If your TikTok “For You” page is anything like mine, chances are you have seen plenty of TikTokers complaining about preteens at their local beauty store. These “Sephora kids” have taken to popular brands like Drunk Elephant, a company known for their (rather expensive) skincare products. These children have been accused of making a mess, disrupting other customers and creating dangerous skincare “smoothies.” But how much of this is kids just being kids? Who should we point the finger at: Gen-Alpha, their parents or society as a whole? For the first time, we are forced to consider who should be using skincare and how. 

Many TikTokers have turned the blame onto the parents. However, while parenting is definitely a huge factor in kids’ behavior, this seems to be indicative of a larger problem. It’s no surprise that society has often made young girls and women feel somehow lesser than, a trend which has only been made worse with the rise of social media. But 10-year-olds buying anti-aging products seems to be a new low. The reality is that kids nowadays have access to the world much earlier than any generation before them. With this freedom comes the pressure to fit in, which means they feel the need to have the newest products, amazing skin and the perfect skincare routine. 

Not only is this societal pressure bad for young kids’ self-esteem, but dermatologists are warning it is also bad for their skin. Dr. Brooke Jeffy discussed an 11-year-old patient who experienced a pronounced rash around her eyes due to retinol, an anti-aging ingredient. “This rash had been going on for so long and was so intense, it’s probably going to take at least a month, if not more, to totally resolve,” Jeffy says. “All for trying to use an anti-aging product that she doesn’t need.”

Jeffy and other dermatologists have shown us that using these products is not harmless fun, it is detrimental to their health. 

It’s not new for kids to want the hottest product. It’s not new for kids to want to be like the older teens and adults they see, but this has been taken to a whole new level. Some online users have defended the pre-teens, arguing that skin care is a practice of self-love, something we should be encouraging. Skincare routines can be a wonderful way to take a few moments for yourself and feel refreshed and ready for the day. However, it’s important that the products we use are appropriate for our skin and that our desire to use them comes from a place of self-love. For both the “Sephora kids” and the adults reading this, skincare should not be about the newest product. Make skin care an act of self love by focusing on spending a few minutes with yourself, keeping your skin healthy and clean, and becoming the best version of yourself, not copying an influencer or celebrity.

Is there such a thing as the Grinch but for Valentine’s Day? I think I can speak for lots of singles who are tired of the constant barrage of Valentine’s Day marketing and the general pressure of finding the “right” plans. Even if you’re perfectly content in your single status, Valentine’s Day can trigger complex feelings and be a reminder of societal expectations. Almost 50% of adults in America are single, so you are not alone. If you’re in this boat, this guide is for you! Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be stressful or a day that you have to miss out on. Here are some ways to celebrate this year:

1. Galentine’s celebration

Galentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship that can take place on Valentine’s Day or any time of the year! There are so many fun ideas for hosting a Galentine’s party, such as getting crafty with DIY projects, eating themed snacks like heart-shaped pizzas, or hosting a romcom movie night. Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating platonic love and the people that are important in your life, which is a unique kind of love that fulfills many needs that romantic love cannot.

2. Self-care night

If you’re going solo on Valentine’s Day, you might as well make a night of it! Get your favorite takeout, turn on a movie of your choice and indulge in a sweet treat of your choice. If you’re of age, maybe have a glass of wine — or two. Put on a face mask and enjoy your own company. There’s no shame in having a night in for yourself and prioritizing your self-care. On a more serious note, it’s important to take care of your mental health when practicing self-care. If you are working through difficult emotions, there are campus resources that can help you work through your experiences.

3. Treat yourself 

Going hand-in-hand with the theme of self-care, treat yourself to something that you would want a hypothetical partner to do for you. If you love flowers, go buy yourself flowers! Or you could even take yourself out to a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant. Maybe you want to see the new romcom movie, “Anyone But You,” but haven’t had the time. Valentine’s Day could be the perfect opportunity. It might sound a bit silly, but treating yourself is an act of self-love and doesn’t require another person.

4. Hit the town

On the other hand, if you’d rather spend Valentine’s Day out and not at home, that’s perfectly understandable. Go to a fun dinner, event, or bar with your single friends to make a night of it. Maybe you’ll find your Valentine after all if that’s what you are looking for, or you could play matchmaker for your friends. 

5. Hit the gym or take a fitness class

If you’re like me, sometimes having a good sweat session can be therapeutic. If Valentine’s Day has got you in the dumps, hit the gym and have a good workout to distract yourself. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try pilates or kickboxing. This could be an opportunity to try a new challenge. Getting in a good workout will raise your endorphins and make your day better knowing you are working on becoming a better version of yourself. 

6. Spend time with family

If your family members or loved ones are welcoming to the idea, you could crash their Valentine’s Day plans. Maybe go out to brunch or lunch with your family to surround yourself with your people to celebrate this day that’s devoted to love. Spending time with family or loved ones can be a good reminder that you have people in your life who love you unconditionally, regardless of what period of life you’re in.

7. Do something kind for someone else

Gratitude and good deeds definitely lift spirits. They can help remove us from negative thought patterns and remind us of the most important things in our lives. Even showing a small act of kindness to a friend or acquaintance who may be going through a hard time can help brighten both of your days. If you’re interested, you could spend Valentine’s Day volunteering and giving back to your community.

Regardless of how you decide to spend Valentine’s Day, have fun with it and do something that will bring you joy. There’s no reason to forgo celebrations if you don’t have a partner.  Own it and celebrate in your own way!

Well, it’s that time of the year again. Something about early November always creates the most unproductive energy. Now that midterms are over and Halloween has passed, I thought that I would feel like I crossed a finish line. The only problem is… we’re not finished. There’s still another month left in the semester – man, even writing that makes me feel exhausted. So, now that both your mood and my own are ruined, how can we deal with this feeling of burnout?

What is ‘burnout’?
Burnout is a feeling of emotional, mental and physical distress or fatigue. It is usually caused by extreme or constant stress, commonly arising in work and school environments. Although burnout can look different for everyone, some common symptoms are unhappiness, lack of motivation, constant procrastination, excessive tiredness, lowered self-esteem, feeling helpless and emotional detachment, according to the World Health Organization.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, keep reading! If you aren’t but you know someone who is, consider sending this article their way.

WAYS TO COPE WITH BURNOUT

Self-care
There are many types of self-care, so set aside some time in the morning or the evening for yourself. For physical stress relief, try napping, yoga, going on a walk, exercising or having a snack. For emotional wellbeing, try journaling, venting to a consenting friend and meditation. And for personal happiness, you can never go wrong with a facemask and manicure – and a RESPONSIBLE shopping trip.

Time your breaks
The ”Pomodoro Technique” helps with focus and productivity through timed breaks. First, set a timer for 25 minutes before beginning a task, then when those 25 minutes are up, take a five-minute break. Repeat this four times, and the fourth break will be longer. This method incentivizes you to get as much done before the timer goes off – kind of like a game. If 25 minutes is too long or if five minutes is too short, play with the numbers until you find your groove!

Ask for help
It can feel daunting to talk with your professors about mental health and burnout, but I have learned that many of my professors have experienced these same frustrations and don’t mind sharing their tips! Nine times out of ten times, your professor will be understanding and willing to work things out with you. If you need an extension on a paper or if you need to take a day off, just communicate with your professor about your needs so that they can help you before it’s too late. Remember, they were (and maybe still are) students, too.

Talk it out
It has been shown that talking about your problems helps. Putting your feelings into words helps your body release that tension, making it easier to sort through the negative emotions. Find a friend who is willing to listen for a different perspective on your issues or try out a therapist for a professional opinion. Journaling and writing out your frustrations can help with organizing thoughts and finding solutions on your own.

Set boundaries
Time and time again, people end up stretching themselves thin by trying to do everything others ask them to do. This is NOT healthy! Your time is valuable and important, so manage it well. Make sure that you are giving yourself enough room to do what you need and want to do before you hand it over to others. When you end up agreeing to things you don’t want to do, it shows either through body language, tone or (usually a lack of) planning. It might feel bad for the first five minutes, but saying no can save a lot of physical and emotional energy.

Try something new
Hobbies can help get your mind off of the hard stuff. But if you are too good at something, multitasking becomes a lot easier. Finding something new to do like knitting or dancing to keep yourself busy can help you find fulfillment until you can deal with other things. But remember, hobbies are hobbies and should not be used to avoid dealing with life.

RESOURCES ON CAMPUS
There are plenty of people and places around campus that can help support you when you’re feeling mentally, physically and academically down. Here are a few options.

Counseling Services
Located on the intermediate level of Curry Hall, the Counseling Services provides confidential psychological support and mental health resources. The Counseling Services offer individual TeleHealth therapy through AcademicLiveCare (ALC), where students can connect with professionals for psychotherapy, 24-hour crisis and support services, nutrition, psychiatric services, discounted prescription programs and urgent care. 

Additionally, students can talk with the Counseling Services every weekday through Let’s Talk, a brief in-person counseling meeting for more problem-solving issues. If you just need to talk, then Let’s Talk is for you!

Monday and Wednesday: 11:00-11:50 a.m. and 2:00-2:50 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30-10:20 a.m. and 1:00-1:50 p.m.
Friday: 10:30-11:20 a.m.

Lastly, the Counseling Services provide group support sessions where each week a relevant new topic is discussed.

Accessibility Services
Down the hall from the Counseling center in Curry Hall, the Accessibility Services provide support and resources to those with disabilities as well as learning, academic, housing and dining accommodations at Jewell.

Health Center
Also on the intermediate level of Curry Hall, the Health Center is free for all current students and $15 per visit for graduate students and employees. The Health Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Telehealth medical visits are also available and can be used for health services like medication refills, allergies, asthma, stomach issues, colds and flu, infections, sprains, injuries, rashes and so much more. If you have something going on, our nurse practitioner can help! To get in touch with Telehealth services, email heathcenter@william.jewell.edu. 

Student Success Center
The Student Success Center offers many resources and support systems to ensure that your time at Jewell is… well… successful. The Student Success Center offers tutoring, writing labs, test preparation and more. For more information on the Student Success Center and its resources, you can enroll in the Brightspace course (from the homepage, click ‘Discover’, then search ‘Student Success Center’ and enroll in the course!)

Recently, I created my own digital journal template which has revolutionized my life. I’ve spent way too much money on planners, blank journals and bullet journals that were all supposed to help me collect my thoughts and be a better me. None of them worked. I found myself never using them and only sometimes remembering or wanting to write in them. I still had hopes of at least pretending to have my life together. At the beginning of Jewell’s spring semester, I decided to create my own template to follow. 

When drafting this idea, I was realistic about what I would actually be willing to do. On my iPad, I used the note-taking app Notability to create my template. I started out by drawing some squares, used my best handwriting for the titles of each box and finally had a planner I could actually use. I kept things simple, attainable and neat. 

I’ve learned that I only wanted to plan day by day, since my phone has all of my future plans. Then I tried to brainstorm how to make a to-do list less intimidating. I settled on a “Top Three” box with three things I knew I had to get done each day, then everything left on my to-do list was just extra. I had managed to keep the planner part of this project simple, but I knew that keeping track of my moods and giving myself a reason to reflect was vital too.

I decided to add two more boxes to improve my mental health –  a simple mood tracker with different levels of happiness or sadness. I would circle how I felt each day and possibly write a simple phrase to explain how I had felt throughout the day. Then I made a large box for affirmations, wanting to give myself space for self-love and there’s no better place than the same page I would mark off my daily triumphs. 

So far, I have used it almost every day. It helps keep my thoughts in one place, was cheaper than buying a new planner I wouldn’t use and every day I copy the template from the last day to start my next. It isn’t perfect and I don’t doodle on every page. My journal is messy like me, but it has gotten me through just fine and that’s all I need.

Planning and journaling is an individual activity –  there is no one way to do things and the more specific you are with your needs, the more practical things will be. Try to think of the things you’d be willing to do and just give it a shot. You can always try something different the next day – that’s the beauty of DIY journals. Good luck!