LIFE

Every back-to-school season brings a new opportunity to reinvent yourself. Let's face it: You probably didn't see half of the people in your class over summer break. Chances are, you've changed over summer, too—matured, switched styles or even developed a new taste in music. Consider this your formal invitation to show off all the growth you've gone through.  

Act like the person you want to become

@abbiewakelam 

This is actually form of manifestation, aka the Law of Attraction. And no, we don't mean copying what everyone else is doing or social climbing. Acting like who you want to become means setting goals and standards, then acting like those goals have already been met. For example, if you want to get good grades, convince yourself that you already have them. In turn, you will adopt better study habits or become more passionate about what you're working on. 

Show off your new style 

@lillyybearrr

Whether you collected some new kicks or went to a local thrift shop with friends, back-to-school season is the time to authentically express yourself through fashion. For all my uniform girlies out there, try out some new jewelry or hair accessories. You can even choose your aesthetic! Consider everything from clean girl to pink pilates core to tomato girl. 

Create a bullet journal or planner

@notesncoffees

This back-to-school season, it's time to get organized. Try making your own bullet journal to keep track of all your work, tasks and events.

Set new goals

@emiko.journals

In order to continue growing throughout the year, try setting some new goals. Setting goals helps us retain motivation and evolve as people. Pro tip: Rather than solely focusing on your biggest goal, write out some smaller steps that you can take along the way. These goals can be anything—lifestyle, school, money, career, health or just personal. 

Try out some new healthy lunch ideas 

@the_domestic_dietitian 

If you want to kick off the year with a healthy start, try out some new lunch ideas. In fact, you can even start meal prepping at the start of the week. If you don't know where to start, try building a snackable lunch complete with carbs, protein, fats, fiber, fruit and veggies. You can even upgrade a basic sandwich by rotating toppings. 

Make some new friends

@itsgretawilson

The best way to reinvent yourself (during any time of year, really) is to make new friends and broaden your social circle. Meeting new people exposes you to new ideas, perspectives and backgrounds. Then, you can schedule activities outside of school and make new memories. Who knows, you might even gain a new BFF. 

Put yourself in an uncomfortable situation

@highschoolmusical

We *totally* understand that stepping outside your comfort zone is scary. However, it may lead to new opportunities and experiences that can positively impact us. This back-to-school season, try out for a new sport, audition for the school musical, attend a new club's meeting or even run for student government. You may just discover a new passion or project. 

Follow us on Instagram for more BTS tips @girlslifemag!

Slider image: @fitspage_
Top image: @illiemilliedesigns

by Frankie Smith | 8/22/2023