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Healthy and happy within

By Alina Syed, age 17 | March 27, 2023

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MIND BODY BALANCE Alina Syed, a junior at The Awty International School, shares her lifelong passion for wellness with other young adults on her blog WTHN. Recent topics the blog has tackled include work burnout, mindful mornings, and workout recovery. (Photo: Laura Sanz)

Since I was a little girl, I have lived a healthy lifestyle. Whether through nutritious foods, exercising, or taking time to stretch every morning, I prioritize my health and wellness habits. As a junior at Awty, I balance AP classes, extracurriculars, and college applications with my self-care rituals – a daunting task. According to research organization Challenge Success, nearly three-quarters of American high schoolers described themselves as “often or always feeling stressed” by schoolwork. Statistics show how stress and mental burnout are some of the largest obstacles in students’ lives as they become young adults. I firmly believe that one’s health and self-care are the keys to living a stress-free and happy life.

That’s why I founded WTHN, a wellness platform to help young adults navigate student-life by prioritizing health and wellbeing. Being a teenager in today’s society is not easy, especially with social media setting unrealistic standards of perfection. WTHN strives to assist teens in managing stress and unlocking their best selves through fitness tips, nutritious recipes, and wellness advice. Weekly blog posts provide insights that help young adults discover their own sense of wellbeing. I aim for WTHN to be a supportive community for those looking for growth and balance.

As I’ve grown, I realized that the little things that bring me happiness hold significant weight in the way that I feel, such as cooking myself a delicious meal, going on a run, or simply doing my skincare routine. These activities distract me from the hectic responsibilities of my student life and motivate me to work harder. Our bodies, minds, and souls have the power to shape our lives, and it’s vital that we take care of ourselves during this stressful period.

Since launching WTHN, the positive feedback from my peers has further driven me to inspire others. As I continue my health and wellness journey, I aspire to expand my knowledge of self-care and wholesome living.

Editor’s note: Read Alina’s blog at wthnwellness.com. Alina also reports for our blog, School Buzz. You can read her stories and others here.

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