If you have TikTok on your phone, you may recognize the title right away. If you don’t, let’s take a minute to dive into what the “that girl” trend is. First posted in December of 2021 by user kaylieestewart, she uploaded a video on how to be #thatgirl who has now used her platform to promote a podcast called “Hot Girl Energy.” Kaylie created a morning routine that consists of:
- waking up before 8 a.m.
- make your bed as soon as you get up
- workout 30 minutes to an hour
- eat a healthy breakfast
- read or journal for ten minutes
- create a skincare routine
- hydrate
- no phone for 30 minutes
This goes on for months, with girls posting a very glamorous morning with no imperfections, filters, and so on.
The Pros
With over five billion views on the hashtag, it was getting buzz from all around the world. The great thing that this promotes to young girls is the importance of starting the day right and to have a routine. I think it’s great that this creator is promoting mindfulness and the importance of moving your body! Whether it’s going for a walk, a YouTube video, etc—just start your day by moving. I think a lot of us feel stuck in bed by looking at our phones and it’s important to break that habit. Taking some time to better yourself each morning is always a good thing.I think the creators who participate in this mean well and aim to motivate, such as everpeachy, but it’s still creating a warped reality for most people.
The Cons
This is 2022! It is time for more content from people living a normal life. Tiktok has millions of women on it, so why do we contribute to trends like “that girl.” With the rising cost of food alone, it’s difficult to have picture-perfect breakfasts. Especially if you don’t have the money and/or don’t know how to cook. A 13 year old seeing this might feel like if she doesn’t live this kind of life then it’s not a good one, which should not be the case. You can lead a healthy morning routine by doing what feels right! Everyone is different and being a “that girl” shouldn’t be your motivation. Being your own best self should be your motivation! Have cereal for breakfast one day and avocado toast the next—it’s about balance. Thinking that you have to live like someone else will become toxic to your mind. Be you.
You Are Worthy
The bottom line is not to let any trend define you or how to live your life. As much as this trend does it’s best to promote motivation and positivity, it’s not realistic to most of the viewers. My favorite video I saw in response to the trend is this one by nataliaaseliger. She says: “for younger girls, it can put the idea that in order to be beautiful, you have to be “her”” and that’s important. We need to educate the future generation that the key to a successful life is balance.
