14 Teen Breathe - Issue 14 - August 2019

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
Newslash! It’s our time • Step into your greatness • Unleash the curls • Count yourself happy
Soul birds • Friends or family? • Baby in the house • Anything is possible • Less is more
INSIDE ISSUE 14
2 FINDING YOUR FRIENDLY VOICE 30 DON’T STOP THE MUSIC
Quieten your inner-critic and The joy of playing an instrument
change your self-talk for the better you love – bring on the trumpet!
6 ‘ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE’ 32 WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Being diferent doesn’t mean you Big Apple, Big Smoke – explore
can’t achieve personal success the truth behind city nicknames
8 HERE AND NOW 36 LESS IS MORE

How to stop obsessing about the Focus on one task at a time and
future and start enjoying life today the rewards can be surprising
10 NEWSFLASH: IT’S OUR TIME 38 A PRIVATE HIDEAWAY

Why it’s important to get involved Create your own cosy cocoon
in politics at all levels
42 HOME COMFORTS
12 SWEET DREAMS Hot chocolate and cookies – easy-
The beneits of a good night’s to-make goodies for time out
sleep, thanks to a dreamcatcher
44 SOUL BIRDS
16 GENTLE APPROACH Forget what the doubters say,
You don’t have to be pushy birdwatching’s for everyone
to get what you want - soft
encouragement is all you need 48 DOLPHIN DREAMING
Teen Breathe inds out more about
18 SHOOTING STAR (possibly) the best job in the world
Meet England’s international
netballer, Serena Guthrie 50 GREAT EXPECTATIONS
The beneits of anticipation
20 STEP INTO YOUR GREATNESS
Strengthen and stretch your body 54 UNLEASH THE CURLS
and spirit with yoga’s Warrior 1 Embrace your natural locks
22 FRIENDS OR FAMILY? 56 BABY IN THE HOUSE

Finding the middle ground Ways to manage the prospect
when loyalties are divided of having a much younger
sibling in your home – and life
24 CREATE YOUR OWN
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK 58 COUNT YOURSELF HAPPY
Whether solo or with a friend, Start your irst-ever budget
combining words and pictures
will bring out your creative side 62 OUT OF THE DARKNESS
Tips to tackle a fear of the dark
28 LEFT BEHIND
How to cope when a close friend 64 ONE FINE DAY
moves school or even country Use visualisation to ind calm
ON THE COVER: Illustration by Helma Speksnijder

WELCOME TO
TEEN Breathe
Who makes the big, life-changing decisions in your house? And
how do they reach them?
In many families, there’ll be a discussion about any signiicant
changes – be that moving house, switching jobs or having
another baby – before they happen. Sometimes this won’t be the
case and it might feel the pattern of your life has been changed to
suit someone else’s needs. And you had no say in it whatsoever.
Often, a decision has to be taken. A house move might follow
a change in family set-up, for instance, but it’s vital to remember
you have a voice and you can inluence what happens next.
This applies outside the home, too. People in power – politicians
– make decisions that afect everyone’s lives, the world over.
They determine what’s taught in schools; how much plastic is
produced; how communities get on with their neighbours.
Politicians decide a lot. So it’s sensible to keep a close eye on
what they’re planning. And it’s vital to get in on the discussion
before they make life- and planet-changing decisions. You do
have a say. Find your voice – at home, at school and in the world.
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Find your i am
friendly voice happy
Do you ind yourself internally saying things
to yourself like ‘I’m so useless’, ‘I’ll never be
with
good at maths’ or ‘everyone’s way more
attractive than me’? If the answer’s yes,
you’re not alone. Everyone has an inner-
who
voice and, unfortunately, it’s not always
the most supportive – in fact, sometimes it
seems like it’s never on your side. Luckily,
i am
there are ways to quieten it down and
change your self-talk for the better
What is self-talk? mean that you limit the challenges you accept, turn down
You might not always be aware of it but your self-talk is chances you’re ofered and even put you of doing things
the way you speak to yourself. It is your rarely silent, but you love. In many ways, this inner-critic can stop you from
often persuasive, inner-voice. The one that constantly runs achieving your full potential – if you allow it.
in your mind and afects the way you look at yourself and
think about the world around you. Why is self-talk so negative?
Thoughts and feelings are complex and the sometimes
How inner chatter afects you negative, critical and incorrect script that goes on in your
Self-talk can afect the decisions you make and inluence head can arise from how you’ve responded to various
how happy and successful you are on life’s travels. events and experiences in your life.
If your inner-voice is mostly positive, upbeat and It might be that a teacher gave feedback, which included
encouraging, it will support you in how you feel and in an area that needed improvement, and your inner-voice
the actions you take on a daily basis. For example, many has chosen to focus on this and push to the side all the
top athletes and business people focus on improving their strengths that were mentioned. The result is you lose faith
self-talk to develop a strong resolve, which makes them feel in yourself. Or it might be that you made a mistake one time
more motivated to succeed and be the best they can be. and a group of nearby students started giggling. Your
If, however, it’s always picking fault, and saying, ‘I’m not self-talk might feed on that and tell you how silly or clumsy
good enough’, ‘I can’t do that’, ‘I’m a failure’ or ‘I’m stupid, you are, persuading you not to try again.
lazy, slow, ugly, useless, clumsy…’, then you might come In some ways, your inner-voice is running in comfort
to believe it even though none of it’s true. or survival mode. It’s trying to keep you safe so that you
Self-talk can have an impact on everything you think don’t experience life’s physical and emotional pains –
and do and keep negative thoughts in your mind. It might it thinks it’s protecting you.
2
3
How to quieten the negative voice
There’s no The irst step is to become aware of what it’s saying. Be
mindful. Tune into your self-talk and take note whenever
need for me you ind yourself thinking something negative or self-
critical. Perhaps you hear it saying you’ll never be able to
to compare achieve something because you’re not bright enough.

Challenge that thought. Once you start catching negative
myself to self-talk, you can make a decision in that moment to

quieten it and choose kinder, more supportive words
and phrases that make you feel good about yourself and
others the world around you.
Choose positive self-talk

Once you’re conscious of your inner monologue, you can
change what it’s saying. Think of self-talk as computer code
that you can program. That way you can recode negative
chatter with uplifting messages of encouragement that
give you the courage to enjoy life’s opportunities. To make
positive self-talk your default mode so that your inner-
dialogue is like a supportive best friend, try to consciously
repeat positive messages, often called airmations, every
day. You can do this at any time of the day or night and
either say them out loud or in your mind.
Here are a few positive airmations you might like to try:
‘I CAN DO THIS.’
So, I make ‘I AM CAPABLE.’
‘I FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF.’

mistakes – ‘LIFE SUPPORTS ME IN WHAT I DO.’
WORDS: CAROL ANNE STRANGE. ILLUSTRATIONS: HELMA SPEKSNIJDER
it’s part of ‘I’M REALLY GOOD AT THIS.’
what makes
‘I FEEL WONDERFUL.’
‘I FEEL COMFORTABLE AND HAPPY WITH WHO I AM.’
me human ‘I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF.’
‘I KNOW I CAN ACHIEVE THIS.’
Don’t allow a negative script to run your life. Invest in self-

talk that nurtures, supports and encourages all your eforts.
It won’t stop things going wrong, but it’ll make you feel
happier and more conident in your abilities and yourself.
4
‘Anything is possible’
Being diferent, or looking diferent, can feel isolating and even restricting. But with
self-belief and the right support, everyone can achieve their own personal successes
Have you ever felt stranded or self-conscious because you comments. ‘Sometimes I was brave enough to explain
looked diferent or felt out of place? Perhaps you started why I’m in a wheelchair,’ says Georgia. ‘I think it’s just
wearing glasses or braces or joined a new school mid-term. a lack of education and understanding. I was fortunate
Human beings want to belong, but each individual that my friends were supportive and encouraging.’
is a unique combination of genes and experiences and
diferences are inevitable and wonderful. Ambassador
Some people, of course, enjoy standing out from the Describing herself as a ‘loud mouth’, Georgia says she
crowd and wear striking clothes or have colourful hairstyles owes her positive mental attitude to her parents and
to make sure they do just that. Others prefer to blend in. a wheelchair skills club run by the charity Whizz-Kidz.
But for some, there isn’t a choice. If you have a prosthetic The sessions include games like dodgeball and
limb, use a wheelchair or have scars, for instance, it can cookery as well as practical skills like navigating doors,
heighten any feelings of being diferent. scaling ramps, safe braking and picking things up of the
loor. Whizz-Kidz gave Georgia an adapted trike, which
Big decision developed her strength and stamina. The charity also
Georgia, 20, from Hampshire, is a conident, intelligent helped her to lex her conidence muscles.
and positive undergraduate. She also uses a wheelchair. ‘I felt comfortable there because other people were in
Georgia was born with cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition wheelchairs too,’ she says. ‘It became a big part of my week.
that afects movement and coordination and means it Now I’m an ambassador and help other young people to
takes twice as long and double the efort of most people determine how the service is run. I get a lot out of it.’
to perform everyday tasks such as showering, getting
dressed and cooking. It’s physically and mentally tiring. In the race
Yet this hasn’t stopped Georgia pursuing her goal to Through Whizz-Kidz, Georgia took part in the London
become a speech-and-language or play therapist, for which mini-marathon and Westminster Mile wheelchair races –
she’s studying Special Educational Needs and Inclusion something she’s keen to get back to once she’s graduated.
Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent. ‘I’ve met a lot of incredible people through wheelchair
She admits the decision to go, which involved leaving racing,’ she explains, ‘and it’s helped my conidence and
her family home, was daunting but she encourages anyone people skills because I had to tell the organisers, coaches
who’s disabled to apply for university. And she adds that and other athletes if I felt something wasn’t right.
she’s received lots of support from her fellow students. ‘If you don’t have conidence in yourself then how
Sadly, this hasn’t always been the case. In her younger are people going to have conidence in you? I believe
days, pupils would sometimes stare at her or make unkind that anything is possible.’
6
BE POSITIVE BE DIFFERENT
If you’ve found yourself struggling with feeling diferent, Support people who have diferent needs. ‘If you see
here are a few constructive things you can do – and always somebody in the street who is disabled, don’t be afraid to
remember you’re not alone have a conversation with them,’ advises Georgia. ‘Most of
the time we’re happy to answer.’
Talk to someone you trust. If you’re feeling low, have Don’t presume, however, that you know what any other
speciic things with which you need help or if you’re person wants. ‘I’ve had my wheelchair pushed for me
being bullied, try to open up to your parents, guardians when I’m happy to do it myself,’ explains Georgia. ‘It’s like
or family members you like and get on with and somebody taking your hand and walking you down the
who will be able to arrange help. Friends who really street. We prefer it if somebody asks before they help us.’
know you and you trust will also help to boost your Georgia admires comedians Jack Carroll, who was runner-
conidence and help to make you feel isolated. up in Britain’s Got Talent in 2013, and Lee Ridley, AKA Lost
Voice Guy, who both have cerebral palsy. ‘They both have
Find your tribe. There will be other people whose similar conditions to me but they haven’t let it stop them
abilities are very like your own – some might be from doing what they enjoy and making people laugh.’
high-proile names in entertainment, business, science Georgia’s also pleased to see that toy maker Mattel has
or the arts. Search online for places and organisations created new Barbie dolls, one of which uses a wheelchair
that are accessible to you or ofer support and skills while another has a prosthetic limb, and that there’s now
development (see below for a few suggestions). If a Sesame Street character who has autism. She feels these
you’re not sure where to look, ask for help. developments help to show all children that disabled
people can do many diferent things at many levels.
Follow your dreams and ignore what other people Paralympian Lauren Steadman, who was born without
might think – even if that’s scary. As the title of the her lower right arm, has also highlighted how people’s
bestselling self-help book by Susan Jefers advises, perceptions of her disability changed after she appeared
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway. on BBC1’s entertainment show, Strictly Come Dancing.
Talking to the BBC, she said: ‘Before, kids and adults
For more help and advice, visit kids.org.uk, whizz-kidz.org.uk, would look at me and see my arm irst before they saw
changingfaces.org.uk and disabilitysport.org.uk me. Whereas now they don’t even see my arm – it’s been
normalised… I think that’s how it should be, and it’s just
really lovely to be able to inspire everyone and show them
that anything’s possible.’
You can read more about inspiring people who’ve faced

challenges at disabilitypower100.com
WORDS: JOANNE PORTER. ILLUSTRATIONS: SAMANTHA NICKERSON
7
Here and now
Are you constantly worrying about what may or may not happen tomorrow,
next week, next month or even years ahead? If so, discover how to stop
obsessing about the future and start enjoying life today
Spending time future-gazing and even daydreaming about What causes a preoccupation with the future?
what your life might look like in months or years to come is It’s natural to feel concerned about a future outcome
natural. Everyone does it, and it can be motivational, involving people, events and things that matter, but
inspiring and stimulating. Equally, putting in some planning worrying obsessively eats up time and energy and can even
and preparation to help realise your goals is also a sensible steal your happiness. So, what could be causing this?
and healthy way to move towards the life you want. Although it’s not always obvious, fear is often at the root
If, however, you spend most of your time feeling anxious of overthinking and worrying about the future. It’s the fear
about what the future may hold or ind that you’re of failing or being judged as not being good enough; it’s
constantly living out future possibilities in your head, you the fear of things going wrong or not working out as you
might be creating a life full of worry and potentially missing planned; it’s the fear of losing, missing out or not having
out on the beautiful, wholesome and life-airming any control over a situation.
experiences you could be having right now. When you recognise and understand why you’re
absorbed with something that may or may not happen, you
Signs you’re overthinking the future can then make a conscious choice to change how you feel.
Constantly feeling worried and losing sleep about
what may or may not happen.
Overthinking every possible scenario.
Obsessively planning for every potential outcome.
Feeling anxious, unsettled or moody about what the
future may hold.
Diiculty in concentrating on current tasks because
you’re focused on tomorrow.
Always preoccupied with ‘what if…?’ questions:
What if I don’t pass the exam? What if I can’t get a job?
What if I’m unable to fulil my dreams for a happy life?
Unable to enjoy the moment because you’re already
thinking about what comes next.
8
WAYS TO EASE FUTURE WORRIES
1 Become aware
When you realise that
obsessing about the future is
you can’t accept or accept
what you can’t change. In
other words, if you can do
with concerns about what
might happen, try focusing
on your breathing. Inhale and
causing unnecessary worry, something about a situation, exhale calmly. Acknowledge
you can use this awareness to do it. If not, then accept and the fear at the root of your
catch yourself out by pressing let it go. In either case, why concerns and, with each
an imaginary stop button worry? Remind yourself that exhale, let it go.
whenever your attention it’s best to spend time and
drifts towards overthinking
something that may or may
not happen.
energy focusing on what
matters today. 6 Journal it
Sometimes, just putting
pen to paper helps to transfer
2 Learn to adapt
It’s impossible for anyone
4 Focus on living now
A bit of daydreaming
about the future is ine but
the worry from your mind
onto the page to clear your
thoughts. Writing down future
to predict the future because don’t allow it to take over the concerns is also a way to gain
there are so many variables. gift of your present moment. clarity on a situation and can
Even with the greatest Instead of worrying about help you see things from
planning, life doesn’t always future things you can’t control, a diferent and often more
turn out as anticipated. Have focus on the experience that relaxed perspective.
conidence in your ability to is now. Be mindful. Take note
adapt and make the best of
any situation. This will help
of your surroundings. Immerse
your senses in everything 7 Ask for help
If obsessing about the
WORDS: CAROL ANNE STRANGE. ILLUSTRATION: SARA THIELKER
you to greet the future when around you. By being fully future is having a negative
it arrives rather than worrying in the now, the future can’t efect on your health and
about it in advance. bother you. wellbeing, it can help to
talk to a trusted adult –
3 Choose how to respond

There is a wise saying that
goes like this: change what
5 Breathe
When thoughts start
racing and your mind ills up
perhaps a teacher, school
counsellor or nurse, or an
older family member.
9
Newsflash: ‘It’s our time’
Trying to keep up with everything that’s going on at school, let alone in the country at large
or around the world, might seem overwhelming, but decisions are being made every day that
afect the lives of this and future generations. Here, a Year 9 student who is also a political
activist, explains why it’s important to get involved in politics at all levels, so that the issues
that matter to you can’t be ignored by the people who hold power – for now…
Who puts out the bins in your house? Mum, Dad, an older your life? Because it afects all our lives, whether we like it
sibling, you? Perhaps you take it in turns. What you can’t or not. And elected politicians speak on our behalf, so it’s
determine or change is the day on which they’re collected important that we get the ones who we feel speak for us.
– that power lies in someone else’s hands and they form Understanding the events that in turn inluence political
part of the British government. They might seem removed decisions, be that looding in Ethiopia or poverty in
from the more pressing aspects of your everyday life Venezuela, also provides a more rounded view of the world,
(bin-day’s hardly a big deal), but these people also make which helps at school and will also be valuable in further
much bigger decisions – ones that will afect your life and education and for securing work later on.
career as well as the future of the planet. For three years now, politics in the UK has focused on
Think about where you are in your life now, for instance Brexit – if, when and how the country should leave the
– at school, college or university. It’s the people in power, European Union. But many other issues are also important.
the politicians, who decide which subjects are allowed to In February, I took part in a Friday climate-change walkout,
be followed at GCSE or A-level, how they’re taught, the inspired by 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, along with other
length of college courses and how much can be charged friends concerned about the health of the planet. It felt
for tuition fees and what’s paid back in student loans. good to be part of a group that was taking action rather
That’s why it’s important to stay in tune with and than watching from the sidelines.
understand new rules and laws that politicians suggest. It also felt powerful to be with like-minded teenagers
After all, they’ll afect your world and you might not even and part of the global youth rebellion, who were all there
agree with them. It isn’t easy, however, to make room for for a common goal, demanding change from the current
politics and current events when you already have so many politics. These opportunities and events shape our future,
other things going on. So, why should politics be part of and we will soon be in charge.
10
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Starting out? You could begin by researching Be curious. Pick an area of your life you deeply care
1 diferent political parties and their leaders and 6 about and research what the world thinks about
see if any have views that are similar to your own. it. Adopting an enquiring mindset will help your political
awakening. If you approach news with a curious mind –
Passionate about an issue? Join a youth rather than deciding on your opinion before you’ve heard
2 organisation, such as the youth strike for climate, a all the facts and weighed up all the options – you’ll be
political party or run for youth parliament as I did last year. more open to debate and discourse.
Listen. Tune in to a range of talks and podcasts, Be smart about your sources. News is complicated
3 such as TED Talks, or read introductions to a certain 7 and sometimes the truth of a story can be hidden,
subject, for instance, Who are Refugees and Migrants? What making it hard to pick out reliable sources from the less
Makes People Leave their Homes? And Other Big Questions trustworthy. And remember that news, whether it’s on the
by Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young. TV, in a newspaper, on a blog, Instagram or BuzzFeed isn’t
neutral. The same story can be represented in many ways
Watch. If you’re just beginning to get interested depending on the writer’s perspective.
4 in politics and the world around you, try watching
BBC Newsround. If you’d like to ind out more, Channel 4 Beware fake news. It isn’t always easy to tell what’s
WORDS: RUBY ETWARIA SWEETMAN. ILLUSTRATION: BEATRIX HATCHER
and BBC news have detailed summaries of the headlines real and what’s fake, but the following might help:
(they do sometimes have images that can be upsetting, Check your source. Are you reading or watching
however). The BBC news app, which is also good, has a reliable news platform?
a rating of 12+ and allows users to select topics they’re Never rely on one source for information. Check your
particularly interested in. information against at least two other reliable sites.
Who has published the information? Is this news,
Find your own niche. Do you feel like politics a rumour or just outright gossip?
5 doesn’t afect you? Think of an area of your life What is the context of this post? Is there more you
you’re passionate about and explore how it’s run and who need to ind out to understand fully its true meaning
pays for it. For example, if you’re an artist, funding for the and purpose?
arts is a political issue; if you’re interested in reading, plans Explore what other news outlets are saying about the
for your local library are determined by politics and money. event (looking at other countries’ news platforms can
be interesting) as well as seeking the opinions of
friends and family members.
11
Sweet dreams
Appreciate all the beneits of a good night’s sleep, thanks to a dreamcatcher
12
Can you recall last night’s dream? Were you on an
adventure? Did you encounter inspiring people or
achieve great things? Are you now feeling energised
and enthused about the day ahead? Or has a dream
left you feeling confused – why were you in the
middle of the school hockey ield wearing your
pyjamas? And why did no one else seem to notice?
Experts claim that people dream around four to
six times every night. While you’re tucked up in bed
sleeping, the brain processes memories, emotions,
information and other stimuli that you’ve absorbed
throughout the waking day. Sometimes you recall
good dreams in the morning, now and again more
negative images prey on your mind – something
Native Americans in the early 1900s were all too aware
of, hence their invention of dreamcatchers.
Made from a circular hoop and threaded to look
like a spider’s web, they were thought to bring good
luck, especially when placed by a window in a room
used for sleeping. Believing the night air to be illed
with both positive and negative dreams, tribes
claimed that pleasant ones would easily pass through
the hoop, gently sliding down the attached feathers
to comfort the person in bed. Anything disturbing
would be trapped by the dreamcatcher’s web,
perishing in the irst ray of early light.
Early origins
Dreamcatchers are thought to have originated from
the Ojibwa Chippewa and Lakota tribes of America.
The Ojibwe word for dreamcatcher means spider,
and while these creatures are feared by some, several
cultures consider them to be a symbol of protection.
One legend has it that a mystical maternal female
in the tribe, referred to as the spider woman, was
so distraught when children and babies migrated
to various new destinations that she created the
dreamcatcher and placed her trust in it to protect her
young loved ones. Only then could she relax, knowing
that wherever these children lived, and whatever
happened to them, the dreamcatchers would ensure
that all the girls and boys would sleep soundly. They’d
be happy and content, dreaming only sweet dreams.
Turn the page for some top tips on creating your own
dreamcatcher and deciphering the ones that get through
13
LIVE THE DREAM
Dreamcatchers don’t only have to hang in a bedroom window. You could place
one in a study or sunroom where they could help you sift your way through future
aspirations. Focus on a dreamcatcher catching the light while thinking about a goal
you want to achieve, and if you believe only positive messages can pass through its
web, inspiration or clariication may strike.
Dreamcatchers are beautiful works of art, and certain cultures maintain they have
powerful healing energy, so it’s easy to feel enlivened and motivated by them. It’s also
simple and straightforward to make one of your own (see right).
THE MEANING OF DREAMS
Although you can have up to six dreams every night – with each one lasting anything
from a few seconds to up to 30 minutes – you don’t always remember them when
you wake. Sometimes, though, what happened in a vivid dream can linger in your
mind throughout the day, especially if you found it unsettling. But don’t worry about
dreams or allow them to get you down. Instead try to interpret them more creatively.
Here are a few common dream themes and what they possibly suggest:
Teeth falling out

This dream suggests you’re feeling anxious and powerless about a situation.
It’s time to give your conidence a boost.
Being chased
If you’re scared and running away from a problem, now could be a good
time to deal with a new challenge and face it straight on.
Unprepared for an exam

See this dream as an indication that you’re unsure of a new WORDS: LORNA COWAN. ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
stage in your life. Celebrate all your knowledge
and achievements so far.
Wearing your pyjamas in public

If you feel exposed and vulnerable, this dream could signal
it’s the right moment to open up and speak out.
Falling
Don’t worry about being out of control, everything is going to
naturally fall into place. You’re ready to embrace change.
GET CREATIVE
Authentic dreamcatchers are all handmade, using only natural materials. If
you wish to go down this traditional route, you’ll need to ind some willow,
which can be bent into a hoop. For generations of Native Americans, this hoop
represented the circle of life and symbolised strength and unity.
Ideally, you’ll also want to seek some silk or hemp thread to create your
dreamcatcher’s web, and gather some feathers, shells, wooden beads or
coloured crystals. These can then be attached to the bottom of the hoop.
Create your own design or search online for ideas. Choose decorative
materials that have personal meaning. One or two wildlowers picked
from your garden or while on a country walk can be a pretty addition to a
dreamcatcher, while objects with earthy tones may help to ground thoughts.
Whatever design or decorations you decide on, the time, care and efort
spent creating your dreamcatcher is important. The early Native Americans
who handcrafted their night-time charms insisted that making a dreamcatcher
yourself meant it was unique and personal, which would make it more
efective at allowing through only positive images.
15
Gentle approach
You don’t have to be pushy to get what you want. Often, soft encouragement is all you need
There’s a famous fable about a competition between the whether or not to take art as a subject next year. Your
sun and the wind to determine which of them was stronger. friend has already decided to take it and wants you to do
The wind boasted of its strength, while the sun argued so, too, because that way, you’ll be together (at this point
that there was power in gentleness. When they saw a man they’re less interested in if you’ll actually enjoy the subject).
wearing a coat, they decided to see which one of them ‘You have to take it!’ they may exclaim. ‘Don’t do music
could get him to remove it. instead, it’s boring and you’ll hate it. And art won’t be any
The wind created a gale so ierce that the trees bent and fun for me if you don’t take it, too.’
leaves swirled, but the man simply huddled further into Pushiness, as this example illustrates, uses a type of
his coat. The sun, however, beamed down gently, slowly language where a personal opinion (‘music is boring’) is
getting warmer and warmer, until the man eventually presented as a fact and where directions are forceful (‘you
removed his coat and turned his face gratefully upwards. have to’). Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a friend
It’s a story that shows the diference between a pushy wanting you to be on the same course as them, in fact
approach and a more gentle, encouraging one. It also that’s a nice thing, but it may not be in your best interests
demonstrates how the best way to achieve objectives isn’t to take that particular subject and they can share their
through forcefulness. thoughts without being forceful.
Being pushy often involves making sweeping statements,
Hidden agenda or generalisations, and putting everything in extreme
So why might someone feel they have to take a pushy contexts: ‘it’s either this way or that way’. Since things are
approach? Sometimes it’s because of their own personal rarely so clear-cut, or good and bad, it’s not an honest,
agenda. For example, imagine that you’re debating unbiased view of reality that’s being presented.
16
Sense of balance Understanding diferences
Encouragement is more persuasive than pushy, so it’s This type of high-pressure option happens in many
important to present a balanced view that highlights all situations throughout life, from sports to work. It can be
the positives as well as acknowledging the negatives. used by parents, coaches, carers, teachers or employers.
Returning to the art-class example, a less aggressive Take these two diferent examples of a pep talk before
approach from a friend might sound like this: ‘I think a sporting event, for instance:
you’re really good at art, it would be a shame if you didn’t
continue with it. Why are you thinking of doing another ‘I’m proud of how hard you’ve trained. You’ve every
subject? If you’re worried about not doing well because of reason to be conident. Go and do your best but most of
results you’ve had in the subject before, we could study all, enjoy it.’
together next time if you think that might help.’ This
conversation may encourage you to choose the same ‘You have absolutely no excuse to fail – if you do, it just
subject as your friend, but it also allows you to come to a proves that you didn’t train hard enough.’
decision of your own.
One of the reasons why this matters is that being on the Even though, in both examples, the speaker is trying to
receiving end of a pushy approach can cause feelings of ensure that the competitor does their best, the irst
guilt or fear. It may leave you, or another person subjected example is more likely to instil conidence than the second,
to it, worried that they have to do something just so that which draws on feelings of guilt and failure.
the other person isn’t angry or upset with them.
It’s important to recognise the diferences between
approaches that are aggressively pushy and those that are
encouraging, so that you can more easily identify situations
where you’re being pressured into making choices that you
don’t want to make or left feeling that you’ve let someone
down when things don’t go the way they want.
It’s also useful because it means you can examine your
own approaches and be gently encouraging, rather than
overly strong towards others. Remember, sometimes it’s
better to be the sun than the wind.
‘A gentle word, a kind look, a

good-natured smile can work
wonders and accomplish miracles’
WORDS: SARAH RODRIGUES. ILLUSTRATIONS: THOMAS WHITE
William Hazlitt – Essayist and literary critic
17
Shooting star
Meet England’s inspiring netball player, Serena Guthrie
Netball’s more popular than ever before thanks to the Jersey, that aged about 14 or 15 I got my irst junior
exciting World Cup held this summer. One of the sport’s England experience playing in the under-17s, which was
most famous players, Serena Guthrie, chatted to Teen great. I started to improve, too, and made some good
Breathe about why netball is such a fantastic sport for friends. Then, by the time I got to 16, it was by far my
people of all abilities. The England player also reminisces preferred sport, even though I was probably better at
about how she got into the sport and that thrilling gold- football at that stage.
medal win at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. What I really enjoyed about netball was it felt it was
more of a challenge. There were a lot of things within the
Q Were you very sporty as a young person? game that didn’t come naturally to me and I wanted to
A When I was growing up, I did lots of physical activities work on them. I met some cool people and thought I’d
and netball probably wasn’t my best sport. I did athletics stick with that and that was that – I wanted to pursue it
and football, ping-pong, cross country, hockey – anything a bit further. I was 18 when I got my irst senior cap and,
that came up, I wanted to have a crack at. 11 years on, I’m still here.
I grew up in Jersey and I think going on and of the island
from an early age to play against other teams sparked Q What would you say is the best thing about
an interest and knowledge that you could travel and do being part of a team game?
something really cool with sport. That egged me on to keep A It puts you in environments where you really have
going. I loved being in that environment. I was conident to listen to and respect others. You learn what your
at sport because I enjoyed it so much and was so happy – strengths and weaknesses are and it gives you a degree
I just thrived in it. It was like my happy place. of conidence, too, as you’re working with people and
constantly trying to be the best that you can be. Within
Q Why did you decide on netball? that you can also see the things you’re good at and develop
A At irst, it was just another sport I played, until I was those strengths, and that’s something I’ve been trying to
about 16. I was lucky enough, while I was still living in do my whole career. It also teaches you little things like
18
Want to ind out more about netball?
If you want to join a team or learn more about
how to develop your netball skills, go to
englandnetball.co.uk, netballscotland.com,
welshnetball.com and netballni.org.
Serena also runs Legacy Netball, which
provides coaching sessions and workshops
designed to empower girls and women. For
more information go to legacynetball.com.
speaking up for what you believe in and being conident excellent and amazing the whole way through. You have
in your own viewpoint. You can take those skills into other to have those tough times to learn to rise again.
jobs and careers.
Q A pivotal moment in England netball history was
Q What’s it like working with all sorts of diferent the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal and
characters and personalities? interest in the sport has since soared. Apart from
A I love the diferent people that you meet from being playing in the recent World Cup at home in England,
in a team. It forces you to work with characters who you that must have been a huge highlight?
wouldn’t necessarily pick to be friends. Because of that, A Deinitely – beating Australia, who were favourites, in
you learn a lot about yourself and become friends with their home country. We just went out there and played with
people you never thought you would. It teaches you not calmness and conidence and it was such a momentous
to judge a book by its cover and encourages you to learn day. To be a part of that historical moment was fantastic.
WORDS: DONNA FINDLAY. ILLUSTRATION: ROBERT SAE-HENG
about someone before you make calls about them. And to be involved with making that shift in the excitement
around netball and how people view it – it was like we were
Q As a netballer you must face some challenging part of something bigger than just that game.
moments. How do you deal with these?
A At the 2014 Commonwealth Games (semi-inal), we Q What advice would you give teenagers who
lost by one point and then lost the bronze-medal match. might be considering a career in netball?
That was tough to take but without that I wouldn’t have A Don’t take it too seriously too soon and make the most
been able to take the steps needed to make myself better. of the diferent opportunities that you get ofered, whether
It’s interesting how sometimes you have to reach rock they are at club level or England level or trials. The main
bottom almost before you get to the top of the mountain. thing is to keep enjoying it!
Looking back on it, it’s all experience and that is sport.
Very rarely does someone climb through the ranks and be
19
Step into your
greatness
A yoga pose that supports us in stepping forward in our greatness and following our
passions in life is Warrior Pose – Virabhadrasana in Sanskrit. It has three variations. Here,
we’re going to explore the irst, Warrior 1.
This pose strengthens the legs, opens the hips and chest, and stretches the arms and legs.
It also helps to develop strength, conidence, concentration, balance and stability.
Here’s how to get into the pose
1. Stand tall, with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms dropping at your side. Take
a few deep breaths here and feel the ground supporting you. Take time to connect with
your core within.
2. On an out-breath, step your feet about one metre apart (to a point that’s comfortable).
Turn your right leg and foot out by 90 degrees. Turn the left foot in slightly, to about
40 degrees. The heels of the feet should be aligned with each other.
WORDS: DAWATTIE BASDEO – VISIT MAGNIFICENTMEMAGNIFICENTYOU.COM. ILLUSTRATION: SARA THIELKER

Swing your hips around to face your right leg, bringing your torso to face the direction
of the right leg.
On an in-breath, lift your arms up over your head, stretching skywards with your palms
facing each other. Take a few breaths.
3. On an out-breath, lower your tailbone (that’s the bone at the bottom of your spine)
towards the ground and bend your right knee into a deep lunge so that it is directly over
your ankle and forms the shape of a right angle.
Look up or forward, lifting your upper torso upwards, while at the same time pushing
downwards through your tailbone and legs.
Take a few deep breaths.
4. To come out of the pose, slowly straighten the right leg, turn both feet forwards, lower the
arms and step back into standing pose. Take a moment to observe how you feel and then
repeat the above for the opposite leg.
As with all physical activities, please do not attempt the posture if you have any medical or
physical conditions that may be aggravated. If in doubt, always talk to your doctor irst.
20
21
Friends or family?
What to do when your loyalties are divided
The people closest to you all have something in common This can often cause tension. It’s hard, when you’re trying
– you, and the fact that they all really like or even love you. to ind your own way and becoming more ‘you’, to feel like
Their commonality may not go all that much further than people are holding you back, especially when you know
that, though, so sometimes you might ind yourself they love you and (deep down) you love them too.
uncomfortably torn between them.
This doesn’t mean you’ll have to deal with ights or raised Conlicting loyalties
voices. Friend-vs-family tensions tend to be more subtle The conlict that people often feel about friends and family
than that and involve a sense of obligation, who you spend becomes apparent when one group says something
time with and where your loyalties lie. negative about the other. Your friendship loyalty may be
This can be tough on everyone, but especially the person huge – larger, even, than you consider your family loyalty to
in the middle – you. And that’s why it can help to look at be – but isn’t it funny how you can criticise your mum or
what’s behind tension between your nearest and dearest. your brother as much as you want, but as soon as a friend
does, it makes your blood boil? Or perhaps you’re having a
Changing inluences moment when a particular friend is getting on your nerves,
Small children have friends, but when you’re little, the but if a sibling says something critical about them, you
family is still the most important social inluence. As people immediately leap to their defence.
get older and more independent, however, they start to When there are negative feelings between a friend and a
form deeper, more intense friendships, which then shifts family member, you may feel awkward about inviting that
the focus from family to peers. friend to your home. If this means that you usually choose
This is absolutely, 100 per cent normal, but it’s also to hang out at your friend’s house, this may increase the
natural that some parents struggle when they see their ill-feeling. On the one hand, your friend might suspect that
children growing up (and away) from them. They may also they’re unwelcome at your home and, on the other, your
worry about who’s inluencing your behaviour and decisions family may resent the amount of time you’re spending
– and that concern might, at times, seem overbearing. away from home. It might feel like you just can’t win.
22
What can be done? Conlicting plans
It may feel uncomfortable at irst, but try to build and Even when friends and family get along, there can be times
nurture the links between friends and family. They don’t when your loyalties are torn, especially when arrangements
have to love each other, but if they meet often enough, it’ll clash. A family gathering or party might coincide with fun
give you a chance to highlight the positive things they all plans with your friends, for instance. Perhaps a relative you
ofer and to ind common ground. Given time, the chances haven’t seen for a while is dropping by on the same
are they’ll ind their own way to be around each other. afternoon you’d planned to go to the cinema with friends.
You could also try telling them how you feel in a way that The expectations of others and your desire not to upset
doesn’t upset anyone. If handled in the right way, it could or disappoint anyone can tear you apart in this situation
even be an opportunity to share your emotional maturity – even worse, you’ll probably have a preference and
with people who you care about and trust. possibly feel guilty about it.
So, rather than shouting ‘I can’t believe you hate my In a situation where there is a clash of events, you could
WORDS: SARAH RODRIGUES. ILLUSTRATION: CHARLOTTE FU
best friend. You’re ruining my life’ or ‘How dare you say see if it’s possible for either one to be moved to another
that about my brother. What about YOUR brother?’ you date. If this isn’t possible, think about who’s involved, what
could try: the event is (whether it’s a one-of or something that can –
and will – happen again) and which feels most important.
explaining that you’re not comfortable with the negativity. Say, for instance, your dad’s 40th birthday clashes with
a close friend’s sleepover. The irst is a one-of celebration
talking about why the person being criticised is important
that most likely can’t be moved, while your friend is likely
to you.
to have another sleepover (or perhaps you could host
reassuring the person you’re talking to that they are your own to make up for the one you missed).
important to you, too. These aren’t always easy decisions but, hopefully,
asking them to make a little more efort with the other you can feel good that there are diferent people who
person, for you. want to spend time with you.
23
CREATE YOUR OWN
CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
Whether it’s a solo project or a collaborative work with a close friend,
combining words and pictures will bring out your creative spirit
Can you still remember your favourite picture books? ideas and a friend is a talented artist. Or vice versa. If that’s
A good one is read over and over again. The words and the case, you could create a book together.
pictures work in harmony to tell the story in an entertaining First, check out some picture books at your local library
way. Just because they’re short, though, it doesn’t mean or raid a younger sibling’s collection. What makes a book
they’re easy. Putting together a picture book is a great stand out? Look at popular classics like Where the Wild
combination of creativity, writing and art. So, give it a go. Things Are and The Tiger Who Came to Tea and contrast them
with more contemporary books like The Day the Crayons
How does it work? Quit or Oi Frog! Lauren Child, Axel Scheler, Shaun Tan and
Some authors are also gifted illustrators and they do both Oliver Jefers are just a few of the talented creative minds
the story and the pictures. Others get together with an out there, though. Read widely and then decide what
illustrator. Perhaps you’re great at coming up with story appeals to you and what you’d like your style to be.
24
The big idea Does it have to rhyme?
Any writer will tell you that they come up with many ideas No! Moulding a good story that also rhymes well is a
before inding the one that works. Keep a notebook to challenge, but, if rhyming is your thing, go for it. To see
jot them down as they occur to you. Author Charlie Farley how it’s done, look at Julia Donaldson’s books which
says he found inspiration in nature and walks through the work beautifully. A rhyming dictionary is great for help
woods for his irst picture book, Twit for a Twoo. Maybe and inspiration. Always read your story out loud to make
that would be an idea for you. Or, try retelling a fairy tale sure it scans properly, that the rhythm and pattern sound
or taking a character from a nursery rhyme and giving it a comfortable. And it might help to steer clear of words that
quirky twist. Mini Grey turns a well-known story on its head are hard to ind rhymes for (orange, for example).
in The Pea and the Princess. Perhaps you’ll get an idea from a
pet or something strange or funny that happened at home. Characters
Whatever you choose, give your character a problem to Keep it simple with just a few characters around one main
solve or a new situation to face. character. Animal stories have a universal appeal for young
children – and you’ll probably ind birds and animals easier
Title and cover to draw than people.
You want someone to be keen to pick up your book and
get reading, so you need a cover and title that grabs their Planning out your story
attention. It can be tricky. The best titles are true to the After looking at all those picture books, you’ll have spotted
story but don’t give too much away. And don’t forget to put that many of them follow a format of 32 pages, of which
the names of the author and illustrator on the cover too. only 24 carry the actual story. This relects how the book
is put together at the printers and allows for title pages,
How many words? copyright information and end papers.
The good news is you don’t need lots of description So, you have 24 sides, or 12 double-page spreads, to tell
as that will be in the pictures. Aim for 200 to 400 words. your story. Use a layout plan or storyboard to help you.
Keep honing and cutting your text – every word needs to Draw a set of 12 rectangles with a dotted line down the
earn its place. middle of each one. Label them 1-12. These are your 12
spreads. Cut them out and move scenes around, stick on
pictures or typed text, or just do it all yourself by pencil.
Your draft illustrations can be hand drawn or done digitally.
Trial and error will reveal what works best for you, but this
is where you thrash out the ins and outs of your story and
plan the illustrations.
25
STORY TIPS
IT’S A BOOK!
TO HELP YOU
Now that your story is ready and you’ve planned your
illustrations, make a dummy book. There are lots of ways to do Always think about the pictures. You need
this, but a simple way is to use four sheets of A3 paper folded action and changes of scene to make the
in half and half again. Cut along the folded edge nearly to the book visually interesting.
end and bind together with punched holes and wool or ribbon,
Repeating something three times is a
sewing along the spine or just use a snazzy bulldog clip or two.
satisfying story trick. The wolf goes to three
This is when your story starts to come to life as a book. Are the
types of houses, Goldilocks tries three bowls,
illustrations working? Is it page-turning? Where do the words
chairs and beds. You get the idea.
look best on the pages? Play around until you’re happy and then
make a inal version with inished illustrations and a smart cover. Everyone likes a clifhanger. Do you have
Now for the best bit. Share your book with friends and family, exciting page turns? Split a sentence
read it with small children and be proud that you’ve created between pages, inish a rhyme over the
something truly unique to be enjoyed again and again. page, ask a question. You could even put
your character in peril.
You’re writing for young children so your
ending should be uplifting, not scary or sad.
How about an amazing twist at the end?
The anteater doesn’t eat the ants. The small
mouse defeats the big scary Grufalo.
If you enjoy paper crafts, add

interactive pop-up features or laps.
The Jolly Postman by Janet and
Allan Ahlberg has pull-out letters,
invitations and miniature books
ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
which are all part of the story. Use

materials like soft fabric or scratchy
sandpaper to make a touchy-feely
WORDS: TRACY DARNTON.
book. Or sneak a hidden item onto

every page for your reader to spot.
It’s your book, go wild.
TOP TIPS
Read loads of picture books.
Keep an ideas notebook.
Always read your book aloud.
27
LEFT BEHIND
How to cope when a close friend moves away
When someone you care about moves to another town – or of time with so knowing you won’t see them so often is
even country – it can be heartbreaking. Some friends might painful. You might worry that they’ll forget you or even feel
leave because of family upheavals while others might go envious of them meeting new friends. There could also be
to a diferent school or college. Either way, if you’re used to anger and frustration that they’re leaving as well as anxiety
seeing someone regularly, their departure can leave a void about who you’ll spend time with now. All this is natural
in your life and the idea of a long-distance friendship can and it’s important not to ignore these feelings.
be scary and involve a diicult adjustment. However, both
you and your friendship can survive the change. Here are Don’t bottle it up
a few things to keep in mind if you’re the one left behind. Talk to family members or other close friends about how
upset you feel or, if it’s diicult to say it out loud, write
Accept it will hurt it down. Remember, while it seems devastating – and
Changes to friendships happen to people of all ages – there’s no doubt the friendship will change – it doesn’t
people in work, for instance, can feel low when a colleague mean the end. They will still be there for you and you’ll
leaves for another job. But whether your friend has gone be there for them. If you’re both prepared to put in the
to a new school, college, university or workplace, it doesn’t efort, your friendship will continue, just in a diferent way
spell the end of the friendship. There’s no escaping it’ll be whether that’s contact via social media, FaceTime, phone
sad – it’s normal to feel upset – and this feeling won’t pass or old-fashioned letter writing. Before they go, be sure to
overnight. This is someone you care about and spend a lot plan an early and proper catch-up. And after that you can
28
touch base regularly. It might not make up for face-to-face you make photo albums and storybooks featuring shared
contact, but it’ll ensure the goodbye doesn’t seem so sad. experiences, good and bad times, and, most importantly, all
the things you love about the person who’s moving away.
Support them
It’s possible your friend doesn’t want to move away, but After they’ve gone
they have no choice. It could be their parents are relocating If it’s your best friend who’s leaving and you’re used to
to take up new jobs, to look after older relatives or because going around in a pair, it’s helpful to keep your mind busy
they’ve separated and now need two homes. Try to be the and plan to spend time with other friends at school and at
supportive friend who helps them to cope with this move. weekends. It doesn’t mean you’re forgetting your friend or
Even if it’s something they’re happy about, the chances being disloyal. They wouldn’t want you to be unhappy. If
are they’ll still be nervous. Be there to listen to them if they you aren’t part of a group, however, or struggle with new
need it and try to help them to be excited about the fresh people, think about widening your social circle. Consider
experiences that are coming their way. It’s OK to tell them clubs you could join to meet others with similar interests
WORDS: DONNA FINDLAY. ILLUSTRATION: IRINA PERJU
you’ll miss them, but try not to add to their stress by being and check out the groups running at school lunchtime.
upset or annoyed with them or the situation. After all, it’s
out of their control. Try to be positive – it’ll be better for Moving on
them and you. However good you are at keeping in touch, it’s likely that,
over time, contact with your friend will be less frequent.
Memory making This isn’t necessarily a bad thing and it doesn’t mean you’re
It’s going to be a sad time for you both, so before they no longer friends. And hopefully, when you meet again in
go, do lots of fun things to create happy moments. Go person, it’ll feel like you’ve never been apart. At the same
for plenty of days out and take photos or videos so you time, you’ll also develop more close friendships and do new
have some great memories. You could also get together things, so you’ll both have lots to talk about when you meet
with other friends and organise a farewell event where up. It’ll be tough at irst, but things will slowly get easier.
29
Don’t stop the music
Learning to play certain instruments, a trumpet for example, might be deemed
uncool by some students and make you want to stop. But here’s why sticking
with it could be one of the wisest choices you’ll ever make
Unless you’re a child genius who can play the piano like
Beethoven, you probably irst picked up an instrument at
primary school. If your lessons were anything like mine, the
music room was illed with the sounds of tooting recorders,
clashing symbols, tinkling triangles and whistling lutes for
the irst few years. The guitar seemed too hard with its six
strings and tricky chords, and the drum kit in the corner was
almost impossible to master without hours of practice.
But one musical instrument stood out to me. It was gold,
shiny and had bouncy buttons that popped up and down
when you played it. It also had a huge bell that ampliied
any note that was blown into its polished little mouthpiece.
Every sound that came out of the end was loud and proud,
like a fanfare, and made me feel like I was opening a circus
or starting a march. I fell in love with the trumpet there and
then. I was eight years old.
30
I started lessons in my lunch break and joined the school If pop music isn’t your thing, there are heaps of other
band, performing at summer fairs and Christmas plays. opportunities to play the trumpet – Alison Balsom is an
I’ll be honest, being on stage in front of a crowd – even award-winning musician in the classical ield. You could
though it was mostly made up of teachers and parents – also be a session musician, playing live with rock bands or
felt pretty cool. It was as close to a pop star as I was ever on studio albums; join a wedding band and watch people
going to get (I’m not very good at singing). dance to your music all night long; or, you could sit in the
pit at the theatre and play along with famous shows like
What’s cool for school? The Lion King, School of Rock and Matilda.
I kept practising and playing, playing and practising, and
after a couple of years I decided that I wanted to be a Carry on playing
professional musician. When I was old enough, I was going The point is, instruments are awesome. Without them,
to play my trumpet all over the world. That was until music wouldn’t exist. So, if you’re having a wobble and
I joined secondary school, then everything changed. thinking about quitting just because someone else doesn’t
Apparently playing the trumpet wasn’t cool at my new like the instrument you love, don’t. After all, somebody’s
school. People laughed at the clunky case I carried around got to stand next to Beyoncé and play the trumpet – and
the corridors, calling me a ‘geek’ and a ‘nerd’. They mocked that person could be you.
my decision to sign up to the orchestra and giggled
when I played at big events like sports tournaments and
presentations. Even tooting my trumpet at the school
concert caused people to point and laugh. But here’s the
thing, I kept on playing.
I stayed proud, stuck to my lessons and made sure
I became the best trumpet player I could be. My favourite
musical instrument had given me so much joy up until
then, I couldn’t give up on it now. It still gave me that same
powerful feeling I irst experienced aged eight when I felt
like I was welcoming the Queen to town. What I realised
was that after a few years I would never have to see those
name-callers again, I could carry on doing what I loved and
maybe even perform on stages across the globe – I just
had to choose my path and not let people I didn’t even like
change my hopes and dreams.
Star power
WORDS: CLAIRE BLACKMORE. ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Actually, playing this shiny brass instrument is cool. There

are loads of talented musicians who have sold millions
of records that feature the trumpet. Ask your parents
or grandparents about Louis Armstrong or Miles Davis,
two jazz legends who built their entire careers around
the cheerful parp of a trumpet. In fact, without the
brass instrument the whole genre of jazz might not
have even existed.
The more you think about it, the more you notice
trumpets toot up in lots of songs by the world’s biggest
stars. Jay Z has tunes that feature the instrument, so does
Pharrell Williams – and a Beyoncé concert commonly
features girls playing trumpets galore (check out Crystal
Torres who also writes, sings and plays her own songs).
31
What’s in a name?
Big, and small, cities all around the world have their own nicknames: the Big Easy, the
City of Dreams, Auld Reekie. Many of these monikers point to a place’s fascinating history
or reference defining characteristics, and some are tied to emotions such as romance or
joy. Teen Breathe goes around the world to explore the truth behind city nicknames
NEW YORK LONDON SINGAPORE

The Big Apple The Big Smoke The Lion City
This has little to do with healthy The UK’s capital got its nickname There’s a straightforward reason
Americans eating one of their five because the city was frequently why Singapore is referred to as the
a day, and more of a link to horse enveloped in thick smoke which Lion City. Its Malay name, Singapura,
racing. Back in the 1920s, jockeys bellowed from thousands of is derived from Sanskrit with ‘singa’
aspired to compete in races around residential and factory chimneys. meaning ‘lion’ and ‘pura’ meaning
New York, mainly as the prizes offered Londoners in the 19th and early city. Another suggestion, though, is
were ‘big apple’. When a sports writer 20th centuries used coal to heat based on a legend that tells the tale
repetitively used the phrase in his their homes, and the resulting of a prince who decided to build the
newspaper column, it stuck. Even smog, combined with typical dreary city after catching a glimpse of a lion,
more so after a tourism campaign British weather, meant regular days thought to be a sign of good fortune.
in the 1970s used the fruity name. of London ‘fog’. Lions, however, have never lived in
this part of the world, so the animal
was most likely a Malayan tiger.
32
MUMBAI ROME EDINBURGH
The City of Dreams The Eternal City Auld Reekie
The commercial capital of India and The nickname of Italy’s capital can Similar to London, Scotland’s capital
also the home of Bollywood’s movie be traced back to ancient times, often found itself enshrouded by
industry, Mumbai attracts budding when confident and self-assured smog and smoke. But that wasn’t
entrepreneurs, actors and, it would Romans convinced themselves that the only reason why there was such
appear, anyone with a dream. People they’d always live in a thriving city. a ‘reek’ or unpleasant strong smell
flock to the bustling city, despite its Inhabitants watched other empires in the city. A stretch of water, where
already huge population, believing rise and fall but refused to accept Princes Street Gardens are today,
anything is possible here. Optimistic Rome would face a similar crushing was the drainage site for locals’ waste,
that opportunities abound, hopefuls fate. The empire was eternal, they as well as a popular place to dump
call their home the City of Dreams. insisted, and would last forever. the deceased.
‘ This [Edinburgh] is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of

sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again’
Alexander McCall Smith – author
33
‘ New Orleans is a place that actually resembles no other city on the
face of the earth, yet it recalls vague memories of a hundred cities’
Lafcadio Hearn – writer
DUBLIN PARIS YORK

The Fair City The City of Lights The Chocolate City
Dublin gets its nickname from a Although often considered a Imagine inhaling the delicious
song about an enigmatic young romantic destination, the City of Love smell of chocolate every time you
fishmonger, Molly Malone, who was is also known as the City of Lights, went outside. Sounds like Willy
known to push her wheelbarrow but there’s some debate as to why. Wonka heaven. Once upon a time
along the city streets selling cockles One theory evolves from the fact though, the city of York was home to
and mussels. A song about the that Paris was the birthplace of the several chocolate factories – Terry’s,
heroine is widely recognised as Age of Enlightenment. Another bases Rowntree’s, Cravens and Lazenby
Dublin’s unofficial anthem, and the itself around the idea that the French – and as a result, the air did smell
first line, ‘In Dublin’s fair city, where capital was one of the first European chocolatey and surfaces were covered
the girls are so pretty’ is how the cities to illuminate dark streets in by a layer of chocolate dust. Maybe
nickname originated. the bid to prevent night-time crime. not all pleasant then.
Whatever the truth, 20,000 light bulbs
transform the Eiffel Tower in the
evenings today.
34
FLORENCE PRAGUE NEW ORLEANS
The City of Lilies The City of a Hundred Spires The Big Easy
The lily has been a symbol of Florence Visit Prague and you’ll see a wealth of There are a few theories behind
since the 11th century and today churches, cathedrals, monasteries and the nickname for New Orleans. One
a red flower on a white field is the chapels, so it’s understandable that revolves around the idea that life in
emblem of the Italian city, appearing when a Czech writer visited the city the American city was relaxed and
on its flag. No one’s quite sure, in the early 19th century, he chose to laidback, especially in comparison
however, of the reason for the call it the City of a Hundred Spires – a to hectic New York. Another opinion
association. Some say the city mathematician living at around the is that New Orleans’ rich musical
was founded by the Romans in same time counted 103. Over the heritage made it exceptionally
59BC as spring arrived while others years, it’s been estimated that there easy for struggling musicians to
claim that lilies simply flourish in are more than 1,000 spires in Prague. perform jazz and blues.
the Florentine countryside. Today, the tourist board claim 120 fill
the city centre’s skyline alone.
MAKING UP MONIKERS
Think of somewhere you’ve visited recently. What in particular made the destination stand out? How did the place
look, or was there something you loved about the atmosphere or the people you met? Use the space below to
WORDS: LORNA COWAN. ILLUSTRATIONS: OLIVIA WALLER
have fun creating your own nicknames for places near home and around the world
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35
Less is more
It’s easy to assume multi-tasking – doing two or more things at once – will save time overall
and be more eicient. Less enjoyable tasks might also seem more appealing if combined
with something more fun, such as doing homework while listening to music. But what really
happens when you attempt to do more than one thing at a time? Are you giving any one
thing the focus it deserves? Could there actually be more beneits to single-tasking?
Look around you in any public place and what do you see? Multi-tasking myths
People checking their social media feeds as they chat to In reality, multi-tasking isn’t actually possible. When talking
friends, licking through magazines or books while talking of multi-tasking, what is really meant is that the brain is
on the phone, listening to podcasts as they walk the dog shifting attention quickly between two or more things.
or eating lunch while having several digital devices open Psychologists have investigated what happens when
in front of them. Many people believe doing multiple tasks we multi-task. They’ve found that although interruptions
simultaneously will get more done in less time. might only require a few seconds of attention, it then takes
You might multi-task yourself, possibly without even minutes for the brain to re-engage with the original task
realising it. Have you ever litted between multiple browser it was working on. In addition, these short but constant
tabs when working on the computer or chatted to friends interruptions have the potential to scatter thoughts,
online while in the middle of studying? And listening to weaken memory and increase anxiety.
music, having the television on or suring the internet are Despite the myths, multi-tasking actually uses up more
such common background activities you might barely ‘brain energy’ than single-tasking. The constant shifting of
register you’re doing them. attention makes tasks take longer and seem more stressful.
You might not consider all of these to be examples of Multi-taskers have been shown to be less productive than
multi-tasking. After all, taking just a few seconds to read a those who focus on just one thing at a time.
message or glancing up at a television screen hardly makes
a diference to anything, or does it? EXAMPLE Have you ever read an e-book or online
article and been tempted to click through the hyperlinks
contained within it? What did you notice about your
attention and focus? Research shows that by following
‘distractions’ (such as hyperlinks), readers are less likely
to understand or remember what they were reading. The
brain loses focus and inds it harder to follow the narrative
when it returns to the original piece.
36
Beneits of single-tasking
People who single-task – or engage fully with just one
activity at a time – get more done and make fewer Tips for single-tasking
mistakes. They’re also more likely to enjoy what they’re If you’re tempted to check your phone
doing and to think more creatively. frequently, turn it to silent or leave it in
another room for the duration of a task.
EXAMPLE You’re working on an essay for school and feel If you suddenly remember something you
stuck. When faced with an obstacle or diiculty like this, it need to do, try not to change task straight
can be easy to turn to a distraction to avoid the problem – away. Note it down and do it only once
perhaps scrolling through social media, suring the internet you’ve completed your original task.
or beginning to work on something else while trying to When online, open just one tab or app at a
complete the essay. This interrupts your train of thought. time. Turn of automatic notiications from
You might end up repeating yourself, leaving out important apps if you ind these a distraction.
points or being unable to re-focus. Single-tasking when talking to friends can
Single-tasking also improves both understanding and improve the quality of your conversations.
memory, which is especially important when studying When talking face-to-face, keep digital
or learning new skills. You’re more likely to recall and devices out of eyesight. If chatting on the
understand what you’ve read or watched if you’ve given phone, give this your full attention.
it your full attention. Become aware of when you start to multi-
task. Are you bored with what you’re doing?
Are you feeling you have too much to do?
Start small. Take just ive to 10 minutes to
focus solely on one activity. Become mindful
of the sounds, smells, textures, tastes and
sights you’d usually miss.
Ask yourself: When do you multi-task?

Consider three times in the next week when
ILLUSTRATION: GINNIE HSU
WORDS: VICKY H BOURNE
you’re going to single-task. See what diference

you notice to your attention, concentration and
enjoyment of these activities.
37
A private hideaway
Have you ever longed for your own cosy retreat, where you can relax and escape
the world for a while? Well, it may be easier than you think to create this special
hideaway for yourself. Welcome to the art of cocooning
38
What is cocooning? Use your cocoon space to…
It’s basically retreating or taking shelter in a small,
comfortable and relaxing space in your room that is Breathe, relect and meditate.
cocoon-like – that provides a cosy corner where you can Contemplate about anything that is bothering you.
spend a little time whenever you feel the need to think, rest Cry if you feel that you need to.
or retreat from the world around you. A cocoon is typically Lounge and rest after a busy day.
curtained of from everything else in your room to provide Snuggle up and read a book.
a dedicated hideaway where you can snuggle up in your Enjoy a hot chocolate and a biscuit (see page 42).
favourite blanket and simply ‘be’. Listen to music.
Write poetry.
Nature’s cocoons Doodle in a sketch book.
You may have heard of the word cocoon in nature. It’s a Write in your journal.
protective casing, often made of spun silk, which surrounds Have a nap.
the pupa of many moths and insect larvae where there is a Do nothing.
complete transformation from immature to adult form. In Dream.
the case of a caterpillar, it can take anything from a few days
to a few weeks for it to hatch from its cocoon and emerge
as a moth. Butterlies go through a similar process but
hatch from a chrysalis, usually made of hardened protein.
It’s one of nature’s spectacular transformations.
Why create a cosy space

A cocoon ofers the perfect space to take refuge and have
time to think about who you are and how you relate to the
world around you during any intense and confusing times.
It also ofers a gentle, comforting place where you can
retreat when you feel sad, upset or under pressure.
Unlike a caterpillar, you’ll not be encased in spun silk, but
you will have a reassuring corner where you can spend time
to relect. In many ways, your own bedroom-based cocoon
can be a transformational space, where you will emerge,
like a beautiful butterly hatching from its chrysalis, with
extra clarity, insights and conidence.
But cocooning isn’t just to help navigate the
frantic, diicult and puzzling times in life. It ofers
a quiet ambience and an idyllic haven, where you
can be yourself, relax deeply and enjoy the simple
things that make you feel warm, reassured, happy
and content.
Need some ideas to create your very own bedroom

cocoon? Turn the page for some top tips!
39
IDEAS FOR YOUR BEDROOM COCOON
Choose your space. It needs to be just big enough for you to
1 lounge in. Perhaps it’s an unused corner by your bed or at the side
of a cupboard that is out of the way.
Types of cocoon. Take a look on the internet for pictures of cosy

2 bedroom cocoons to give you some ideas and inspiration. A tiny,
pop-up tent with a zipped door provides an ideal cocooning space.
From hammocks to pods, cocoons come in all shapes and sizes and
can be as individual as you are.
Re-purpose. You can make your cocoon using furniture and

3 furnishings that you already have. A beanbag or loor cushion
might it in your cosy corner. Then all you need do is cover it
with your favourite blanket. If you want to make the space more
enclosed and private, see if there’s a way to hang a curtain that can
be drawn back from the inside.
Make it cosy. Fill the space with extra soft covers, pillows, cushions
4 and a snugly blanket. Focus on making it the ultimate chill-out area
that rivals (or is even better than) your bed.
Choose plain fabrics. Avoid using covers or cushions that

5 feature stripes, heavy patterns and busy prints as these can be
overstimulating. Plain fabrics in soft, warm colours are easy on
the eye and calming for the mind.
Lighting. If you’re reading and writing in your cosy space, use a

6 lamp to provide adequate lighting. Otherwise, enjoy relaxing in
subdued light. Dark and cosy is even better for resting, meditation,
sleeping and dreaming.
Clutter-free zone. Avoid decorating the space or illing it with

7 lots of pictures and notes. Keep your cocoon clean, tidy and
free of clutter. It will help you to relax more easily and also
declutter your mind.
WORDS: CAROL ANNE STRANGE. ILLUSTRATIONS: HELMA SPEKSNIJDER
Remember to discuss the idea with your parents before making

any changes to your bedroom. They may be able to help with
practicalities, such as hanging a curtain, or even ofer to buy a few
items that will make your cocoon warm, soothing and welcoming.
Then all you have to do is sit in your safe space and enjoy the
sensation of calmness and security it provides.
‘Sometimes it’s in the
quiet that we hear
the loudest things’
– Anonymous
41
Home comforts
It’s time to relax, unwind and make time for yourself by
lounging in your comfy clothes, reading a good book
and enjoying these tasty goodies
CARROT CAKE OAT COOKIES

50g rolled oats
50g instant oats
100g wholewheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
50ml honey
80g grated carrots
20g chopped walnuts
MAKES: 12 COOKIES
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 15 MINUTES
WORDS: DIANA ALSHAKHANBEH/SUPERFOOD. ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
2. In a medium-sized bowl mix together the oats, flour, baking powder
and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl whisk together the coconut oil, egg, vanilla extract and honey.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and fold in the grated carrots
and the chopped walnuts. Chill the dough for an hour.
4. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, and scoop the cookie dough onto the
tray to make 12 cookies. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
42
DREAMY HOT CHOCOLATE
Oat milk is the creamiest of all the non-dairy milks, and it makes the best
hot chocolate. If you have a milk frother, be sure to give this a whizz and
you’ll be rewarded by an extra creamy, frothy cup.
250ml oat milk

2 level tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp honey
A scraping of nutmeg
SERVES: 1
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 5 MINUTES
1. H
eat the oat milk over a medium-hot heat, stirring to prevent
it burning.
2. W
hen it just reaches boiling point, whisk in the cocoa powder
and honey.
WORDS: JANE SARCHET/SUPERFOOD

3. I f using a milk frother, use it now to create that layer of foam. Pour
Q U IC K T IP :
For an ex
into a glass or mug and finish off with a scraping of nutmeg. add squirt tra treat,
y cr
mini-marsh eam and
mallows
43
Soul birds
Birdwatching is a great way to spend time outdoors and
boost your knowledge of the natural world. Teen Breathe
shares how to get the most out of this rewarding hobby
44
Birds are amazing creatures. From the huge Andean
condor with a wingspan of over three metres to the
tiny bee hummingbird measuring just 5cm, our
feathered friends come in a host of diferent sizes,
shapes and colours. Birds are capable of some truly
remarkable feats, too. Did you know, for instance,
that a woodpecker will peck a tree 20 times a second
in search of food, and a common swift can stay
airborne for 10 months at a time?
Watching birds, identifying them and then learning
more about their behaviour, habitats and astonishing
achievements can be great fun. Forget any stereotype
that birdwatchers are a bit dull. Quite the opposite.
Birdwatching is an enjoyable hobby that stimulates
the mind and allows you to spend time outdoors
appreciating nature. What’s more, you can birdwatch
whenever you like, for short periods at a time if that’s
what suits you best, and you don’t have to fork out
lots of money for expensive equipment. It’s a great
way to pass the time while increasing your knowledge
and getting the feel-good beneits of being outside.
Getting started
It’s easy to start birdwatching. Simply gaze out of a
window, sit in a garden or park, go for a walk along
a beach or woodland path, or venture to a lake or
reservoir. Look up at tree branches, in reeds and
hedges, along riverbanks… birdlife is everywhere.
According to the British Ornithologists’ Union, there
are 619 species of birds in the UK, and while you may
never be able to identify them all, you’ll soon begin
to recognise a few. If you’re unsure, that’s when a
notebook and ield guide is invaluable. Jot down
a description, take a photo if the bird stays still for
long enough, and then refer to a bird reference book.
RSPB ield guides are good, as are those published
by Collins. Or you could take a look at the British Bird
Lovers downloadable app.
Turn the page for more tips as to how

to identify our feathered friends
45
CHOOSE YOUR PERCH AND GET SCRIBBLING
Thrushes, inches, crows, geese and birds of prey – birdwatchers can expect to see all these and more. A robin or blue tit
enjoying some seeds in a garden may be easy to spot and identify, but what about a goldcrest or marsh sandpiper?
One of the irst things to become familiar with is the names of the diferent parts of a bird’s body. Refer to your ield
guide and learn about the crown, beak, underside, lanks and diferent feather types. This will help when writing down
your notes or when describing the bird to others. As you learn about bird identiication, concentrate on the following
when making observations:
SIZE BIRDSONG
Judging size can be diicult, but it’s Listening to birds chirping away is
useful when it comes to identifying gratifying and their song or call can TOP TIPS
birds. Try to estimate the size, even if help to identify the species. The wren
that’s along the lines of ‘similar to a has a loud, strong and urgent warble, Never disturb or harass a
sparrow’ or ‘as big as a seagull’. whereas the nightingale is renowned bird to get a better view.
for its fast succession of high, low There is a code of conduct
SHAPE and rich notes. Over time, you’ll learn for birdwatchers – it’s
Note the bird’s overall shape. Is it familiar noises and ways to describe good practice to follow it.
short and squat or long and thin? the chatter – you can also listen to
Also write down the shape of its birdsong online. Hardback notebooks tend
bill – hooked, lattened or pointed to be more durable, so are
– and whether it has a distinctive HABITAT a wise choice. Also, use a
wing shape or if the tail feathers look Where you see a bird is crucial. pencil not a pen as ink can
forked or fanned. Study feet, too. Are Waders usually stick to estuaries and smudge if it starts to rain.
they webbed or can you see curved shores, birds of prey to mountains
claws for catching prey? and moorlands. Always write down When choosing a ield
the habitat of each bird you spot, guide, opt for one
COLOUR again to help with referring back to that focuses on British
Try to be as accurate as you can when a ield guide. breeding birds and
describing the colour and markings. common migrants.
Note the bird’s main overall colour BEHAVIOUR
and whether there are any other Part of the joy of birdwatching is Although not necessary,
distinctive markings, perhaps on its observing how each bird behaves. a small pair of compact
wings or tail feathers. Can you see Some species have distinguishable binoculars will come in WORDS: LORNA COWAN. ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
a lash of colour on its underside, or ways of acting, lying, nesting and handy for a closer look.
stripes around the eye? Does it have feeding. Although important to aid
an unusual beak or feet? Remember identiication, don’t be in a rush to
that young birds may look diferent scribble these down. Instead, keep
to adults, and that males often sport watching and enjoying and learning.
brighter, bolder colours to attract
a female mate.
46
47
FROM LEFT: THOMAS, TESS, KAMEIKA AND KATIE
Dolphin
dreaming
Imagine if your job was swimming with
dolphins every day. For these lucky guides
working at Rockingham Wild Encounters
in Western Australia, their ocean dreams
have become reality…
One of the world’s most magical creatures, the bottlenose study for a diploma in marine studies. As part of my course,
dolphin captures the imagination with its playful and I needed to complete 100 hours of work experience, and
curious nature. These intelligent, social mammals are found Rockingham Wild Encounters was the perfect place. My
in temperate and tropical seas around the world and, sadly, training happened out on the water, where I learnt about
in aquariums and marine parks, where they’re kept in tanks. the boat, how to ride the aqua scooters that pull our swim
But there are places on our amazing planet where you groups along, and how to interpret dolphin behaviour.
can slip into the sea and swim with wild dolphins. One such ‘As a swim guide, we need to be able to read the signs
place is Rockingham in Western Australia. Here, more than that make for an exciting – and safe – encounter with the
200 bottlenose dolphins hunt for ish and play – sometimes animals. The dolphins we visit here are completely wild,
just 30 metres ofshore – and guides from Rockingham so all interaction is entirely on their terms. If we enter the
Wild Encounters lead small groups of snorkellers into their water and they dive down deep or swim away, we know
watery realm for an unforgettable, up-close experience. they’re not in a social mood and we move on to another
Teen Breathe travelled to the Land Down Under to ind group. But if they’re interested and stick around, then we
out more about (possibly) the best job in the world… know they’re happy for us to spend time with them.
‘When a permanent job became available, I leapt at the
Kameika Anderson chance to be a swim guide. It’s amazing to interact so
‘I’ve always loved the ocean, so after school I decided to closely with such incredible animals in their own home.’
Thomas Ball
‘I grew up suring and doing lots of water sports, so I’ve
always loved playing around on the ocean. I started at
Rockingham with a week’s work experience and was lucky
enough to get a full-time job after one of the crew left.
‘To be a guide, you need to have good people skills as we
have tourists from all over the world coming out to meet
the dolphins. You also need to have a fun, positive vibe,
work well in a team and be able to react quickly to anything
that happens on the boat. Being able to swim helps, too!
‘Being so close to dolphins in their natural habitat as
they hunt, socialise and sleep is special. We never feed the
dolphins, so they’re not here for any kind of human reward,
other than our company, and nobody is allowed to touch entertainment in marine parks, they’re unable to do so
them during the swim. many things they would do naturally when they’re free.
‘We’re lucky here that we have currents to keep the ocean Dolphins live half as long in captivity as they do in the wild,
pretty clear of any plastic pollution, but we do sometimes so the ocean is deinitely the best place for them to be.’
see dolphins tangled in discarded ishing lines. We’re trying
to encourage local ishermen to be more responsible.’ Tess Howson
‘My dad has been running dolphin swimming tours here
Katie Hughes since 1989, so I’ve been very lucky to have grown up on the
‘I grew up in Bournemouth in England and, while I’ve ocean, with dolphins part of my everyday life. I decided not
always loved the ocean, I never dreamed my job would be to go to university straight after school, so Dad suggested
swimming in it every day on the other side of the world. working with him as one of the swim guides for a while.
‘I wanted to be a sports teacher when I was younger, but I ‘I love being outdoors every day, although the early
ended up managing pubs, which was very hard. When I was mornings are quite hard. We start at 6am, getting the boat
22 I decided to take a break and applied for an Australian and all the equipment ready for guests and checking the
working holiday visa, which allowed me to travel and work aqua scooters are fully charged. After each tour we have
in the country for 12 months. That was 10 years ago. to wash the boat, wetsuits, masks and snorkels.
‘My irst job with dolphins was working for the Western ‘I’ve had some magical experiences with the dolphins.
Australia Parks and Wildlife Service at a reserve called They’re pretty big – males can grow up to three metres,
Monkey Mia, where wild dolphins regularly visited the while females are around two metres – but they’ve never
beach. I learnt a lot, and gave talks about their behaviour shown any aggression to the guides or our guests. They’re
to visitors, before leading educational catamaran tours. incredibly agile and their echolocation makes them superb
Luckily, the agency agreed to sponsor me and I became an hunters. We’ve had some days with up to 40 dolphins
Australian citizen, so I could stay here and work full time. around the boat, and knowing that they’re here because
WORDS: LAUREN JARVIS. PHOTOGRAPHS: LAUREN JARVIS, ROCKINGHAM WILD ENCOUNTERS
‘I love being around wild dolphins. When they’re kept for they want to be makes every encounter even more special.’
DREAM BIG
Even if you have no idea what you want to do when you leave school or university, work experience is a great
opportunity to learn new skills, meet diferent kinds of people and have some exciting adventures.
A working gap year is also a great way to discover more about yourself, gain conidence in your abilities and
become more self-reliant.
Never be afraid to aim high and write to a company or organisation that inspires you, asking for an opportunity
to work with them – you may be happily surprised by their answer, and your life could change forever…
Rockingham Wild Encounters ofers daily opportunities to swim with wild dolphins near Perth, Western Australia, from September
to June. They also ofer penguin, sea lion and kayaking tours. Find out more at rockinghamwildencounters.com.au and discover
more about Western Australia at westernaustralia.com
Great expectations
Why the lead-up to a special event can be just as thrilling as the day itself
Have you ever heard the phrase: ‘Yesterday is history, the actual thing you’re looking forward to. Look at the way
tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift?’ It’s basically saying that people start feeling festive weeks before the Christmas
that you can’t do anything about the past because it’s gone holidays. Some of them have put up their decorations and
and you have no way of knowing what is going to happen bought presents by the end of November.
in the future, so you should make the most of the present. You might think that’s too soon, but they’d probably
In some ways it makes sense but, of course, you can say they’re just supersizing their anticipation. And if you’re
learn a lot from history and, even if you don’t know exactly having a diicult time for some reason, or just not feeling
what’s going to happen, it’s a good idea to be prepared for happy, it’s nice to be able to think about something in the
the future. But there’s something else you’d be missing out near future that will make you happy.
on if you took the above saying too literally – anticipation.
Anticipation anxiety
Supersize the feeling Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking that sometimes
Anticipation is the feeling you get when you’re looking when you’re waiting for something to happen, you feel
forward to something and the thought of whatever that nervous about it rather than being happy and excited. It
thing is makes you happy and excited. It could be that happens to everyone at some stage – there’s even a term
you’re going to see your favourite band playing at a for it, ‘anticipation anxiety’.
concert or a festival, or that you’re going on holiday to a Still, however much you tell yourself it’s silly to worry
place where you know you’ll have fun. Or perhaps it’s your about the future because you can’t possibly know how
birthday soon and you’re expecting some special presents. it’s going to turn out, sometimes it’s diicult not to let
In some ways, anticipation can be almost as enjoyable as panicky thoughts take over your mind.
50
Take a fresh look irst popular, viewers had to wait from week to week for
There are several ways of looking at this. For a start, have new episodes on TV. Imagine waiting for what seemed like
you ever spent weeks dreading something, then, after it forever to ind out if Ross and Rachel would get together.
was over, thought: ‘That was ine. Why on earth did I spend Now most people stream or download TV programmes,
all that time worrying?’ That suggests that people often ilms, music and books in a second, without pausing to
blow up situations in their minds to make them much consider it. Why waste time hanging about when you can
worse than they ever could be in reality. get something immediately?
Even if it does turn out to be awkward and you wouldn’t That’s true, but couldn’t it also be the case that you
want to repeat the experience, you can always learn from it appreciate things more when you’ve had to wait and
and think about what you’d do diferently next time. think about why you’re so desperate to see, listen to or
See if you can try to turn some of your anxious feelings read something? Or, at the very least, it means you have
about a future event into happier, more excited feelings. something to look forward to until then.
For example, if you started learning a new subject at school If you love Star Wars, for example, imagine if someone
and had to join a diferent class, you might feel nervous gave you a cinema ticket for the brand new ilm that very
if you didn’t know anyone and didn’t know much about afternoon. That would be a treat – but if they got you a
the subject. That would be quite common, but what if you ticket for the following weekend and you had to wait three
tried to turn that around: ‘I’m going to have the chance to or four days, you would have that nice feeling of knowing
learn new things and meet new people’ – which would be a that something exciting is going to happen.
diferent kind of anticipation. That’s the beauty of anticipation – you not only get to
enjoy that something special, but you also get the added
Imagine you had to wait enjoyment of looking forward to it.
Believe it or not it wasn’t always the case that you could
watch your favourite TV show whenever you liked. Perhaps Is looking forward to an event as exciting as the big day
you’re a fan of Friends – you can watch as many episodes itself? Or is it nerve-racking or, maybe, just boring? Turn
as you like on Netlix. But back in the 1990s when it was the page to explore what anticipation means to you
51
AS THE ANTICIPATION BUILDS
What are you looking forward to at the moment?
Head
Standirst
How does it make you feel when you think about it?
What was the last thing you remember really looking forward to?
WORDS: JILL PELTON. ILLUSTRATIONS: ANIESZKA BANKS

Did it live up to expectations? Or did you enjoy the ‘looking forward’ part more than the event itself?
Do you think it’s a good idea or not to have things to look forward to? Why?
52
B E I N S P I R ED • B E B R AV E • B E K I N D • B E YO U R SEL F
Say hello:
@teenbreathe
@teenbreathe
1 y e a r / 6 i s s u e s f r o m o n l y £ 24 w i t h d e l i v e r y
t e e n b r e a t h e . c o . u k /s u b s c r i b e
+ 4 4 (0) 1 2 7 3 4 8 8005
curls
Unleash the
It’s great to try new hairstyles, but not

if you’re taming your luscious locks
for other people’s beneit. Curls
are just as great as straight,
so set them free
How we look and how we’d like to look are often two when they might not work for you. And this applies to
diferent things and most of us will, at some stage, try to hairstyles as much as it does to clothing.
bring the two closer together by making simple changes For ages, it seems, long, sleek, straight hair has been
to our appearance, perhaps by swapping specs for contact seen as more desirable than curly, yet in the mid-19th
lenses, getting our ears pierced or trying a new hairstyle. century a group of artists called the Pre-Raphaelites chose
Experimenting with fresh looks is enormous fun and women with cascades of red and copper-toned curls as
an essential part of developing a personal style. This can their models and muses, creating a buzz around a style
be partly determined by the trends of the day as well as that still persists today. Florence Welch, songwriter,
the clothes and accessories that friends and social media musician and singer in the band Florence + the Machine,
inluencers are wearing. Some people might even try to is often complimented on her Pre-Raphaelite locks.
look like them, by copying the way they dress or how they That historic high regard might be small comfort,
wear their hair. however, if you face a daily battle to tame your curls each
Fashions come and go, though, and while taking an morning only to arrive at school inding that they’ve sprung
interest in current trends is healthy, it’s often best not to wild and free, while your straight-haired friends look as if
be a slave to them or to feel pressured into following them they’ve just stepped out of the salon.
54
LOOKING AFTER CURLY HAIR
Show-stopper All hair can look wonderful. Curly hair can
Certainly straight hair is easier to manage and style, which be on the dry side because the natural
gives its owners an advantage over their wavy-haired oils secreted from the scalp get stuck in
counterparts when it comes to looking well-groomed, the kinks along each hair shaft and don’t
but as past photos of Gossip Girl star Blake Lively have manage to make it all the way down. There
shown, a thick mane of luxurious ringlets can be an are dozens of sprays to help treat the frizz
absolute show-stopper. and warm coconut oil works for some
If your hair is naturally curly and you spend your days people (do a tiny patch test irst, though,
fantasising about going straight, then it can be achieved. to make sure it doesn’t irritate your scalp).
You could save up to have it done professionally at a salon
or you could do it yourself with a good set of straighteners Avoid brushing your hair, particularly
and range of products. It’s important to give your hair when it’s dry. Brushing breaks
a rest between treatments, though, since both heat and up the clusters of waves or curls and
chemicals are quite harsh and do cause damage. can make the hair look frizzy.
How you look is your choice, so if you really do prefer If you need to tidy your curls,
yourself with straight hair, then by all means wear it like use a wide-toothed comb,
this. But if you’d rather go natural and only straighten your or your ingers. Likewise, only
hair because you’re worried your classmates might laugh at detangle it when it’s wet and
you for daring to be diferent – or even think you don’t try lathered in conditioner.
hard enough with your appearance – then be brave and set
your curls free. You might be surprised at the results. Find a hairdresser who understands
curly hair. It’s all too easy to end up with a
Be diferent triangular, scrunchy bob, which is lat on the
Conforming to the look of the day may help you it in, but top and full at the bottom. A good stylist
in time you may come to prize the things that set you apart will know how to layer your hair to keep
from all your friends. Try to accept and appreciate your the volume consistent (don’t be surprised if
lovely curls as a shining example of who you are, and as they cut it when it’s dry – it can be a great
a fabulous mark of your individuality. way to see where the hair kinks).
Curly-haired Maisie Vitch, 15, has decided to let her curls
do their thing. ‘All my best friends have really beautiful, If you do like to straighten your hair,
shiny, dead-straight hair so when we took selies, I’d get be extra careful. Heat and chemicals
WORDS: XENIA TALIOTIS. ILLUSTRATION: CÉLESTE WALLAERT
really self-conscious,’ she shares. ‘I tried everything to cause dryness so always use a good
straighten my hair – every lotion and potion, as well as conditioner. You can even try one that
straighteners – but as I grew older, I became more and more you leave in all day.
conident in myself, and more accepting of how I look.’
Maisie has identiied a really important aspect of You can ind lots of advice on
becoming more mature, which is learning to accept and how to nurture your curls on
love yourself as you are in the here and now. ‘I’ve come the website naturallycurly.com.
to really love my hair. It’s interesting and it sets me apart
from everyone else,’ she says. ‘Also, I think it more closely
matches my personality. I do occasionally straighten it
for a special event, but only because I want to dress up
– and not because I don’t like the way I look.’
55
Baby in the house
Learning there’s going to a new addition to the family line-up can be diicult to cope with
at irst, especially if there’s going to be a big age gap between you and a newborn sibling.
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed is natural, but it can also provide you with an opportunity
to show what an amazing big sister or brother you can be. Here, Teen Breathe looks at some
of the ways to manage the change and to understand your emotions
When his mum said she had some important news, child, or if the baby is going to be the irst your parent
Jimmy*, then 14, was terriied she had cancer. ‘My best and step-parent are having together, it’s easy to let your
mate’s mum had just been diagnosed and illness was thoughts run wild and to imagine them as one family unit
uppermost in my mind. So when mum said she was with you on the outside.
pregnant, I felt relieved. Then, immediately after, came the It’s even possible that you’ll feel embarrassed, especially
shock – it hadn’t occurred to me that she and my stepdad if you haven’t any friends who are in a similar situation.
might want a child of their own. He had grown-up kids, and Try to remember, though, that families where there is a
she had me, so, of all the situations I thought about when big age gap between siblings are by no means unusual.
they got together, a baby wasn’t one of them. I found it Kim Kardashian is 17 years older than sister Kylie, and
overwhelming to be honest.’ model Kate Moss is 24 years older than her sister Charlotte.
If life ran like a dream, Jimmy would have responded with Relationships change, and others begin, and sometimes
joy. He would have congratulated his mum and stepdad, new lives are made in the process.
and promised to be the best brother ever. But reality
doesn’t always go to plan and the jumble of emotions Good and bad
Jimmy felt at the time didn’t include happiness. The baby will change your family, of course. Babies cry,
Human emotions are complex, often unpredictable take up a lot of time, mess with your things if you let them
and diicult to control. If your parents or guardians have and cost loads, but they’re also funny and fun, cute and
recently told you you’re going to have a sibling when all amazing. A little brother or sister might even help you to
you wanted was a dog, you may, like Jimmy, be inding the prepare for experiences and events that will come along
prospect overwhelming. as you get older and meet new people.
Jimmy, who is now 17, says his sister is a great addition to
Mixed-up feelings the family. ‘She’s hilarious, and I feel a bit ashamed when I
You might be excited, but there could also be anger and remember how I felt about her when she was born. Ruby*
resentment that no one asked if you wanted a bigger was born premature, so for weeks I hardly saw my mum. I
family. Concerns that you’ll have to babysit or sacriice think I was very resentful. But my heart melted the irst time
your space and things you want to do are also natural. she took hold of my inger and smiled. I don’t know how
You might be anxious that the new arrival will dominate our relationship will develop when I go to university next
your parents’ lives and you’ll be sidelined. If you’re an only year, but I know I’ll miss her.’
56
Before the baby arrives After the baby arrives
It’s normal to be excited, anxious, delighted, upset or If the baby’s crying afects your sleep or schoolwork,
illed with uncertainty, even if there are other children talk to your parents. Linda Blair, who’s an expert in
in between you and the new arrival. Emotions are tricky, sibling relationships and a clinical psychologist, says this
and something as huge as having a much younger sibling is really important.
is bound to throw up all sorts of thoughts. Try not to get ‘A new baby always monopolises parental attention. Its
carried away thinking it’s either going to be the best or needs are paramount and apparent, but what I say to older
worst thing ever. The chances are, it will, at diferent times, children – no matter how much older they are – is that they
be both or neither of these. need attention and care, too. Unlike the baby, they can’t
In the months leading up to the birth, try to get involved scream for it, but that shouldn’t stop them saying to mum
with the planning. You may be a busy teenager with or dad, “Hey, please, can I have some time with you?”’
a packed diary, but if you can spare the time and fancy
meeting your sibling before it’s born, you could ask to If you’d like to talk about your feelings to someone outside
go along to a scan. Or you could help choose the the family group, you could turn to a teacher, a school
decoration for the baby’s room. counsellor or nurse, or another trusted adult. You can also
If the intention is for you to a share a room – either contact ChildLine (childline.org.uk, 0800 1111); YoungMinds
with the newborn or another sibling – then speak to your (youngminds.org.uk) and Relate (relate.org.uk).
parents about how this can best be managed. Can the
room be divided with shelving to give you both some *names have been changed
personal space, for example?
It’s important to share your concerns with your parents
or guardians. Tell them you’re worried about the efects
the new baby will have on your life – start with the
practicalities, such as who’ll look after you when the baby
is being born, and work your way through everything that’s
worrying you. You might even be scared that giving birth
will be dangerous for your mum. Letting her know your
anxieties will enable her to reassure you.
WORDS: XENIA TALIOTIS. ILLUSTRATION: MARIA MANGIAPANE
57
Count yourself
happy
Managing your money can help you to stretch your cash even further
and who doesn’t want that? It’s also a great skill for the future. Here’s how
to start your irst ever budget – and stick to it
Whether you have a Saturday job or your parents give you Track your pennies
a weekly allowance, it can be tough keeping track of your 1 Kicking of your irst ever budget doesn’t have to
money. One minute your purse is packed with coins, maybe be boring. In fact, starting a money diary can be fun, plus
even some notes if you’re lucky, and the next your lovely it’s a great way to control your cash. Just get yourself a
dosh has disappeared into thin air (aka on clothes, snacks cool notebook and some colourful pens then write down
and movies). The thing is, how much money you have in exactly how you spend your money every single day. The
your pocket (or on a pre-loaded card) can sometimes be process of logging your pennies and pounds is strangely
the diference between a great weekend and a dull one. So satisfying and it means you’ll soon have a much clearer
if your inances are starting to afect the way you live your idea of what smart spending really looks like.
life, it’s time to consider working on a budget. Because with
a few clever cash hacks, you can transform your spending
habits and make your money go so much further.
Categorise your cash Slash your spending
2 Once you’ve written down all your purchases you’ll 3 Now you have a neat money-table in front of you,
be able to see where your money’s going. Are after-school what does it reveal? If your travel spending column is
snacks draining your allowance, or is clothes shopping bigger than everything else, is it possible to start walking
making a bigger dent than is ideal? Draw up another table to town instead of getting the bus or train? You could even
in your notebook, using diferent colours for each category, dust of a childhood bike, adjust the seat and start cycling
and total up the ways in which you’re spending your funds. to get around for free (just don’t forget your helmet). If it’s
Here are a few column suggestions: transport, clothes, 99p cheeseburgers on the way back from school that are
health, beauty, eating out, entertainment. making your money dwindle, wait until you get home then
snack on food from the fridge (you’ll likely ind more choice
there, too) – £1 a day might not seem like much, but think
about how they all add up over the months.
‘A penny
saved is
a penny
earned’
Benjamin Franklin –
Founding father of the US
60
MY WISH LIST
Using 1 as your dream purchase, list in order of
preference how you’d like to spend your cash
Strike a balance 2
4 The key to staying on top of spending is
to have more money coming in than going out. In
other words, don’t spend what you don’t have. The 3
easiest way to get into this habit is to resist buying or
ordering items that will leave you with an empty bank
balance or in debt. Ask yourself three questions: 4
Can I aford it?
Do I really want it? 5
Do I need it?
By stepping back and looking at every purchase, even 6

if it’s only 50p, you’re less likely to get lost in a ‘buying
bubble’. Always try to avoid having zero funds in your
pocket or on your card. 7
Get saving 8
5 Now for the hard part (although it’s also
the most satisfying and can be creative). Whenever
you come into any money, whether that’s from a 9
part-time job, a generous grandparent or a collection
of birthday cards, try stashing a third of it away so
it becomes totally untouchable. This can be in a 10
savings account, a hidden pot at home or even a no-
access piggy bank that you need to smash to release
the cash. Do this each time, make it an automatic
response when you receive money, and you might
soon forget the savings exist. It’s also surprising to
see how quickly they can build up.
WORDS: CLAIRE BLACKMORE. PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Spend it wisely
6 Use your notebook to start a wish list and
write down the things you really want, in order of how
much you want them. This is a useful way to prevent
impulse buys and it also makes hitting your target
and paying for dream items feel much sweeter. It can
be useful to keep an eye on online prices and also to
see if a parent or guardian might be able to apply a
discount code to the purchase. The real challenge is
to save until you can aford to buy all the things you
want and have money left over. Manage this and
you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.
61
Out of the darkness
Do you sleep with a night light because you’re afraid of the dark? Being scared
of imaginary monsters in the closet or feeling vulnerable in total darkness is
a common fear, but there are ways you can try to tackle it
Just about everyone has felt frightened of being in the dark cave-living ancestors who really did need to be aware
at some stage of their lives. For most people it’s something of any danger lurking at night.
that gradually passes, but for others it can linger longer into This may explain the feeling of being more alert and
adulthood. It can become a problem if the fear gets out of cautious when it’s dark because the ancient part of you is
hand, if it recurs or if it’s extreme. A severe fear of the dark hyper-aware, looking for the threat of wild animals and
or night-time is called nyctophobia and it can lead to enemy attacks. Thankfully, these dangers aren’t generally
sleepless nights and anxiety. a problem now, so why do some people feel terriied of
the dark when they’re snuggled up comfortably in the
Symptoms of nyctophobia include safety of their own bed?
Feeling nervous or anxious in any dark environment. There may be a variety of reasons, causes or triggers
Experiencing physical symptoms such as sweating, (known or unknown). If you’re afraid of the dark, the fear
shaking, increased heart rate and feeling sick. might stem from an overheard spooky story, watching
Need to sleep with a night light. a scary ilm or experiencing a recurring nightmare.
Reluctance to be out at night or in darkened places. Although you might not have to ight of wild animals
and enemies like your distant ancestors, you might be
Cause for concern? afraid because you imagine that robbers or kidnappers
It’s not the darkness itself that’s frightening – it’s the fear are lurking in the darkness.
of what it might be hiding. When it’s dark, the imagination Fear may arise because of an event in your past that
can conjure up a sense of presence, such as those closet made you feel alone, frightened and vulnerable. The
monsters, when there’s really nothing there. imagined monsters might even represent an emotion –
It’s natural to be respectful (rather than fearful) of the such as grief, shame, anger or guilt – that you haven’t
dark – it’s possibly a survival instinct remnant from our been able to face or fully resolve.
62
FACING YOUR FEAR
Talk about it what scares you in the dark and try to too much stress or carrying around
Being afraid of the dark, or what it challenge those thoughts. Reassure unresolved emotions can make your
represents, is nothing to be ashamed yourself by saying: ‘I’m perfectly safe’ fear of the dark worse. Be kind to
of. In many instances, people are and ‘I feel comfortable here’. yourself and ask for support where
able to calm their fears by talking and when it’s needed.
about them. Don’t sufer in silence. Reframe thoughts
Tell someone you trust, maybe a Consider the dark as nurturing, Make the dark a friendly space
WORDS: CAROL ANNE STRANGE. ILLUSTRATION: IRINA PERJU
parent or teacher. It might be helpful restful, peaceful and safe. See night- Create a cosy, tidy bedroom that you
to see your doctor if the situation is time as a chance to get cosy in a soft see as a safe and comfortable haven
afecting your sleep or schoolwork. bed and sleep amazingly well so that where you can relax totally whether
you wake feeling energised after the light is on or of. Stick to a regular
Challenge the fear having wonderful, happy dreams. night-time routine and try to avoid
Given that it’s often the imagination By reframing your thoughts in this playing video games, watching TV
that’s creating the sense of fear, think positive way, you can feel easier and or reading scary stories before you
about changing what it’s telling assured about being in a dark place. go to sleep. If you feel anxious when
you. After all, if it can create stories you’re going to sleep, or if you wake
that provoke fear, it can change the Improve self-care up in the middle of the night, breathe
narrative so that what you’re afraid of Are you looking after your health calmly and remind yourself that
disappears into thin air. Think about and personal wellbeing? Holding in you’re in a safe, friendly space.
63
One fine day
Everyone has times when they’re feeling low and need a lift. One way to
do this – and ind a bit of peace at the same time – is to bring to mind a
favourite day (see right) and use visualisation – or mental imagery – to
picture yourself back in that wonderful place and time
If you can, ind somewhere quiet – a place where you won’t be interrupted for at least 10 minutes. Close
your eyes, take a few deep breaths and give yourself space just to be. Now, think back to a day that you
loved and visualise it in your mind. See it from your perspective, as if it’s actually happening again.
Bring in as much detail as possible. Really picture the day in your mind and be there – give it life and
energy. If it was a day by the seaside, be yourself sitting on the shore with your ingers drawing lines
in the sand or running into the sea, your body tensed awaiting the hit of the cold water.
Use all your senses to make the memory multi-dimensional. What did you see, hear, smell, taste and
feel on the day? Place yourself back under a clear blue or cloudy, grey sky and in front of a turquoise or
brown ocean – really see the colours; feel the sun or chill on your arms – is there a slight breeze?; hear
the waves wildly crashing or gently lapping on the shoreline; taste the salt in the air or
on a welcome bag of fries. It should feel as though you’re really there.
Allow a smile to come to your face and your heart.
When you’re ready, take one big, deep breath, open your eyes and continue your day.
WORDS: CATHERINE KIELTHY. ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
64
JOG YOUR MEMORY
Use the space here to jot down a favourite day. It might have been a cinema
outing with friends, a day in the park with grandparents or even a school trip. You
could then use the memories to help with our visualisation exercise (left)
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For article and illustration submissions: teenbreathe.co.uk/submissions
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Views and comments expressed by individuals do not necessarily represent those of the publishers and no legal responsibility can be accepted for the result
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65
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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

6 ‘ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE’ 32 WHAT’S IN A NAME?

8 HERE AND NOW 36 LESS IS MORE

10 NEWSFLASH: IT’S OUR TIME 38 A PRIVATE HIDEAWAY

22 FRIENDS OR FAMILY? 56 BABY IN THE HOUSE

ON THE COVER: Illustration by Helma Speksnijder

DON’T MISS YOUR NEXT ISSUE: ON SALE FROM 8 OCTOBER

to compare achieve something because you’re not bright enough.

myself to self-talk, you can make a decision in that moment to

Choose positive self-talk

So, I make ‘I AM CAPABLE.’

‘I FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF.’

‘I FEEL COMFORTABLE AND HAPPY WITH WHO I AM.’

me human ‘I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF.’

‘I KNOW I CAN ACHIEVE THIS.’

Don’t allow a negative script to run your life. Invest in self-

You can read more about inspiring people who’ve faced

3 Choose how to respond

THE MEANING OF DREAMS

Teeth falling out

Unprepared for an exam

Wearing your pyjamas in public

‘A gentle word, a kind look, a

William Hazlitt – Essayist and literary critic

Here’s how to get into the pose

WORDS: DAWATTIE BASDEO – VISIT MAGNIFICENTMEMAGNIFICENTYOU.COM. ILLUSTRATION: SARA THIELKER

Take a few deep breaths.

If you enjoy paper crafts, add

which are all part of the story. Use

book. Or sneak a hidden item onto

Actually, playing this shiny brass instrument is cool. There

NEW YORK LONDON SINGAPORE

‘ This [Edinburgh] is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of

DUBLIN PARIS YORK

Ask yourself: When do you multi-task?

you’re going to single-task. See what diference

Why create a cosy space

Need some ideas to create your very own bedroom

Types of cocoon. Take a look on the internet for pictures of cosy

Re-purpose. You can make your cocoon using furniture and

Choose plain fabrics. Avoid using covers or cushions that

Lighting. If you’re reading and writing in your cosy space, use a

Clutter-free zone. Avoid decorating the space or illing it with

Remember to discuss the idea with your parents before making

CARROT CAKE OAT COOKIES

WORDS: DIANA ALSHAKHANBEH/SUPERFOOD. ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

250ml oat milk

WORDS: JANE SARCHET/SUPERFOOD

Turn the page for more tips as to how

What are you looking forward to at the moment?

WORDS: JILL PELTON. ILLUSTRATIONS: ANIESZKA BANKS

It’s great to try new hairstyles, but not

By stepping back and looking at every purchase, even 6

Allow a smile to come to your face and your heart.

WORDS: CATHERINE KIELTHY. ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO TEEN BREATHE

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250ml oat milk