Finding My Own Way to Balance: Starting high school was exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. Even though I stayed at the same school, I still felt a lot of pressure to do well in my classes and keep up with everything. The stress from school made me feel anxious, and sometimes it was hard for me to sleep or concentrate. And I never talked to my parents or teachers about how I was feeling. Instead, I tried to find my own way to manage the stress. One thing that really helped me was keeping a journal notebook. Writing down my thoughts and feelings made my worries seem smaller and help me understand what was bothering me. Another big thing that helped me was spending time on my hobbies. I used to do crafting, which I like the most. And I also liked reading books and collecting some flowers. I enjoyed doing those things. It was like taking a little break from all the stress. When things felt too overwhelming, I would take a short break to do something fun and to have some fun. For example, I would listen to music, go to the rooftop, or take a walk. These breaks helped me clear my mind and tackle everything. I also learned to be kinder to myself and think about myself. Instead of always pushing for perfect grades, I started setting realistic goals and reminding myself that it's okay not to be perfect. Nobody is perfect. Perfect in the world. There are things I can do that other people can't. Everyone has a talent. Although I didn't do group study with my friends, I felt comfortable spending time with them. To any girl who may feel the same way, remember that it's okay to find your own way to feel better. You don't have to go through this alone, even if you handle things differently. Find activities that make you feel happy and be kind to yourself. And be self-dependent. You are stronger than you think. Study hard and focus on your goals. One day you're gonna make yourself proud. Remember that believing in yourself vs being overconfident are different!

Throughout my educational journey, I have faced numerous challenges that have significantly impacted my mental and physical health. From a young age, the pressure to excel academically was immense, leading to high levels of stress and anxiety. Balancing school work with personal life often felt overwhelming, and there were times when I doubted my abilities and questioned my self worth. The constant need to meet led to sleepless nights, constant fatigue and bouts of anxiety that made it difficult to focus and perform at my best. However, reaching out to other girls who shared similar experiences provided a sense of comfort and solidarity. Engaging in heartfelt conversations about our struggles and triumphs had me realize that I was not alone in my journey. It fostered a supportive community where we could openly discuss our mental health and educational challenges without fear of judgment. These interactions were crucial in promoting resilience and a positive mindset. We exchanged tips on managing stress, coping strategies and even study techniques that helped us stay on track. By sharing our stories, we uplifted each other, offering encouragement, empathy and practical advice. This camaraderie not only alleviated my stress, but also motivated me to persevere and strive for excellence. I believe that sharing our experiences can inspire and support other girls facing similar difficulties, helping them navigate their own paths with greater confidence and strength. Together, we can create a network of empowerment, fostering a generation of young women who are resilient, compassionate and successful despite the obstacles they encounter. Moreover, these connections have taught me the value of vulnerability and the strength that comes from community support, knowing that there are others who understand and share my struggles. This has encouraged me to be more open about my feelings and seek help when needed, rather than suffering in silence. In summary, my educational journey, though fraught with challenges, has been greatly enriched by the support of a community of like minded girls. Our shared experiences have not only helped us cope with the pressures of academic life, but have also empowered us to face future challenges with courage and resilience. By continuing share out stories, we can extend this support to even more girls, helping uplift and inspired them on their own journeys.

Like other girls in the world, I also faced challenges in our school. Whether physical or mental health difficulties, problems are a part of life and must be taken as obstacles to success. Uneasiness is a regular part of school life. It's a feeling that can never be fully experienced to someone outside our educational boundaries. No matter how many friends you have, you will sometimes feel lonely as a girl. Girls are always dealing with things on their own, staring at the ceiling. They endure the inner pain and insecurity they face. There are countless stories of the difficulties I faced, but nowadays I tend to ignore them and just go with the flow. As a girl, I was always judged by the way I sit, dress, and walk. You might end up being the laughing stock of the senior girls if you walk a little clumsily. People giggle in the most unexpected way. Girls face things like this all the time. All my life, I felt like everyone was my enemy because they look at my tiny flaws rather than my polished talent. The whole world feels like a judicial court. At times, I feel so much hatred from this world. it feels like being in a competition without even meaning to. I suffered from depression under all those judgmental stares, always fearing that I would become the laughing stock at school or the topic of gossip for minor flaws. But, the world isn't as bad as you think. It seems like it's full of wonder. If you look beyond the judgments and embrace your true self, you can embrace the essence of education and find beauty in the opportunities it offers. Our mental health plays a crucial role in keeping us balanced, so as long as you know how to appreciate it, the inner turmoil will feel so small. Delving deeper into my studies, I have been taught to ignore this judgment and tiny flaws in shaping my light of teaching. Being inspired by small things in nature will earn every girl and young woman a bright future ahead. I have a feeling this is relatable to many.

As a teenage girl, I find that balancing mental and physical health is crucial for my overall well being. Physically taking care of myself involves regular exercise, nutritious eating habits and sufficient sleep. Engaging in activities like yoga or running not only keeps me fit, but also helps alleviate stress and boost my mood. Eating a balanced diet ensures that I have the energy I need throughout the day, while adequate sleep allows my body to recharge and recover. Mentally, navigating through adolescence can be challenging. I prioritize my mental health by practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These help me manage stress and anxiety that often accompany academic and social pressures. Journaling has become a helpful outlet for expressing my emotions and processing my thoughts. Additionally, seeking support from trusted friends and family members provides me with a sense of belonging and comfort during difficult times. Finding a balance between physical and mental health is a continuous journey. By listening to my body, and acknowledging my emotions, I empower myself to make choices that promote overall wellness. This approach not only enhances my daily life, but also prepares me for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in adulthood.

During the time I started high school, I tackled a lot of mental health issues that impacted my academic life. There was mental pressure to achieve the highest grades in exams. Feeling pressured to maintain all of the things made it really really hard for me to concentrate on my studies because I used to overthink and lack confidence. A bunch of negative feelings were attached to my mental health including overthinking, nervousness, lack of confidence, and a fear of being judged. At this time, I lost my confidence to ask people for help. My fear of being judged prevented me from taking part in many things, which was very heartbreaking. Eventually, I tried to think out of the box, I tried to talk with myself rather than talking with others. I told myself "You're so perfect. What's lacking you behind?" There was just one thing that you are lacking: communication to yourself, but you just did that today. Bravo! The mind of positiveness is opening tomorrow. It's the time to say goodbye to all of the negative and intrusive thoughts you had on your mind. I'm really proud of you, myself. Then my confidence level increased rapidly. I realized that, now, nothing can stop me from achieving the highest grades. In conclusion, sometimes we girls think that if we talk about our mental stress with someone else, then we will be fine. This way is right. But on the other hand, what if we think to communicate with ourselves? Remember one thing: you are the best friend of yourself. No one can understand you the way you do to yourself. So, talk to yourself! Let's motivate yourself to make the best version of you. Show everyone that hidden gem inside you. Be the confident you.

I, Ayesha Anwar, am a student of grade 9 from the Jahanara Israil School & College. In this article I would like to share how my experience with education affected my mental and physical health. Growing up in a small town education was both a beacon of hope and a source of pressure for me. Being girl in a community where expectations were often limited by traditional roles, pursuing academic excellence was a double edged sword. I loved learning, but it came with challenges. In high school, I've thrown myself into my studies, aiming to prove that I can do something. The pressure to perform perfectly took a toll on my mental health. I struggled with anxiety and perfectionism, constantly feeling like I needed to meet unrealistic standards set by myself and others. It affected my sleep, my social life and even my physical health. There were days when I questioned whether pushing myself so hard was healthy. But then there were moments of triumph–acing a tough exam or receiving recognition for my achievement–that reminded me why I persisted. Through it all, I found support and unexpected places like teachers who believed in me and eventually a community of like minded individuals online, who shared similar experiences. Connecting with different people who are navigating the same challenges helped me realize that I was not alone. Education shaped not just my knowledge but also my resilience. It taught me to balance ambition with self care, to seek help when needed and to read and find success on my own terms. Today, I advocate for mental health awareness and support system to inspire others.