Sunday, January 19, 2025
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YOUTH ARE AWESOME

Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth. YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them. Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.

Any views or opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people or organizations that the blog may be associated with, unless explicitly stated. All content is for informational purposes only.

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Mosquito Magnets – What makes you one?

Sukrutha
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Mosquito Magnets – What makes you one?

Summer is the time to go out into the wild, inhale some fresh air, touch some grass, soak up the warm sun rays, and have a perfect day. Except for mosquitoes. We all know that sometimes it can feel as though there is nothing more annoying than having to deal with an itch caused by a mosquito. Just as the itching of one of the bites is starting to fade, you’ve got another bite to deal. Instead of enjoying nature, you find yourself flailing your arms in all directions trying to swat out the mosquitoes. Meanwhile, you turn to your friend and see that they are perfectly alright. The mosquitoes that won’t leave you alone, do not seem to have any sort of effect on others. Why is that?

As a person who has always been susceptible to mosquito bites, I find it intriguing how while some people can’t step outside in the summer without bug spray, others can sit outside for hours and remain unscathed.

Initially, I used to believe that blood type was the main reason for this discrepancy between the susceptibility of various people to mosquitos. However, there are other factors that come into play.

Why do mosquitos love to feast on human blood?

Surprisingly, only the female mosquitos actually bite humans. Sucking our blood gives the mosquitos proteins to help produce their eggs. To help locate the prey, mosquitos use their antennae and palps (organs between the antennae) to detect the carbon dioxide and odour that is emitted from the breath of humans. This means that usually people who have a high metabolic rate and emit more carbon dioxide such as those who have worked out, are pregnant, or are drinking alcohol have a higher chance of getting bit by mosquitos.

Is blood type important in determining if you’re a mosquito magnet?

This question is controversial in the scientific world. One theory suggests that blood type does play a key role in determining mosquito preference. In 2019, a study found that the mosquito vector of the dengue virus strain has a preference for the type O blood. However, separate research notes that laboratory data regarding the importance of blood type has increased a lot of speculation. A recent experiment now has revealed that genetics instead play an important role.

The Twins Study:

A 2015 study found that your genetic makeup accounts for about 67% of your mosquito attraction. That means that if you are unlucky enough to be suffering from mosquito bites, there is a 67% chance that it might just be your genes.

The study involved two groups of female twins – one group of fraternal twins and another group of identical twins. These two groups of twins were required to stick their hands in Y-shaped acrylic containers that allowed mosquitoes to detect their odour. The group of identical twins, who had the same genes, had more similar levels of mosquito attraction compared to the fraternal twins. Using data from an earlier study that had concluded identical twins shared the same body odour, the study decided that genetics do play an important role in determining the level of attraction an individual has towards mosquitos.

Conclusion:

Although mosquito bites can sometimes just feel annoying, they can be pretty dangerous. Some mosquito vectors can carry diseases like the dengue virus, Zika, chikungunya and West Nile fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates these mosquito-borne diseases can lead to 700,000 deaths annually.

Even though you cannot change your genes to make you less susceptible to mosquitos, you can take some common sense precautions. This includes using bug spray when staying outside for long hours, and wearing long sleeved shirts and pants to avoid mosquito bites.

Noteworthy Instant Noodles: A Poem

Diya K
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Noteworthy Instant Noodles: A Poem

My fingernails claw through the cover, gripping to reach the goodness hidden inside

I’m granted with a slight tear, making my face gleam with a mix of satisfaction and pride

Crumbs and debris fall on the counter,  venturing away from the group to become astray

But why should I worry about such a mess, when a simple “crunch” and “munch” can make that problem go away

 

I take the searing, water-filled bowl out of its boiling cave

Gripping it’s sides with  tissue-paper covered fingers, I rush to to the nearest counter away from the microwave

Droplets jump from its place, as I put the container down, splashing my hands with scorching hot madness

But I persevere on, because the incompletion of this journey will leave me nothing but sadness 

 

A tsunami emerges as waves of water roll and crash, drowning the noodles and making them toil 

Scowling at the clock, I am forced into waiting “patiently” for my gourmet meal to boil 

The ticking sound of time is engraved into my brain

But rather than depriving myself of my meal’s full glory, I desperately abstain

 

Once time has decided to lay mercy on my soul 

A waterfall appears, as it races down the sides of the kitchen sink, commencing from the bowl 

The noodles now lay there peacefully, al dente yet dreary

So I strive to add some taste, by making this dish flavorful and spicy 

 

Like a mad scientist at work, or a creative toddler at play

I pour in the dry seasoning and wet sauces, making sure that those bland noodles from before don’t live to see another day 

Mixing and matching the different components, like a witch brewing up her latest concoction

Rather than the taste itself, I realize that it is the experience that grants me such an addiction 

 

Before my eyes stands my completed bowl of glory

The simplicity yet depth of this dish, grants not only a remarkable taste, but also a story

From how it permits a sense of solitude after a bad day, 

To how it conveys both taste and comfort on a single metal spoon, in each and every way

 

If you haven’t gotten my point by now, I love instant noodles

And someday, in the near future, I hope you try them and love them just as much as I do

P.S. Don’t eat them too much though, they’re not exactly the most healthy dish out there

 

3 Things Everyone Can Gain From Volunteering

Jeanne Y
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3 Things Everyone Can Gain From Volunteering

Whether you do it for personal enjoyment, for the resume, or for school, volunteering is all about helping give back to your community. That’s why it’s also called community service.

But what does volunteering do for you? Apart from perhaps filling some gaps in your resume, giving you something to do with your time, and a few numbers on a spreadsheet for your school credits, volunteering can have some major impacts on your life. In this article, I will be discussing the 3 main benefits youth get from volunteering. I’ve noticed these in both my own life and from talking to other volunteers!

1. New Life Skills

Volunteering often exposes us to new experiences, and it forces us to learn skills quickly and professionally. Often times, it’s things like manual labour or running repetitive tasks with children.

Learning these skills applies to both complex tasks and simple ones. For example, there was one time where I was volunteering with a group at a soup kitchen, where another volunteer and I were tasked with peeling boiled eggs. To my surprise, the other volunteer had never peeled a boiled egg in their life! They had to learn fast from the line cooks how to peel a boiled egg efficiently, and then had to peel about one hundred eggs. Needless to say, they got the hang of it within 10 minutes (around the 10 egg mark) and learned a pretty basic life skill.

An example of learning a more complex skill would be a time I volunteered at a senior home. The volunteers were of very diverse backgrounds, which may have been new for the seniors, and we encountered a few uncomfortable comments. We had to learn on the spot how to manage these comments, divert the attention away from an undesirable conversation, and also learn to empathize with the seniors who hadn’t received the same education and exposure that we did.

It depends on where you’re volunteering, but I have learned something new at every project I’ve been to and I’m sure you will too! Here are some other skills I’ve learned personally:

  • the art of gift wrapping
  • how to operate a commercial dishwasher
  • empathy with someone you disagree with
  • making conversation and small talk
  • to serve tea
  • to make sandwiches: grilled cheese, ham and cheese, tuna salad, and egg salad
  • closing plastic Easter eggs in the cold
  • crowd management
  • managing unhappy crowds of people
  • dancing
  • singing

2. Sense of Gratitude and Understanding

Volunteering is also a form of charity. You are lending your effort and your time without directly expecting anything back, and it makes more sense that others should be grateful for you, right?

Well, not really.

A lot of the time you are volunteering with or for vulnerable groups, you will be hit with an overwhelming sense of empathy and gratitude for what you have. Sometimes, this is when volunteers truly gain a sense of how much they have, and how much they have taken for granted. Volunteering can also eradicate some unconscious biases.

A personal example of when this happened to me was when I first volunteered at a project with seniors. Prior to volunteering, I hadn’t really thought about what seniors did in their free time, or even really why I had chosen to volunteer there. What would be fun about trying to weave some awkward small talk with some older person about their lives and how they best liked to play bingo?

Throughout the project though, these thoughts quickly changed. Initially for some reason, I had thought that the elderly had been elderly their entire lives. As I talked more with the seniors, I realized that my life wasn’t too different from theirs. When they were younger, they had wild ambitions and big dreams too. They told me about things that they wish they had done before age had taken some of their physical health away. They described their lives in the nursing home, and that’s when I realized that someday, I’d also be in their place. Everyone ages, right?

It made me think about how much I am capable of right now, and how much potential I have. The number of things I haven’t done and what I wish to do before I age past the point where my body can’t do these things anymore. I gained a sense of gratitude for all that I have now, and I reshaped my thoughts about the future. It really changed my values and the way I see my life today.

3. New Connections

Volunteering, at least in my experience, has always been with new people. Whether it be the other volunteers that you’re working with, the Youth Central team leader, the event organizers, or the cause that you’re working for, there’s always new people to be met.

If you think about it, volunteering is a form of networking. You can meet a lot of new people interested in the same things that you’re interested in, and you can learn a lot about the field that you may want to work in. Essentially, you will meet like-minded people and experts in the field that you’re volunteering in.

I’ve met a lot of friends through volunteering, many of whom I continue to interact with and speak to on a daily basis. I’ve met some of my closest friends through volunteering, and I’ve also worked myself into networking among those in the career field that I’m interested in. Through these people, I’ve learned a lot about what my life might look like if I take different paths in life.

In general, forming new connections is a great way to learn about your interests through others’ experiences and can be ultimately so beneficial.

TL;DR

Volunteering, regardless of your intentions, has a lot of benefits for everyone involved. Some of these benefits include learning basic life skills, gaining a new sense of empathy and gratitude, and forming new connections with others. It’s also a very productive way to spend time to help others in need!

Revamping Your Notetaking: 3 Effective Systems To Try

Helen
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Revamping Your Notetaking: 3 Effective Systems To Try

Good note-taking is often overlooked by students – we often blindly write down information without properly comprehending it. When we go back to review our notes, it seems like a wall of text impeding any attempt to understand the content. As such, studying became that much more tedious and painfully difficult. With effective note-taking, this burden can be alleviated; your efficiency will improve and it will become easier to retain information. As the school year returns, here are some strategies to upgrade your note-taking and study more efficiently. 

#1: The Cornell Method

This note-taking system comprises of a bigger section for notes and then a smaller left or right hand column for key concepts and recall questions, with a row at the bottom for summary. 

Recall questions simply mean questions that prompt the notes that you are writing. For example, if your notes state ‘acceleration is the change in velocity over the change in time’ then the recall question for this would be ‘what is acceleration?’. This smaller column also consists of key concepts and comments you want to add to your notes. 

Personally, this is the method I opt for when note-taking – it’s very convenient to prompt yourself to actively listen and facilitates questions for review on the content afterwards. 

Pros:

As mentioned, it facilitates review with the summary section and allows you to actively understand the content being given. It allows you to zoom out and understand the bigger picture and ideas of your content. When you need to review your notes before an exam, the recall questions serve as a test and aids with revision. 

Cons:

It can be difficult to maintain the Cornell notes system; it requires you to push yourself during class and right after class. This initial effort can be difficult to maintain, where you can fall behind in writing questions and doing summaries. As a result, this can really deteriorate the benefits that it brings. 

#2: Mapping Method

This method organizes your notes by visually showing how topics and subtopics ‘branch off’ one another and connect with each other.  

Pros: 

This method is extremely beneficial to visual learners; it allows you to bridge connections between concepts and encourages the use of other visual aids, such as highlighter, pictures, and diagrams. 

Cons: 

Personally, I find it to be a great review tool, as it can summarize and establish relationships with topics. However, I find it to be a little too flexible; there may be too little space for different branches of subtopics and some subtopics can become cluttered with too much information. I think it lacks the organization that I personally find helpful when taking notes.

#3: The Zettelkasten Method

While the other methods have been more focused on notes you take at the moment, this method is about acquiring information to create a growing arsenal of information. 

“Zettel” or “brief note” refers to writing an idea onto one card and “kasten” or “box” refers to keeping that idea in a box.  Essentially, when you come across ideas and information, take it down a card and label it. After, organize your notes by creating reference notes, separating into folders, and labeling. Then, connect the notes by creating tags or indicators that signify a connection. To grow your “kasten”, frequently revisit your notes to create more connections and add new ideas. 

Pros:

This method ultimately expedites creativity and establishes connections between concepts. It encourages you to bridge ideas and organize your information into an enormous encyclopedia. In short, while it requires effort and regular maintenance; it provides considerable benefits for you. 

Cons: 

This method can be tedious and difficult to maintain. For it to be used to its full potential, it requires meticulous organization and frequent review of the topics and ideas. While it is especially fruitful in long-term documentation – it would not be suitable for topics you only plan on studying for a short time. 

 

Sources:

https://www.goodnotes.com/blog/note-taking-methods

https://www.goodnotes.com/blog/zettelkasten-method

The Evolution of Communication: From Cave Paintings to Emojis

Daniella
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The Evolution of Communication: From Cave Paintings to Emojis

Communication is the cornerstone for human civilization. From ancient cave paintings to modern-day emojis, the ways we’ve shared our thoughts, stories, and emotions have evolved dramatically. Let’s explore this journey of human communication and look at what might come next.

1. Cave Paintings: The Dawn of Expression
    • The earliest form of communication can be traced back over 40 000 years ago. These ancient artworks were more than just depictions of animals or hunting scene, they were a form of storytelling, acting as a way for humans to communicate their experiences, beliefs, and values.
2. The Birth of Writing: Symbols and Scripts
    • Around 3200 BCE, the invention of writing systems like the Sumerian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphics marked a significant leap. These systems allowed for the recording of history, laws, and knowledge, laying down the foundation for more complex societies. 
3. The Printing Revolution: Knowledge for the Masses
    • The 15th century brought the famous printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg, which revolutionized communication by making books widely accessible. Consequently, this invention fueled the Renaissance and spread knowledge like never before. 
4. Telegraphs and Telephones: Shrinking the World
    • During the 19th century, Samuel Morse’s telegraph and Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone transformed long-distance communication. They made instant communication across vast distances possible, setting the stage for today’s global networks.
5. The Digital Age: Emails to Emojis
    • The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen communication evolve at an unprecedented pace, driven by digital technology. The internet introduced email, quickly becoming a dominant form of communication, and with the rise of social media, instant messaging and mobile interactions have led to new forms of expression, most notably, emojis.
    • Emojis have become a universal language in the digital age. These small icons can convey emotions, actions, and ideas with just a single character.
6. The Future of Communication: What’s Next? 
    • As we look to the future, the evolution of communications shows no signs of slowing down. Emerging technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and brain-computer interfaces are poised to take communication to new dimensions.

The journey from cave paintings to emojis illustrates the incredible adaptability and creativity of human communication. Each step has brought humanity closer together, allowing us to share our experiences, knowledge, and emotions more effectively and efficiently. As we stand on the brink of new technological breakthroughs, it’s exciting to imagine where communication will go next.

Sources:

5 Home Remedies to Reduce Dandruff

Sukrutha
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5 Home Remedies to Reduce Dandruff

We might not want to admit it, but I think we all know about dandruff…probably from first hand experience. It isn’t the best feeling when you’re standing in front of the mirror running a comb through your, and you find little flakes tangled into your hair. Luckily, dandruff isn’t incurable.

Causes of Dandruff:

Our scalp, like the rest of our skin, sheds dead skin cells. Dandruff occurs when this shedding process in the scalp is sped up. A major cause of dandruff is a dry scalp. Some causes of a dry scalp include exposure to dry air (especially during the winter months), excessive washing, and pre-existing skin condition such as eczema. Other potential causes of dandruff include fungal infections of the scalp, oils secreted by the scalp, and sensitivity to substances like hair care products.

Most people have a type of fungus called Malassezia living on their scalps. This fungus usually does not cause any harm, but research shows that in people with dandruff, this fungus causes skin irritation and flaking on the scalp.

There are various over the counter (OTC) products available to help reduce dandruff such as medicated anti dandruff shampoo, but the following home remedies can be just as effective.

Home Remedies for Dandruff:

  1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been used to treat various types of skin issues such as acne as it is known to have antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties that could help to alleviate the symptoms of dandruff. It can also fight the Malassezia fungus, therefore addressing one of the root causes of dandruff.

It is very important to not use tea tree oil undiluted as, being a strong essential oil, it can cause irritation to those with sensitive skin. It is better to dilute it with carrier oils like coconut oil.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil acts as a moisturizer for dry skin. It improves skin hydration, prevents dryness, and can decrease inflammation of the scalp.

In a 16 week research study with 140 women, coconut oil helped to improve the scalp microbiome, and certain markers of dandruff.

Coconut oil has also shown to have antimicrobial properties.

3. Aspirin

Aspirin is an over the counter pain reliever that can be used to relieve some symptoms of dandruff. It contains salicylic acid, which is an ingredient commonly used in dandruff shampoos. Salicylic acid can exfoliate dandruff flakes, prevent oil buildup, and reduce inflammation on the scalp.

It is recommended to crush one or two uncoated aspirin tablets into a dollop of your shampoo before using it. This way, you can try using salicylic acid on your dandruff.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar’s acidity helps to balance the pH level of the scalp. This in turn reduces fungal growth on the scalp and can fight dandruff.

You can use ACV by adding a few tablespoons to your shampoo and just spray it onto your hair.

5. Regulating Consumption of Certain Foods

Certain dietary modifications can help with fungal growth as they can control yeast growth and improve the gut microbiome. These can aid in the treatment of dandruff.

Some foods that you may consider limiting are:

  • Refined carbs like white bread, pasta, or crackers.
  • Red meat.
  • Processed foods.
  • Fried foods.
  • Sugary foods and beverages.

Some foods can also trigger a sudden increase in skin conditions such as eczema which can give rise to dandruff.

Conclusion:

The above 5 remedies/strategies are the most commonly used and recommended for treating dandruff. Although these can be helpful, more research needs to be done in order to confirm the benefits that they have against dandruff. If you try a home remedy and find that it has a detrimental effect on your dandruff, it is crucial to go to a professional to seek medical advice.

Dandruff can make many people feel self-conscious about themselves. The important thing to remember, though, is that there is always a way to stop those tiny flakes from falling from your scalp.

 

 

 

The Importance of Mental Health Days

Natania Varghese
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In today’s fast paced world, where academic pressures, social responsibilities, and personal challenges seem never-ending, its easy to feel overwhelmed. As teens, we’re juggling school, extracurricular activities, social life, and maybe even part-time jobs, all while trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life. With all of this on your plate, it’s not uncommon to feel stressed, anxious, or simply burnt out. This is where the concept of a mental health day comes in.

What is a Mental Health Day?

A mental health day is simply a day you take off from your regular activities, like school or work, to focus on your mental and emotional well-being. It’s a day to step back, rest, or recharge when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed or mentally exhausted. Just like you would take a sick day if you had the flu, taking a mental health day acknowledges that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

When Should You Take a Mental Health Day?

Knowing when to take a mental health day is crucial. Here are some signs that you might need a break.

  1. Feeling Overwhelmed : If you’re constantly feeling like there’s too much on your plate, and its causing you stress, it might be a time for a mental health day.
  2. Burnout : When you’re emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted, and no amount of sleep seems to help, you could be experiencing burnout. This is a clear sign that you need to to step back and rest.
  3. Increased Anxiety or stress : If your anxiety or stress levels are higher than usual and are interfering with your ability to focus or enjoy life,a break might be able to offer some clarity and balance.
  4. Difficulty Concentrating : If you’re finding it hard to concentrate on your schoolwork or other tasks, despite trying your best, it might be because your brain is overworked and needs a break.

Why it’s Okay to Take a Mental Health Day

Taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness; its a form of self-care and self-respect. Here’s why it’s perfectly okay to take a mental health day :

  1. Prevention of Burnout: Regular breaks can help prevent burnout, allowing you to maintain productivity and focus over the long term. By taking a mental health day when you need it, you’re ensuring that you don’t reach a point where you’re too exhausted to function effectively.
  2. Improved Mental Health: Just like rest can help your body recover from physical illness, a mental health day can help improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and give you a fresh perspective.
  3. Better Focus and Productivity: After taking a day to rest and recharge, you’ll likely find that you’re more focused and productive when you return to your regular activities.
  4. Setting a Positive Example: By prioritizing your mental health, you’re setting a positive example for others. You’re showing that it’s okay to take care of yourself and that mental health should be a priority for everyone.
  5. Long-Term Well-Being: Regular mental health days can contribute to your long-term well-being, helping you to maintain a healthy balance between work, school, and personal life.

How to Spend a Mental Health Day

The key to a successful mental health day is activities that help you relax and recharge. Here are some ideas:

  • Rest: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is rest. Sleep in, take naps, and give your body the chance to recover.
  • Engage in a Hobby: Spend time doing something you enjoy, whether it’s reading, drawing, playing a musical instrument, or baking.
  • Get Outside: Spend some time in nature, whether it’s going for a walk, sitting in a park, or hiking. Fresh air and a change of scenery can work wonders for your mood.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help calm your mind and reduce stress.
  • Connect with Loved Ones: Spend time with friends or family members who make you feel good. Sometimes, talking about what’s on your mind can help you feel better.
  • Unplug from Technology: Take a break from social media, news, and your phone. Disconnecting can help reduce stress and allow you to focus on the present moment.

Talking to Others About Mental Health Days

It’s important to be open about your need for a mental health day, whether it’s with your parents, teachers, or friends. Here’s how to approach the conversation:

  • With Parents or Guardians: Explain how you’re feeling and why you think a mental health day would be beneficial. Most parents will understand and support your decision once they see how important it is to your well-being.
  • With Teachers: If you’re missing school, let your teacher know that you’re taking a mental health day and that you’ll catch up on any missed work. Being honest about your needs can help reduce any guilt or anxiety you might feel about taking time off.
  • With Friends: Share your experiences with your friends, and encourage them to take care of their mental health as well. By being open, you’re helping to reduce the stigma around mental health.

Prioritizing Your Mental Health

Taking a mental health day is a proactive way to care for yourself. It’s an acknowledgment that your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Remember, it’s okay to step back and take a break when you need it. By doing so, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, happiness, and well-being. So, listen to your mind and body, and don’t hesitate to take that well-deserved mental health day when you need it. Your future self will thank you.

 

Embracing Self-Love : A Guide to Body Positivty for Teens

Natania Varghese
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Embracing Self-Love : A Guide to Body Positivty for Teens

Embracing Self-Love: A Guide to Body Positivity

In a world where social media, movies, and magazines often portray unrealistic beauty standards, it’s easy to feel like you’re not enough. Here’s the truth: You are more than enough, just the way you are. Embracing body positivity isn’t about loving how you look—it’s about loving who you are. This blog is dedicated to helping you navigate self-love, body image, and the journey to embracing your true self. Here are some tips that could help you or others struggling around you.

  1. Understanding Body Positivity

Body positivity is about recognizing that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. It’s about appreciating your body and what it does for you every day—like allowing you to dance, run, laugh, and express yourself in hundreds of ways. Body positivity isn’t about fitting into a mold set by others but breaking free from it and celebrating the beauty in the unique.

  1. The Impact of Media on Body Image

Let’s face it, the images we see in the media don’t often reflect reality for most of us. Filters, Photoshop, angles, and carefully curated content can create impossible standards. It’s important to remind yourself that what you see online isn’t always real. One step we can take is to start following influencers and creators who promote body positivity and show diverse, authentic representations of beauty.

  1. Practicing Self-Love

Self-love is all about treating yourself with the kindness and compassion that you’d give to your friends. Here are a few ways to practice self-love daily:

  • Positive Affirmations: Start your day with affirmations like, “I am beautiful,” “I am enough,” or “I love and accept myself.” Repeating these can help you shift your mindset over time.
  • Self-Care Rituals: Engage in activities that make you feel good—whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, spending time with friends or family, or exploring a new hobby.
  • Set Boundaries: We tend to overwork ourselves and constantly say yes to things, even when we know we won’t be able to take them on. Learn to say no to things that don’t serve you or make you feel good. Protect your mental and emotional well-being.
  1. Challenging Negative Thoughts

We all have negative thoughts creep in every once in a while. When this happens, try to challenge these thoughts and ask yourself if you would say those same things to the people you care about. If the answer is no, then reframe your thoughts! Replace negativity with kindness. For example, instead of thinking, “I don’t like how I look today,” try to think, “My body is strong and capable.”

  1. Embracing Your Unique and Individual Beauty

Remember, there is no one else in the world exactly like you. Your uniqueness is your power. Embrace the features that make you stand out—whether it’s your hair, height, or smile. These are the things that make you, you. Wear what makes you feel confident and don’t be afraid to express your personality through your style.

  1. Building a Supportive Community

Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Whether it’s friends, family, or online communities, having a support system that encourages body positivity can make a world of difference. Share your journey with them, and don’t hesitate to reach out when you need a confidence boost.

  1. Celebrating Your Body’s Abilities

Focus on what your body can do rather than how it looks. Celebrate your strength, your health, and the incredible things your body allows you to experience. Whether it’s dancing, playing sports, or simply getting through a tough day, your body is there for you. Show it some love!

  1. The Journey to Self-Acceptance

Self-love and body positivity are ongoing journeys. There will be good days and tough days, but what matters is your commitment to loving and accepting yourself. Give yourself grace on the hard days, and celebrate the progress you’ve made.

Embrace Your Unique Journey

Our journey toward self-love and body positivity is uniquely yours, and it’s one worth embracing every step of the way. True beauty shines from within, rooted in confidence, kindness, and authenticity—it’s not about perfection but appreciating your individuality and treating yourself with the love and respect you deserve. You have the power to rewrite the narrative about your body and self-worth by celebrating your uniqueness, challenging negative thoughts, and surrounding yourself with positivity. As you continue on this path, the more you love and accept yourself, the more confident and empowered you’ll feel. Self-love is a lifelong journey, and it’s okay to have ups and downs; what matters most is that you keep moving forward, embracing who you are with an open heart. You are not defined by anyone else’s standards but by your own. Believe in your worth, celebrate your beauty, and know that you are enough—today and every day.

3 Steps to Gamify Studying – How to Make Studying Fun

Jeanne Y
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3 Steps to Gamify Studying – How to Make Studying Fun

Wow, summer went by real fast! Now that the new school year is approaching quickly, many youth (including me) are trying to find different ways to help stay afloat and on top of their studies this upcoming school year.

One of the most common ways of maintaining our grades is to study. And to make it less mundane, here are 3 steps to make studying more fun!

1. Track EVERYTHING

Like a Snap streak, you can build a study streak as well! If you have a calendar, mark up every day that you’ve studied a specific subject, and see how many days you can maintain it for. If you don’t have a physical calendar, print one from online like this one. Tracking the days that you study can help motivate you to continue studying even when you don’t want to, because you will have a “streak” to protect.

You can also track your hours. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it’s incredibly effective (at least, I think so). Like a fundraiser, you could draw a thermometer that has a tick mark for each 30 minutes and slowly fill it up! If you’re not that artistic like me though, you could also just draw a circle to represent each hour you want to study before a test and fill them up as you would a pie chart as you study. Tracking the hours you put in is very effective because you now have a visual representation of how much work you’ve put into learning something. This makes it harder to make excuses if you get a bad mark on a grade and you haven’t filled out any of the circles, and it’s very motivational. Never thought I’d say that about filling in random circles, but having a visual representation is just that powerful.

2. Make it OBVIOUS

Make studying the “path of least resistance”. Incorporate it into your daily habits. Like an app on your home screen, a reminder notification on your lock screen, or a newsletter in your Primary email inbox, obvious things demand the most amount of attention and are more likely to get done first.

How can you apply this to Step 2? Make it OBVIOUS by placing your calendar smack-dab in the middle of your wall, the first thing you see when you wake up. Place your pie-chart sheet on your desk. Show yourself exactly how much you have done, all the time. Make it easy to remind yourself to study.

But more importantly, make sure to set everything up in an obvious spot. Perhaps, instead of leaving your textbooks in your backpack or in a bookshelf, open them to the chapter you want to and put them on your desk every time you finish studying. This makes the environment perfect to begin studying the next time you have a chance. By doing this, you “prime” or “reset” your space to do exactly what you need to do.

You can also apply this in the reverse to things that you don’t want, or want less of. Ex: screen time. If I wanted less screen time, I would make my phone less obvious. I know this is a common goal, so I thought I’d also share a few tips I learned to decrease my screen time effectively:

  • changing the entire color filtering to grayscale (can be done in the Settings app on iPhone)
  • setting time limits on apps, and setting passwords for the time limits
  • leaving my phone in another room
  • letting my phone completely drain its battery and not charging it until I was finished doing whatever I needed to do.

3. Set Milestones and Rewards

Just like literally any decent game in the entire digital universe, there must be rewards. Why else would you play the game? Nobody wants to struggle; they just do it because there is a reward at the end and the struggle is the only way to get there.

If we apply a similar mindset to studying, you can set milestones for a certain number of hours or days that you have studied for. These milestones should be rewarded, but the form of the reward depends on personal preference. I reward myself for every 20 hours that I’ve studied by buying something that I’ve wanted for a while but don’t really need, like jewelry, candles, and fancy coffees.

This is the biggest motivation. It’s probably the most important step, because you need to keep yourself going when you don’t want to do something, regardless of whether or not it involves studying.

That having been said, the reward doesn’t have to be of monetary value either. Maybe it’s just having a break day, or a day to host a hang out with friends. Make sure to have a reward of some sort to make the study game more enticing.

That’s all from me for today! Thanks for reading and have a good one. Happy studying!

Motivation: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic

Helen
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0
Motivation: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic

What is motivation?

Motivation is defined as the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. Generally speaking, motivation is known as a driving force for why you do something. 

Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation coming from within, promoted by yourself. This can be rooted in your identity or the enjoyment in an activity. Essentially, the experience of the activity is the desire to do it. Extrinsic motivation refers to motivation inspired by external forces. For example, this may be reaching an outcome or accomplishing a goal. Between the two, intrinsic motivation tends to be more fulfilling and push people more. Knowing that intrinsic motivation is the more compelling motivator, how can we try to facilitate these types of motivations? 

  1. Reflection: Intrinsic motivation comes from your identity or simply your own fulfillment in an activity. As such, it is imperative to identify the reasons for why you are doing something. The following questions can help prompt some thought about this: 
      • Why are you doing something?
      • How important is the task at hand?
      • What are you willing to do?
      • What will you do?

How To Promote Motivation:

Even when knowing your extrinsic or intrinsic motivators, it can still be difficult to motivate yourself. As such, here are ways to promote motivation: 

  1. Make the Task more Enjoyable: This can be changing your environment, like studying in a cafe or library instead of at home. You can also make the environment around you more engaging and enjoyable, like improving the atmosphere around your room with decor. Additionally, opt to do the task with other people -not only can this motivate yourself to do the task, but you can enjoy time with friends and family. Other ways to make the task more enjoyable is putting on music or rewarding yourself with snacks and drinks. 
  2. Create a Routine: By creating a routine, this builds habits. Habits are rituals or behaviors that you perform regularly, often without thinking too much. To build a routine, create a cue. For example, this could be drinking a coffee before starting to work or playing a certain playlist before going to work out. This cue can make it easier for you to start an action. As such, this can help prompt yourself into doing the task you want to accomplish.
  3. Build off of Success: Celebrate the small wins and recognize your success. Try to experience small successes -these small celebrations can compound and allow yourself to gain momentum. Momentum can promote even more success and build you up to more challenging tasks.

Motivation Myth:

A general myth around motivation is that more motivators will yield more motivation and therefore better progress. However, more motivators doesn’t mean that you will necessarily be more successful. This is called the over justification effect: multiple extrinsic motivators can “muddy the waters” when there is already an intrinsic motivation. As such, if you have trouble with motivation, consider identifying your motivators and opting for more intrinsic and less extrinsic motivations. 

Sources:

Motivation | Psychology Today Canada

How to get motivated even when you don’t feel like it

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/01/31/motivate-yourself-strategies-habit-building/

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/thirteen-tricks-to-motivate-yourself.html

What In the World is Obesity?

Diya K
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0
What In the World is Obesity?

What is Obesity:

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the concept of obesity as having “excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.” In simpler terms, it means that a person has high fat content in their body which significantly increases the risks for diseases and conditions.

BMI:

In order to detect obesity, along with many other methods, the BMI or “Body Mass Index” is the most popular metric. A value of over 25 in the BMI scale indicates that a person is overweight while a value over 30 categorizes someone as obese. 

Health Impacts:

As expected, there are bound to be countless negative side effects obesity. Just to name a few, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are very common effects. Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA, 1 in 5 children have been diagnosed with obesity! And on that note, an even more alarming fact is how it affects 1 in 3 adults as well! Children who experience obesity now are more likely to continue to experience obesity into adulthood, meaning that their health will slowly yet detrimentally deteriorate over time. They are more than likely to have heart diseases, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and a variety of cancers. The 5 leading causes of death in today’s generation are heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease, and unintentional injuries. As you can probably tell, a lot of those issues are often associated with obesity. Essentially, obesity and health problems go hand in hand. 

Causes:

So now that we know what obesity is, how it is diagnosed, and some common side effects, let’s talk about how and why it occurs. Some of the reasons include eating large amounts of calorie dense food (e.g. junk food), and not exercising enough. The average physically active man requires 2500 calories while the average physically active woman requires 2000 calories. If anyone exceeds this amount and doesn’t work to burn off the excess calories, fat will form. If someone consistently consumes more calories than they burn, fat will accumulate. Over time, if this continues, it could lead to becoming overweight, and potentially even obese. Apart from those somewhat obvious reasons, other possibilities include genetics or medical reasons. If we take a look at genetics, we may see how certain genetic traits (such as a large appetite) may be inherited from your parents – making it harder to lose and/or maintain weight. Lifestyle influences genetics as well; for example, if your family regularly enjoys large meals, it might be hard to resist indulging along with them. Medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or Cushing’s Syndrome may also contribute to unhealthy weight gain. 

Common causes of overeating (which may lead to obesity):

A common cause for overeating is boredom. Even though it’s summer and boredom is inevitable, eating isn’t always the best solution. While food can be enjoyable and provide entertainment, you should not resort to eating to cope with boredom. Another factor of overeating that can lead to obesity is emotional eating. When you are stressed, sad, or happy, you may eat more than usual. Of course that is entirely normal once in a while, but you should avoid using food as an emotional support system. 

What you can do:

In order to ensure that you maintain a healthy weight, it is important to be conscious of your choices. For example, try to monitor junk food intake, sleep the recommended hours, and exercise daily! If you lead a lifestyle where you don’t frequently eat takeout and avoid lounging on the couch all day, you should be in good shape! For example, my mom always told me how I need to exercise for at least an hour daily. That doesn’t have to mean spending hundreds of dollars on a gym membership. Instead playing a sport or running around in your community will give you the same benefits. Of course, it is crucial to listen to your body and not ignore it – especially when it comes to food. Your body is a working machine, and you should strive to make sure it stays in good condition! It’s still ok to devour chocolate cake while binging your favourite rom-com, but just make sure to practice moderation!

 

Sources:

https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity/#:~:text=lower%20the%20risk.-,Unhealthy%20Diets,the%20largest%20roles%20in%20obesity.

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/causes/#:~:text=Obesity%20is%20a%20complex%20issue,in%20the%20body%20as%20fat.

3 Important Tips for a Student: Balancing Your Time

Jeanne Y
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0
3 Important Tips for a Student: Balancing Your Time

If you’re someone who works hard in school to get good grades, but also has the aim to be a well-rounded youth who has a lot of extracurriculars, then learning to balance your time is essential. Otherwise, you might burn out!

1. Ask Yourself Why

If you’re someone who has a hard time saying no to opportunities, this is a crucial part in balancing your time. The first step is just to have less to balance, and ask yourself if you’re wasting your time doing unnecessary things.

Why are you taking on this task? Doing this internship? Participating in this club? Is the result of how you’re spending your time rewarding enough to be worth spending it at all?

Make sure to reevaluate your tasks and drop any that might be giving you extra, unnecessary grief. This will make balancing your time much, much easier.

2. Organize Yourself

I once heard someone say “a minute of organization is worth hours”, and I truly believe it. As a former sewer rat student, I was constantly stressed out. Probably because I had a lot on my plate, but also because I never organized my space. There was a point where I had to wade through the things on the floor of my bedroom just to get to my bed.

But it doesn’t affect me, I’m sure you’re thinking.

The answer to that is… you’re wrong. A messy, crowded, and disorganized space causes passive and subconscious stress. This is when your mind is just passively busy having to process or block out all the things around you. So take 5 minutes and clean up.

Not only will you be more efficient in finding your keys, but you’ll also be able to feel a little less stressed on a bad day.

3. Set Boundaries… Literally

It’s critical to set very clear boundaries with yourself. Only then will you have no excuse to slack off, and only then will you really be able to take a break when you need to.

Make sure to separate your study space from the rest of your spaces. If you’re not lucky enough to have an office, maybe just pick a corner of a room that you use only to study. Similarly to how insomniacs must leave their beds to the sole task of sleeping, leave each space around you to a sole task. The association will make switching mindsets easier.

Tips for Grade 10 Students: Navigating High School with Confidence

Daniella
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0
Tips for Grade 10 Students: Navigating High School with Confidence

As a former Grade 10 student, I understand the excitement and challenges that come with entering high school. It’s a crucial year where you begin to shape your academic path and explore new opportunities. Here, I will share some valuable tips I learned and used to help incoming Grade 10 students make the most of their year.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: One of the most important lessons I learned in Grade 10 is that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s seeking clarification from your teachers, reaching out to classmates for study groups, or utilizing online resources, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you need it. 

2. Organize an Efficient Study Schedule: Creating a well-structured study schedule is crucial for managing your time effectively. Consider using various tools to enhance your productivity and organization. Some examples include: Digital calendars/planners to organize your classes, assignments, and activities, task management apps to make to-do lists and break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and note-taking apps to keep all your notes organized and easy to access.

3. Get to Know your Teachers and Guidance Counselors: Building a positive relationship with your teachers and guidance counselors can greatly benefit your academic journey. Take the initiative to introduce yourself, ask questions, and seek their guidance during their office hours. They can provide valuable insights, offer academic support, and help you navigate any challenges you may face. Remember, they are there to support and guide you throughout your high school experience.

4. Join Clubs/Extracurricular Activities that Interest You: High school is not just about academics; it’s also an opportunity to explore your interests outside the classroom and meet people who share similar passions as you. Whether it’s joining a sports team, participating in a debate club, or volunteering for community service, these activities provide a well-rounded high school experience.

5. Take care of your Well-Being: Amidst the academic demands, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being. Make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance, practice self-care activities like exercise or journaling, and always seek support from friends, family, or school councillors if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

Entering Grade 10 is an exciting milestone in your high school journey. These tips can help navigate this upcoming year with confidence and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm, and remember that your growth and success are within your reach. Best of luck in your Grade 10 (sophomore) year!

Sources:

https://prepory.com/blog/advice-for-high-school-sophomores-10th-graders-2/

Streaming Addiction: What is it, and how to fight it?

Sukrutha
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0
Streaming Addiction: What is it, and how to fight it?

When we’re really busy with school work, chores, and the busy flow of life, we like to take a break. For many people, including myself, that break can mean watching TV. We think that watching an episode or two of our favourite TV series can be a good way to uplift our mood or get us re-energized to get back to work. At the end of those two episodes, however, we still feel just as tired, if not more, than before the TV session. This way, we do not get any sort of motivation to get back to work. The only motivation we have in us is to grab hold of the remote, press the “continue watching” button, and mindlessly sit through hours of TV. We fall into the trap of binge-watching.

What is streaming addiction?

Streaming addiction refers to the excessive and unhealthy overload of content on streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok. Streaming addiction can lead to changes in the brain, and reduce our ability to focus, prioritize tasks, regulate our mood, and build interpersonal relationships outside of the online world.

Symptoms of streaming addiction:

A streaming addiction looks different for everyone, but some of the symptoms are common for everyone. These include streaming for longer than initially intended, despite attempts to cut back the use, and being unable to stop even after knowing and understanding the consequences. Many people experiencing a streaming addiction are often irritable, anxious, and in a bad mood when they are not watching something. This way, their uncontrollable usage of television begins to act as a way to shut them out from reality. By increasing their online presence, people often begin to compromise their outside life and interpersonal relationships with family and friends.

Effect of streaming addiction on health and well-being:

A key reason as to why many people use TV, the Internet, and other streaming services as a way to cope with difficulties is because all of these induce a surge of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger which acts in the brain. It plays an important role in helping a person feel sudden and extreme pleasure. However, the dopamine release triggered by screen time affects an individual’s impulse control. Similar to the usage of drugs, screen time has shown to cause damage to the frontal cortex part of the brain. The frontal cortex plays an important role in the performance of motor tasks, judgment, abstract thinking, and creativity. The dopamine releases caused by screen time usage causes structural change in the frontal cortex, leading to impairments in an individual’s decision making ability, cognitive function, emotional processing, and working memory.

Streaming addiction also causes damage to a person’s day-to-day lives as it is correlated with fatigue, lower sleep quality, and insomnia. Many individuals also feel a sense of shame or guilt about their streaming addiction, and try to isolate themselves from their close ones.

What’s the solution?

Like any addiction, becoming sober from streaming addiction is easier said than done. However, there are lots of free resources and support groups to aid in this process. A good support group to use is the Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA). ITAA is a 12 Step Program that provides tools, strategies, and supports to deal with compulsive Internet use. The ITAA hosts everyday online meetings in various languages which are free for everyone. The meetings are safe, secure, and anonymous so that those suffering from streaming addiction have a platform to express their thoughts without judgment.

Conclusion:

I, personally, was surprised after realizing how serious streaming addiction can get. When we binge watch TV, we think “oh, it’s just another episode, I ‘ll get back to work after 30 minutes.” What we don’t realize, however, is how easily those 30 minutes can pile up so that a harmful habit begins to develop. If you are dealing with symptoms of streaming addiction, please do not hesitate to find support.

Link to Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous:

Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous

A Great Opportunity for High Schoolers: Exploring Biology at the Canadian Biology Olympiad Camp

Daniella
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0
A Great Opportunity for High Schoolers: Exploring Biology at the Canadian Biology Olympiad Camp

The Canadian Biology Olympiad Camp is a hands-on summer camp opportunity offered to high school students in grades 9-12. Though all students are welcome to apply, the program is a competitive program that only selects 25 participants. With this camp, there is one major perk for students who are passionate about biology: the program offers an experience that would be impossible to obtain inside the walls of a typical high school.

 

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Canadian Biology Olympiad summer camp held in Toronto. I was beyond excited to be selected for this opportunity where I could further deepen my knowledge and skills in the field of biology. This camp would be a great experience for any high schoolers looking for opportunities to deepen their knowledge of biology and interact with those who share the same passions and interests. Here are some things that made the camp so enjoyable:

The camp, held in York University’s Glendon Campus, brought together 25 of the brightest young minds in biology from across the country. From interactive lectures and workshops to hands-on lab experiments, the camp offered a wide range of learning opportunities that challenged us to think critically and creatively about a variety of biological concepts ranging from ethology and ecology to protein extraction and enzyme kinetics.

One of the highlights of the camp was the chance to work closely with renowned biologists and researchers who shared their expertise and insights with us. Their passion for biology was truly contagious, and I found myself inspired by their research and discoveries. This opened new chances to interact directly with experts of biology, and work closely with them through multiple lab projects.

In addition to the academic components of the camp, there was also a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Through group projects and team challenges, we learned the importance of working together to solve complex biological problems and achieve common goals. This not only helped us develop our problem-solving and communication skills, but also fostered a sense of friendship among the camp participants. 

Of course, it wasn’t all work and no play. We had the opportunity to explore the campus where we resided, and spend time together playing games and getting to know one another. The camp provided us with a well-rounded experience that was able to enrich our minds and spirits.

 

Overall, attending the CBO camp in Toronto was a transformative experience for me. I not only gained valuable knowledge and skills in biology, but I also formed lasting friendships and memories that I can cherish for years to come. I would definitely recommend this camp for anyone interested in biology and exploring the large range of topics that biology oversees. From floral formulas to bioinformatics and extracting proteins to investigating PCR and gels, this camp provides a multitude of interesting and interactive opportunities one wouldn’t be able to access in a regular biology course in high school.

Sources:

https://pixabay.com/photos/science-biology-test-tube-liquid-1336663/

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Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth. YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them. Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.

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