I want to stop putting so much pressure on myself to be perfect, and always worrying about things. I'm always stressed, and I can't focus on what's important: my happiness.
I need to stop thinking about what my parents did, and if I'm going to get into college/signed, and how my life is going to turn out. The people around me should not influence my life and who I am as a person/how I live.
I will do this by keeping my stress levels down and just focusing on me. The mantra "Imma do me" will be how I have my outlook on life. I will be (insert name here) and not worry about anyone else, and not put so much pressure on myself to be perfect. (I totally did not mean to/realize that I was repeating verbatim my first sentence.) Also, I am going to be confident and proud of my freakishly long legs! And make choices for ME, not anyone else. - high school student, Florida
I would like to put less pressure on myself. I need to accept that mistakes happen and it will be all right when they do. That would release some stress from school and other activities. I would also like to be more open with people. I can achieve those goals by taking time to relax and taking the time to tell people how I'm really feeling. - high school student, Florida
Over the past few years, I have dealt with a lot of stress and anxiety. I often bite my nails and find various things to worry about. School usually gives me the most stress, and it can be challenging to cope with it. Recently, I took up running, which greatly improves my mental health. At first, I made this change in my lifestyle to stay active and fit, but I soon found out that running is a great escape for me. I can escape my troubles and my worries, and enter into an entirely different state. I put my headphones in and release myself from reality. Running is like a form of meditation for me; I can alleviate myself from stress and just focus on my mind. This form of exercise helps me manage my stress. I have wanted to change my stress levels for a long time, and running has certainly helped with that. Because of running, I feel that I am a much calmer person and I feel happier. I love sweating during these runs because I equate it to the washing away of my stress. I also love to surround myself with nature when I run because I can connect spiritually with that. - high school student, Florida
