin
rollerballs work best, in any colours.
Pencil allows the opportunity for erasing, but Bandana says starting straight away
with pen means you have to accept whatever you do – and shake off the need for
perfection. She says the next step after acceptance is to actively choose it: ‘Say, for
instance, I choose to draw a fish. If it turns out crooked, it doesn’t matter – it’s my fish.
Maybe I deliberately made it crooked. I choose to like my fish, no matter how it looks.’
Having this mindset while drawing helps take the pressure out of it, allowing
more space for creativity and enjoyment. You might actually end up preferring your
lopsided drawing to a symmetrical, so-called flawless version. It might even allow
you to develop a style that’s unique to you – after all, isn’t that what art is all about?

Try it yourself!
Madhubani often depicts special occasions, so why not use it to illustrate a significant event in
your life? Although there’s a lot of freedom in using this approach, here are a few tips to make
sure your piece stays in keeping with the style

Begin with a border, which you can make as simple or intricate as you like. For more inspiration,
type ‘Madhubani borders’ or ‘Madhubani motifs’ into a search engine or Pinterest.

There are few empty spaces, if any. Gaps are filled with patterns of flowers, foliage and simple

WORDS: SAMHITA FORIA. ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, RAWPIXEL.COM

geometric lines.

There’s usually no shading or concept of dimension

– everything is in 2D.

Try simplifying what you want to draw down to its bare

bones. Faces can have basic but bold features – large,
bulging eyes and a protruding nose.

If you’re struggling with what to draw, choose a single

motif from a larger picture you find online, such as a
sun or fish.

Stick to Bandana’s philosophy of choosing to accept

your creation, no matter how it looks. So once you’ve
finished, look at your drawing and say: ‘This is what
I’ve made – isn’t it amazing?’

58
Use this space to sketch some Madhubani-style borders or patterns. Try
not to think about it too much – just choose a motif or two that you like,
find a pen with a fine line and see what happens. Go with the flow until
you find yourself lost in what you’re doing

Did you know?

In 2012, after a sp
ate of deforestatio
Bihar, Madhubani n in
artists started pain
Hindu gods and go ting
ddesses on trees
prevent them bein to
g cut down to mak
way for developm e
ent and road expa
This initiative save nsion.
d more than 100 tre
es.
59
 RED SKY AT NIGHT
Discover the origins of weather-lore sayings and the
science behind why they work
These days, checking the weather forecast is simple. Turn on the TV or open an app
and you can find out in seconds if you’ll need an umbrella or a bottle of sunscreen.
But the satellite technology that makes this possible is still very new. In the past,
watching the sky and observing the behaviour of plants and animals were the only means
that people had of predicting the weather.
Rhymes and phrases were often used to help people remember how to tell what
the weather might be. These sayings can seem outdated today, but most of them are
surprisingly accurate – some can even be explained by modern science.
Here Chloe Rhodes, author of One for Sorrow: A Book of Old-fashioned Lore, explains
how tapping into the wisdom of past generations can also strengthen your connection
with the natural world. Read on to discover her thoughts about the origins of some popular
sayings and the science that backs them up.

60
Red sky at night, shepherd’s Cold is the night when the stars
delight, red sky in the morning, shine bright
shepherd’s warning Origin: Stars were often used as inspiration for stories
Origin: This saying dates back to at least the 14th century. about the heavens or to predict the future. This rhyme
Shepherds needed to predict the weather so they could was widely used in the 17th century and useful for
bring their sheep down from higher ground before a storm. farmers, who would bring animals in from the fields if
it was going to be particularly cold.
Science: Redness is seen in the sky opposite the sun
when dust particles and water vapour are trapped in Science: It’s usually chillier when the stars look bright.
the atmosphere by high pressure. This scatters blue light, If the stars appear dim or are hidden by cloud, it means
leaving only red. In the northern hemisphere, weather the air is damp. This moist air acts as a kind of insulation
systems move from west to east, so if there’s a red sky blanket for the Earth, trapping warmer air as it rises. Clear,
at night, high pressure (and therefore dry weather) dry (starry) skies allow the Earth’s heat
is moving in. Red sky in the morning indicates that good to escape, making it feel colder.
weather is leaving and low pressure (bad weather) is
likely to take its place.

A ring around the Moon means

rain or snow is coming soon
Origin: The Moon is important in the folklore of many
cultures. As the most constant feature of the night sky,
it was closely watched for signs of coming changes in
the weather. This phrase comes from a longer verse
written in the 17th century.

Science: The Moon appears to have a glowing circle, or

halo, around it when moonlight shines through clouds of
ice crystals. The crystals bend the light at such an angle
that, from Earth, it seems to form a ring. Clouds of frozen
water droplets often turn into rain or snow, so if you see
the halo, it might be time to dig out your wellies.

61
 Mares’ tails and mackerel scales make Oak before ash, in for a splash,
lofty ships carry low sails ash before oak, in for a soak
Origin: The Latin cloud names that forecasters use today Origin: Oak trees were important in the folklore of the
– like cumulonimbus and nimbostratus – weren’t devised Greeks, Romans, Celts and Norse people. The ash was
until 1803. Before then, cloud formations were named especially sacred to the Druids, who believed it had
based on the way they looked. Mares’ tails, which we healing powers. According to weather lore, if the new
now call cirrus clouds, got their name because they look leaves of the ash tree arrived before those of the oak,
like the flowing tail of a horse as it runs. The saying dates the summer would be wet. If the oak came into leaf
back to the days when tall ships were wind-powered and first, the summer would be dry.
had to lower their sails to protect them from storm damage.
Science: No direct link has been recorded between
Science: Cirrus clouds are made of ice crystals and rainfall and the order in which these trees get their leaves,
often come before a storm, especially when they appear but there is some scientific truth to the saying. The oak
alongside ‘mackerel scales’. These are what we now call is sensitive to temperature and its leaves unfurl as the
altocumulus or cirrocumulus clouds. The small rounded weather gets warmer. The ash is light-sensitive and its
white puffs join to form a rippling blanket in the sky that leaves open as the hours of daylight lengthen. In the past
looks like the scales of a fish. They’re caused by shifting decade, as spring temperatures have warmed, the oak
wind directions that usually bring a storm. has tended to beat the ash.

62
 When the peacock loudly bawls, soon
we’ll have both rain and squalls
Origin: In many cultures, the patterns on male peacocks’
feathers are said to represent the all-seeing eye. This
saying is linked to the belief that peacocks had the power
to foretell the future.

Science: Storms usually come after a drop in atmospheric

pressure. Humans tend not to notice this invisible change,
but animals do. Sound also travels better through moist air,
so the peacocks’ cries – along with those of other birds –
do seem louder just before rain.

Wise words
Have you heard any other phrases about the
weather? Use this space to write them down,
or have a go at making up some new ones
WORDS: CHLOE RHODES. ILLUSTRATIONS: ROWENA SHEEHAN

63
 ‘I’m proud of the way I’ve
dealt with setbacks. It’s
hard when you feel down and
you think “Why is the world
doing this to me?”. But you
have to pick yourself up
again. That’s what makes you
a better athlete’
JESSICA ENNIS-HILL
 This is us
Our feature on neurodiversity (see page 30) highlights how difference
enriches the world. Use this space to explore and celebrate some of
the various qualities that family and friends bring to your life

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