Alex Tiffany

For me, finding peace often happens when I’m out in nature. Sometimes I like to listen to music, and other times just the sounds around me - a stream or river nearby, the crunch of the leaves beneath my feet as I step, or birds chirping in the distance. Sunsets and sunrises are my favorite times to be out in nature. The light changes in a way that pulls my attention away from the tendency to overthink and worry, into the present moment and my surroundings. I love how quiet my thoughts become, naturally, without trying. Not only do these moments help me physically, but also free up mental space, making all my unhelpful or unproductive thoughts disappear. During AP exam season in high school, I built a routine around getting out in nature before studying. Preparing for six tests at once seemed unmanageable, that was until I stepped away from the screens and stressors, even just for a brief moment. That break, though short, cleared my head enough to concentrate better and lock in on what I had to do. Slowly, it turned into a habit that showed me that balance matters just as much as effort when studying or working towards some goal. Whether I'm hiking a trail or simply walking through campus, the outdoors give me that breathing room I need to reset and refocus my mind. It's a small but meaningful part of my life.