Bloom Teen Magazine Issue One by o.walker

£4.50

ISSUE ONE

bloom

editor olivia walker Welcome to Issue One of Bloom! It's been so much fun and a great learning experience putting it together. With special thanks to everyone who supported me throughout, to the lovely talented ladies who contributed to make issue one what it is and each and every one of you for reading! Until Issue Two, Olivia x

bloomteenmag.co.uk

Contents

1 earrings edit 3 testing tik-tok hyped make-up 5 picnic in the park playlist 6 which positive affirmation should you tell yourself? 9 women in engineering 11 bloom book club 13 strict parents: should we be thankful? 17 get the look: wide-leg coloured jeans 19 amazing women: alice lundy 23 navigating teen skincare 25 let's talk: periods 31 y2k looks 39 puzzle break 41 mocktail making 49 how to feel more confident in social situations

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beauty school

Testing Tik-Tok hyped make-up Thanks to Tik-Tok, revolutionary beauty products aren’t kept a secret for long. I had to hunt to find these hyped make-up items in-stock and to save you having to do the same, I’m telling you what’s worth tracking down and where you can save your money.

E.L.F Putty Blush I like that this product is easy to blend out with fingers. It gives a natural, pretty finish. Paired with the Physicians Formula bronzer it creates a fresh complexion that gives you a lit-from-within glow.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation I didn’t like the sponge that came in the compact as it soaked up the product. I would use a separate brush or sponge instead. It offered decent coverage and a fresh matte finish but did sit a little patchy in some places for me personally. This lack of variety of shades is disappointing, particularly when there are some L’Oreal foundations such as True Match that are more diverse. The Bare Minerals original foundation will always be my first choice powder foundation.

beauty school NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud High Shine Lip Colour Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer I would use a brush rather than the sponge provided in the compact but the mirror is handy. This product has a lovely buildable formula that is creamy and easy to blend, which helps it look natural. The satin finish looks really flattering on skin and the coconut smell is enough to transport you to a sunny beach abroad.

2-in-1 products are handy, especially for throwing into a handbag. I went for the shade ‘Goal Crusher’ which was a true peach on my fair skin tone. I never usually opt for liquid lipsticks because I find them difficult to apply and drying, and this was the same with the NYX one. It lasted a long time without transferring as promised, but I personally find glosses, creamier lipsticks or lip stains more comfortable to wear and I am happy to top them up if need be.

Editor’s Pick

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara There was a dramatic difference in my eyelashes after just one coat, creating a false lash effect. The volume and length it adds to lashes means it’s perfect for you if you like your lashes to look dramatic.

NYX Professional Makeup Smoothing Marshmellow Primer This primer promised a staggering 10 skin benefits including extending make-up wear and minimising texture. I loved that it smoothed and mattified skin whilst feeling hydrating. 4

Which positive affirmation should you tell yourself ? Affirmations are really simple, short and powerful expressions. When you say, think, even hear them, they become thoughts that create reality. Research shows that there are between 45,00 and 51,000 different thoughts that cross our minds in one day. That’s 150 to 300 thoughts per minute. Unfortunately, for most of us, 80% of these thoughts are negative. It is possible to reverse this negative aura by affirmation.

You find it frustrating when things take more practice than usual before you get them right.

rt a t

o N s

You are always willing to change your opinion when you learn something new.

You feel comfortable acting as a leader in a group task.

You consider yourself to be an independent person.

You prefer it when you have the same hobbies and interests as your friends because it’s easier to find conversation.

No You like to follow the latest trends and engage in communities and fandoms.

Yes

You like to complete any task or activity you begin, even if you are not necessarily enjoying it.

Yes

I EMBRACE CHALLENGE

You are able to learn from set-backs and find constructive criticism useful.

You prefer to be in a large group of people, rather than a smaller group.

Yes

I ACCEPT WHO I AM

You’re the friend people go to when they need an honest opinion, even if its not what they want to hear.

I VALUE MY OPINIONS

the future is female

WOMEN IN... ENGINEERING

At Bloom, we want to empower you to pursue your dreams and future goals no matter what they are. Gender disparity means that women are under-represented in many fields, particularly careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

In this issue, we are speaking with third-year Engineering student Lucy Eost for insight into what engineering means day-to-day and how it feels navigating a maledominated classroom.

the future is female What is engineering? Engineering is all around us, we encounter engineering every day. It is the design and use of engines, machines and structures. There are lots of different types of engineering such as electronic engineering which is to do with electronic circuits and devices such as computers, civil engineering which is to do with designing and building structures such as bridges, dams and roads and mechanical engineering which is to do with the design and construction of machines such as engines in cars and rockets. Engineering involves learning a lot about the theory behind why things work, in lectures we spend a lot of time learning about physics and maths principles that explain how something is possible such as learning about what forces a building is put under and how the materials react to this force and this may influence the design of the building. How did you know you wanted to pursue engineering? I always really enjoyed learning maths and physics at school and decided to study these subjects for my A levels along with further maths and economics. I liked how everything seemed logical and it was really rewarding to work on a problem and finally get the answer. When I was thinking about going to university, I looked at lots of different courses and decided that engineering was right for me because it allowed me to use my maths and physics skills and apply them to the real world. I am really excited to be able to use my engineering degree to make an impact, as a civil engineer I could potentially be a part of building bridges, roads, tunnels and many other structures! Were you apprehensive about joining a male-dominated course? I was definitely aware that my course would be very male-dominated as I had already experienced this when studying maths and physics in sixth form. I wasn’t too apprehensive as I had a really good experience at sixth form and to me, it didn’t matter what gender you were as long as we had something in

common (which we did as we all chose to study engineering!). Everybody that I have met on my degree course has been really nice and I have never felt different because I was a girl. Also, I have had the opportunity to meet lots of boys and girls outside of my course through extracurricular activities and social events at uni, so it really was not an issue that my course was male-dominated. What advice would you give to young women making decisions about their next steps? I would say do what you love, don’t be persuaded to do a course just because you think there will be more people like you who study it or because you think you could earn more money if you did a certain degree. Ultimately, you will spend a lot of your time studying at university so it is important that you enjoy the course. Definitely do your research, think about what jobs you could potentially get with the options that you choose, and make sure that you find the right fit, don’t follow what your friends do because you can always keep in touch and you get the opportunity to meet so many new people as well.

In each edition of Bloom we will be talking to different women across different industries to find out more about what they do. Let us know what careers and pathways you want to see featured next over on Instagram @bloom_teenmag.

bloom BOOK CLUB

Love to read? Love to read? Join Bloom’s book club! In each issue we will be choosing a book that speaks to young women, allowing our readers to connect with each other through literature. Make sure to subscribe to Bloom and join our online community where you join in discussions with other readers and share the magic of reading. 11

B O O K C L U B #1: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna Fierce Fantasy

Female Lead

Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in Otera, a deeply patriarchal ancient kingdom, where a woman’s worth is tied to her purity, and she must bleed to prove it. But when Deka bleeds gold – the colour of impurity, of a demon – she faces a consequence worse than death. She is saved by a mysterious woman who tells Deka of her true nature: she is an Alaki, a near-immortal with exceptional gifts. The stranger offers her a choice: fight for the Emperor, with others just like her, or be destroyed…

Shop for books at hive.co.uk to support local bookstores.

Strict parents Should we be thankful? Words by Amy Shafto Illustration by Martha Bräuer

Teenagers fighting with their parents over what they can and can’t do is nothing new. For generations this has always been an issue, but in today’s social-media obsessed world, having strict parents seems like the end of the world. I remember what it was like to be 14, filled with rage because my mother wouldn’t let me go to a party. Our parents’ generation would have simply missed out, but we get the added layer of watching it all unfold through our screens. My mother and I rarely saw eye to eye. I couldn’t wear crop tops and short skirts like my friends did or stay out after it got dark. I vividly remember having to beg to get the bus into town after school, whilst my peers were at wild parties and getting completely wasted. But here is the thing - now at 21 years old I am somewhat thankful for that, and here is why:

Success Whilst my peers were out doing what they wanted, a lot of the time I was stuck at home. Although this did feel quite isolating it meant that I had time to concentrate on my future. My parents also notoriously checked up on my grades at school and stressed the importance of doing well, I was sent to good schools and given endless opportunities to succeed (access to tutors, books etc). I am now at university studying law with a clear career plan in place – something I know that a lot of people are still struggling to figure out. Whilst not knowing what you want to do is not necessarily a bad thing, this is something that I am quite proud of and I think my parents played a big role in that.

Getting creative As anyone with strict parents knows, getting plans approved is an extreme sport that takes a lot of preparation. I remember pacing my room back and forth thinking about the best way to word things. A sleepover became “the study session is taking longer than I thought”, staying out after school turned into “I missed my bus” and a date was obviously “I’m meeting a friend”. My excuses over the years were always somewhat based in truth, and I have perfected the art negotiation too. I used chores and grades as bargaining tools for getting what I wanted. Whilst others were handed freedom, I had to work for it. Although at the time it seemed like a terribly long process, now I use these skills all the time, at university, jobs and even with strangers.

The negatives However, just because I am glad about my strict parental upbringing doesn’t mean that everyone should be. Whilst writing this article I became curious to see what my friends thought, so I took to Instagram to ask them. Although many opinions varied, many of my friends thought that strict parenting hindered them socially and made them feel alone. I definitely understand this one and agree, however I surrounded myself with friends that were in the same boat to overcome this feeling. Another comment was that there can sometimes be a lack of trust. It’s true that at times I didn’t feel like I could have an open conversation about some things. Especially when some teenagers feel that their trust has been breached, my friends have explained stories of doors being taken of hinges and text messages searched. Although this seems invasive, many parents may do this with the best intentions, be it misplaced.

Chill Parents Friends with more relaxed parents have complained that they would have liked the extra push to do better at school or help them get out of tricky situations they didn’t know how to navigate. I know that I never had to worry about how to get home from somewhere because my parents always wanted to pick me up, but that seems like a nightmare that they may face. Some friends may have had a wild childhood, free to do whatever they wanted and are now completely burnt out from all the partying, whilst others continue this lifestyle on.

The bottom line Overall, I think it is very difficult to judge our parent’s way of upbringing before we’ve had kids of our own (or if). Who knows how difficult that will be? Each strict parent is different, each experience is different, and everyone’s opinions are valid. As time goes by your relationship will most likely change, as mine did when I left home and explained to my dad that I had drank all the alcohol in the liquor cupboard (sorry dad). So, to answer the question of whether we should be thankful for our strict parents – it’s up to you! No one else will know what your experience was like, and maybe you’ll change your mind in years to come, or maybe you won’t.

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T THE LO K GE OK

Wide-Leg Coloured Jeans

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L LOOK GET TH E

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T THE LOOK G GE ET K T O O

K GET TH EL LOO O O K

How To: Zara’s wide-leg coloured jeans have blown up across social media, the 90s shape and bright colourways being the style of the season. Other brands such as Stradivarius have followed suit offering their own replica of the trend. After the year we’ve had, it’s no surprise that we want to inject colour into our wardrobes and experiment with fashion as a means of selfexpression and to step into Spring making a statement. As much as the ‘Join Life’ stitched into the label of the Zara jeans may deceive you, buying into fast fashion is never the sustainable option. The production of a single pair of new jeans consumes about 8000 litres of water. Luckily, there is an alternative way of getting the look that is better for the environment and allows us to get creative in the process.

TOP TIPS: You may not need to buy jeans at all. If you own a pair that still fit but you don’t reach for them anymore, why not give them an update. White denim or light denim will be easier to dye to achieve your desired colour quicker. A pre-dye will be required for darker denim. Vibrantly coloured jeans may not be a trend that stays, later down the line the jeans can be dyed black for added longevity.

1) Buy Second-Hand Jeans Browse on Depop or in a charity shop to find a pre-loved pair perfect for you. You may be able to find a pair very close to the shape of the Zara edition or perhaps you want to make the trend your own and create a style more unique. Thrifting means you haven’t contributed to additional textile waste.

2 ) Dylon Fabric Dye Dylon Fabric Dye comes in a variety of colours, including those that correlate with the Zara colourways. You could opt for a pastel dye for a more classic spring look if that’s more you. Following the instructions, they can be used to successfully change the colour of your jeans using 3 warm wash cycles, consuming 60 litres of water.

ALICE LUNDY

on starting, running and promoting a disabled community Alice Lundy is a sociology student who began her studies at Canterbury Christchurch University in September 2020. She spent her first trimester adjusting to uni life, a life much different to anything before it. Alice has a physical condition that makes walking tricky and means she is constantly moving. As a disabled student, Alice has been offered practical support offered such as access to video inductions talking through navigating the building as well as funding through the DSA (Disabled Student Allowance) which has allowed Alice to buy her laptop to use for her studies. Her experiences as someone who manages well with her physical disability have been positive and she has found that the university does all it can to provide support. Disability in higher education is unfortunately massively underfunded meaning that those who require further support may not have the same experience.

In December, there was a call out online whereby students at Canterbury Christchurch with varying disabilities sought conversation with those in a similar position. Fast forward to February, and Alice had officially formed the Disabled Student’s Network. The community has given students the chance to talk with one another and share experiences, making them feel less alone. This has been particularly important for Alice and those in the community given the landscape of the world in her first year at university. Needless to say, we have all faced our difficulties during the pandemic, both personal and collective. For those with disabilities, including students, the pandemic and living through lockdowns are a particularly isolating experience. Those with physical disabilities who find walking challenging weren’t able to experience the release many of us did through a daily walk.

“You eventually find the place that makes you feel completely safe to be yourself.“

Disability can pose different challenges at different life stages. Alice recalls things being more difficult at school because of a desire to fit in and the habit of shying away from things that make us unique. For her, disability was part of this. She encourages you to embrace the things that make you, you, regardless of what they may be. She also wants those of you who have a disability to understand that if things are difficult at the moment, it gets better. You eventually find the place that makes you feel completely safe to be yourself. If you own the parts of you that make you individual, it will pay off moving forward. For Alice, creating the disabled student community has meant she’s been able to see new connections and friendships form, and the benefits the network has had too many others. She has also organised many events that include CV and job searching workshops. Plans for the future are to enter the local community and share experiences as members of the disabled community with potential employers so that they can better understand how they can accommodate for disability in the workplace, in hopes to boost disability representation in employment. 21

Alice is an inspiring young woman who has successfully lead a network and made a real difference. You have the power to do the same and have the confidence to build communities, share ideas and encourage equality. Disabled people are massively underrepresented but there are ways we can become more aware to create a more inclusive society. If you want to ask questions, ask questions! No one better understands than the individual with a disability so a simple question can help you know how to be more supportive. Remember to recognise when someone feels uncomfortable and then stop. Disability is a part of someone but doesn’t define them. The term disabled is a wide umbrella term that affects physical mobility, hearing, sight to name a few. Even within conditions, the severity and lived experience are so different, and of course, underneath this umbrella term, there is an individual. If you see someone struggling whether it’s with their bag or travelling upstairs, don’t be afraid of asking what you can do to help. For some disabled people, their mobility is different every day and sometimes they may need more support and sometimes they can rely on self-support. The best thing you can do is simply ask “how are you?” and listen.

self care

Navigating teen skincare A QUICK AND SIMPLE YET EFFECTIVE ROUTINE CURATED BY SKIN EXPERT ELLA GORTON Skin is unique, the same way we are all individual. Texture, pores and so-called ‘imperfections’ are normal. Whilst it’s okay to feel frustrated with skin concerns, it’s important to remind ourselves that our skin doesn’t define us and that we are beautiful regardless if blemishes, lines- whatever it may be. Hormones become active during puberty which is why for a lot of people they experience acne during teenage years. Having a skin routine can be a good form of self care and time that

we can dedicate to ourselves each day. An effective routine can help us to achieve healthy (not ‘perfect’) skin. There are so many products out there and so much contradicting advice that it can become confusing to try and navigate skincare. That’s why Bloom have enlisted that help of skin expert Ella Gorton, who has curated a routine specifically for teenage skin. Follow her for access to more tips and advice, including a teenage skincare E-Book @_myskinstory.

self care

1. Cleanse Use a gentle cleanser without harsh ingredients.

Paula’s Choice Calm Nourishing Gel Cleanser, £20

2. Hydrate Use a toner and a serum to help rehydrate skin from potential damage that has been done from products with harsh ingredients. Toner: Indeed Labs Hydraluron and Moisture Mist, £24.99 Serum: Revolution Skincare Plumping & Hydrating Serum, £6

3. Moisturise Use a lightweight moisturiser (lotion or gel texture) without the fear that it will clog up pores.

Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser, £20

4. Extra

3. Protect Wearing an SPF will protect your skin from the sun and can also help wound healing from breakouts by protecting the skin from environmental aggressors.

Heliocare 360° Oil Free Gel, £25

Apply a product including salicylic acid directly to a spot to reduce inflammation. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £28 24

let’s talk

So, what are periods? Medically speaking, a period is a part of a female’s menstrual cycle. For a few days of the month, a woman will bleed from her vagina. However, everyone experiences periods very differently, I started my period when I was 14 and some of my friends at 11 and some at 16. There is no ‘normal’ when it comes to periods. Periods can also be heavy or light, with a variety of colours depending on the day of the cycle, some can be painful and some not. Again, it is a very individual experience, and everyone is different. Some conditions can affect periods such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, these conditions are often not spoken about and can drastically change how you experience your periods. If you suspect your periods are too heavy or too painful it is always best to speak to a doctor, they will be able to put you at ease and help with the best course of treatment to make your periods more manageable.

let’s talk

How can we be better prepared for periods? If you have not started your period yet do not fear! I remember being very scared and worried and it is okay. Half the population has experienced periods in some form and the other half know people who have experienced periods. When your period starts you have a few options tampons, sanitary pads (towels), period pants/underwear and menstrual cups. Again, these are all very individual choices, and you must work out what is best for you. Try not to feel pressured by others during this time, work out what is best for you and your body. No products are better or worse than the other, it is an individual preference. Bodyform.co.uk offer a fantastic explanation of all of these products, how often to change them, what they are and if they are right for you. In terms of being prepared for your period, it is often helpful to keep back-up products in your handbag, or on your person if you know your period may start. Do not be afraid to always ask someone, maybe one of your friends, teachers, or family members if you are stuck without period products when you are out and about, most people have been in the same position. If all else fails most bathrooms have period products for free or for £1-£2, with shops like Morrison’s doing them for free no questions asked (more later, on this scheme).

let’s talk

“Take this time to look after yourself, have a pamper, take a bath and relax.”

Self care Bodies are amazing and sometimes we need to give them time off to rest and relax. During your period it can often be uncomfortable and painful. This is where self-care is so important. Take this time to look after yourself, have a pamper, take a bath, and relax. Heating pads and hot water bottles help and can soothe your tummy pains, alongside a hot chocolate (this always makes me feel better, even better if it has marshmallows). Doing some yoga or exercise can also ease cramping and pain, alongside chocolate and snacks (another thing that always helps me).

let’s talk

Stigma Stigma is something that sadly comes hand in hand with being a person who experiences periods. Feeling awkward can be a common theme, but it is okay. When I was younger, I hated how embarrassed I felt during my period, talking about my period, and telling those I was on my period if I had to. I remember I have bled through clothes, in public and I felt so ashamed. But this is honestly so normal and natural. Whoever you ask will have an ‘embarrassing period story’ so do not worry! One day you will look back and laugh. The main thing is to not be embarrassed, feel comfortable discussing your periods. The more of us who discuss periods the more normalised we can make this topic. It is also important to acknowledge that not all women bleed not all those who bleed are women. Overall, never be afraid to ask someone, this helps us to become more comfortable in our bodies and periods but also allow people around us to be more comfortable. Finally, if you need to buy pads in the shop etc. do not feel embarrassed - it is okay! Everyone does it, embrace it and I promise the cashier will not notice, they have probably served hundreds of people that day buying the same products.

let’s talk

Period poverty At this point, we have discussed what periods are, what products can be used during your period, self-care, and stigma. One final note is period poverty. Period poverty is where individuals lack access to sanitary products. This can be due to a variety of reasons and is a huge phenomenon within the UK. It is nothing to be ashamed or worried about. The fact that period poverty exists is not okay, and hopefully, with awareness, we can help to close the gap. Some schemes that are available to help those who may be experiencing period poverty include the ask for Sandy scheme. This scheme means you can go up to informa&on desks in Morrison’s and have free period products no ques&ons asked. Hopefully, in the following months and years, more schemes like this will arise and we can start to stop period poverty, but in the meantime, if you are experiencing this do not be afraid to ask for assistance from someone you trust. There is also a scheme within schools for free period products which was launched in 2021 so that no one is held back from education if they are experiencing period poverty.

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Step back into the early 2000s this summer with these Y2K high street finds. Platforms such as Depop and Etsy are a gold mine for shopping original pieces from the trending era. Y2K is all about making a statement with skater silhouettes and kitsch accessories. Don’t forget to tag us in your Y2K inspired outfits @bloom_teenmag.

Baby Tee: £25, Minga London Flared Trousers: £32, Urban Outfitters Shoulder Bag: £16, Urban Outfitters Shoes: £89.99, Nike at Office Ring: £6, ASOS

Towelling Shirt: £30, River Island Towelling Shorts: £22, River Island Socks: £3, Collusion at ASOS Shoes: £89.99, Nike at Office

Mesh Top: £20, New Girl Order Jeans: £19.99, Pull and Bear Shoes: £57, Converse at Schuh Sunglasses: £11, ASOS

Butterfly Top: £24, Urban Outfitters Denim Skirt: £19.99, New Look Shoes: £89.99, Nike at Office Sunglasses: £14, ASOS

Dress: £29, Urban Outfitters Hair Clips: £4.50, ASOS

Knitted Tank: £34, Urban Outfitters Tennis Skirt: £17.99, New Look Shoes: Nike at Office, £89.99

Puzzles

Spot all the summer words in the grid at the bottom of the page reading along, up and down and diagonally.

ADVENTURE CAREFREE

BIKINI BEACH

HOLIDAY PICNIC

SANDALS

1. 2. 3.

5. 6.

Solve the clues and fill in the answers in the grid.

Across 3. Brother of singer/songwriter Billie Eilish. 6. Geographical term used to describe the wearing away of rock by water. 7. The city where the first modern Olympics were held. 9. Beauty brand founded by Rihanna.

Down 1. This year’s BRITs rising star who sings ‘Black Hole’ 2. The tallest type of grass. 4. Italian city where Pizza was invented. 5. Number of letters Lara Jean wrote in ‘To all the boys I loved before’. 8. First name of the actor who plays Maxine “Max” Mayfield in Stranger Things. 40

mocktail making

summer sunrise you will need: - orange juice - lemonade - grenadine - orange slices - ice (optional) how to make:

Fill each glass about a third of the way up with orange juice.

Very slowly and carefully pour a small amount of grenadine into each glass. It should sink to the bottom of each glass to form a pretty red layer (like a sunrise!).

Add lemonade to fill the glass, leaving a small gap for the grenadine.

Add a slice of orange to each glass and a straw to serve. 42

fi lm s tar f

ni it i you will need (per mocktail):

- 1 passion fruit, plus an extra 1/2 to garnish - 50ml cloudy apple juice - 15ml passion fruit syrup - 15ml lime juice - a few drops vanilla exract

how to make:

Slice open the passion fruit and scoop out all of the seeds into a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add the rest of the ingredients and shake well.

Strain into a martini glass and garnish with the other passion fruit half. 44

blue lagoon you will need (makes one mocktail): - 60ml blue Curaçao syrup - 30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice - 355ml lemon-lime soda - lemon slice, for garnish - ice (optional) how to make:

Rim the glasses by dipping them in water and then in sugar.

Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon.

Fill a tall glass with two or three ice cubes.

Pour the Curaçao syrup and lemon juice into the glass.

Slowly fill the rest of the glass with the lemonlime soda. Stir gently to combine.

Garnish the drink with a lemon slice and straw. Enjoy! 46

watermelon sugar high you will need (makes one mocktail): - 1 large or 2 small watermelons - 250ml lemon juice - 100g golden caster sugar - 1l bottle soda water - 1 lime, cut into slices - small handful mint - crushed ice

how to make:

Cut the top off the watermelon and hollow it out using a large spoon, fishing out any pips along the way.

Mash the flesh through a sieve into a bowl. Put the flesh into a blender with the lemon juice and sugar, whizz to a puree, then stir in the soda.

Heap some ice into the hollowedout watermelon and fill it with the lemonade mixture. Serve with lime slices and mint. Add any extras for decoration as well as straws for sharing.

How to feel more confident in social situations Words by Ellen Murphy Illustration by Martha Bräuer

Practical methods to improve confidence Affirmations, when said aloud, are a powerful tool in boosting your morale. Think of it as a personal pep talk. Taking a couple of minutes each day to tell yourself how confident you are will help train your mind to believe it. They work best when they are realistic, specific, and make you feel good. You can easily incorporate them into a mindfulness practice.

Whether you wish to feel more confident with your friends, meeting new people, or even public speaking, this guide will help you get there. I offer some practical tips and words of advice from someone that now feels more self-assured, having once struggled with overcoming low confidence. Self-doubt and fears about being judged used to swamp me, causing me to be a shyer person. I struggled to assert myself, afraid to come across in a negative light. It was easier to be a ‘nice’, laid-back person. Right? Wrong. I realised that my placid personality was just a product of my insecurities. So, I decided I wanted to feel more confident expressing myself. To do that, I needed to focus on building my self-belief and worrying less about what other people thought.

Mindfulness comes in many forms. For me, meditation and yoga act as a daily reminder to focus on the present, which helps relieve stress and improve mental wellbeing. It’s likely the more mindful you are, the easier it will be to separate yourself from any niggling worries surrounding social situations. While affirmations and mindfulness can act as your prep for social interactions, this threepoint plan will you will help you appear more confident when you are physically around others:

(1) Uncross your arms. Open body language sends the signal that you are a confident person, encouraging others to be more receptive.

(2) Make regular eye contact. When someone else is speaking, eye contact shows you are engaged.

(3) Smile at appropriate moments. Smiling creates a lighter atmosphere and will inspire you and others to feel more at ease. 50

Cognitive methods to improve confidence Before entering a social setting, think not about what you can do to impress others but what they can do to impress you. Flipping the focus from yourself can alleviate self-conscious thoughts or behaviours. ‘Just be yourself’ has become a cliche, but, in all honesty, it’s true. Allowing your personality to radiate is a sure way to feel more confident. If you are not sure how to go about this, first try to relax—tell yourself (in your head) that you are okay, safe, and most importantly, confident! Try and respond to people naturally, without overthinking about how they might react. If you are worried about blurting something out or saying the wrong thing, take a moment to *breathe* before replying. I always feel reassured when I remind myself that everyone is human, and almost anybody can relate to feeling shy or awkward. Once you think and act confidently, you may even empower those around you to be more confident, too.

Answers SUMMER WORD-SEARCH

CROSSWORD Across 3. Finneas 6. Erosion 7. Athens 9. Fenty

Down 1. Griff 2. Bamboo 4. Napels 5. Five 8. Sadie