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owlconnected.com 15 Tell us how you plan to make your school year rock! Email us at owl@owlkids.com. THINK POSITIVE Researchers say that when we focus on negative things—such as poor test results or embarrassing moments—our brains respond by shutting out everything else. When we focus on the positive, however, our minds expand to new thoughts and ideas we hadn't considered before. That helps us learn and grow. Here's how you get on Team Positive! • Make time for calming activities that make you happy—such as solving a jigsaw puzzle, walking your dog, or shooting a basketball. The happier you are, the better you'll be able to handle things when they don't go as you expect. • Smile. No, really! When you do it, others do it back to you. And how can you be bummed if everyone is smiling at you? • Spend time around positive people. • Ask for help. Never be afraid to tell parents, siblings, or teachers if you're stuck in a loop of negative thinking. They can help, or fi nd someone who can! PHOTOS: DREAMSTIME AND GETTY IMAGES ILLUSTRATIONS: JILL MONSOD MAKE YOUR SCHOOL GREENER Not only will a greener school have a smaller carbon footprint, but it will also result in a healthier learning environment. Start a Green Ideas Club and try out one or more (or all!) of these initiatives. • Launch a classroom cleanup day. Fewer dust bunnies equals higher air quality! • Plant a small indoor veggie or herb garden. Or do a tree-planting day outside. • Start a composting program. Do the organics from your lunch go in the garbage with all the non-recyclables? Talk to your cafeteria staff about changing that!