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Running from the Inside Out

Passage · Read carefully before answering

1For much of her life, Lena viewed physical exertion as a theatre of inadequacy. At school, she was routinely the last chosen for team sports and among the first to surrender to breathlessness. Exercise, in her mind, became associated not with vitality but with humiliation. That perception remained largely unchallenged until a doctor, with unsettling directness, warned her she was moving steadily toward burnout—physically depleted, emotionally fractured.

2For years, Lena had sustained the outward appearance of professional success. In a demanding marketing career, she had normalized exhaustion, replacing rest with caffeine, meals with convenience, and reflection with relentless productivity. Her life appeared efficient, even enviable, but beneath that surface was erosion. The diagnosis—fatigue, nutrient deficiency, low mood—was hardly catastrophic, yet it disrupted the story she had been telling herself.

3Her first response to running was skepticism. The idea that movement could remedy a life unraveling at its emotional seams seemed almost absurd. Yet on her first run, as discomfort rose in her lungs and limbs, another sensation surfaced unexpectedly—grief. Not grief for lost opportunities, but for a neglected self she had abandoned to ambition.

4Over time, running ceased to function as mere exercise. It became a discipline of attention. As her endurance deepened, so did her capacity for inner stillness. The racing thoughts that once governed her softened. In the rhythm of repeated strides, she encountered a form of understanding unavailable in the transactional logic of work. The pavement, in ways difficult to articulate, offered a kind of truth.

5She no longer ran to optimize herself but to inhabit herself. Fitness was no longer the goal; presence was. Her circumstances remained largely unchanged—deadlines persisted, pressures endured—yet her relation to them had shifted. What emerged was not triumph in any dramatic sense, but something quieter: resilience shaped from self-recognition.

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The Cost of Success

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AIn modern society, success is often seen as the main goal in life. From a young age, people are encouraged to work hard and achieve big goals. Many believe that working long hours shows commitment and value. As a result, this way of thinking has become a normal part of everyday life.

BAlthough this strong focus on success may seem positive, it can also have negative effects. Studies show that long periods of stress can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and anxiety. Even so, many people continue to live in ways that do not support their long-term health.

CSome people believe these sacrifices are necessary to succeed. However, this idea often ignores the long-term impact of stress. Success may look attractive, but it can hide problems that appear later. More and more evidence shows that this way of living cannot continue forever.

DThe problem may not be the demands themselves, but how people accept them without question. When working too much is seen as normal, people feel pressure to follow the same pattern. Many continue these habits even though they know the risks, which raises questions about whether they truly have a choice.

ESome people see this as hard work, while others see it as unhealthy. This difference shows a larger issue in modern life. Ambition can lead to success, but it may also cause harm if it is not controlled. The real question is whether success is worth the cost.

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The Myth of Constant Wellness

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1In a culture increasingly obsessed with optimization, wellness has become both an aspiration and a commodity. Social media feeds overflow with images of green smoothies, intense workouts, and serene meditation spaces—curated slices of life that suggest balance is both achievable and expected. Yet behind this aesthetic of control lies an unsettling paradox: the pursuit of wellness often breeds the very stress it seeks to eliminate.

2The modern wellness industry, now worth billions, promises transformation through discipline. Apps track sleep cycles, diets are measured in macros, and fitness routines are planned with near-military precision. But this level of hyper-awareness can provoke anxiety, not alleviate it. When every choice—from hydration to breathwork—is moralized, imperfection becomes failure.

3More concerning is the shift in responsibility from system to self. Rather than addressing social or economic conditions that affect well-being—like income inequality, work stress, or lack of access to mental health services—the wellness narrative often locates the problem within the individual. You are tired? Try yoga. Anxious? Journal. Exhausted? Perhaps you're not drinking enough celery juice.

4This isn't to dismiss the value of self-care, but to question when self-care becomes self-surveillance. A balanced life cannot be engineered by metrics alone. Genuine health emerges not from relentless tracking, but from acceptance of fluctuation, imperfection, and rest. In this light, wellness is not a state to be achieved, but a rhythm to be respected.

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The Unopened Letter

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1Mira sat in the dim glow of her desk lamp, the letter resting on the edge of her books like an unopened secret. It had arrived three days ago, handwritten in looping script she hadn't seen in over six years—her father's. The man who had walked out of her life the day after her twelfth birthday without explanation, leaving behind a silence that echoed louder than any goodbye.

2For years, Mira had told herself she didn't care. She had grown used to the absence, built walls with logic and self-reliance. But tonight, the letter's presence unsettled her. It was as if someone had whispered her name in an empty room.

3She traced the edge of the envelope with trembling fingers. Her heart pounded—not from fear, but from the fragile hope she had spent years suppressing. What could he possibly say now? Why now?

4She stood up, walked across the room, and opened the window. The cool air met her face like clarity. Below, the city pulsed with life—cars murmuring, people moving on. Yet here she was, paused in a moment that had been waiting for her all along.

5Mira had imagined this countless times—how she'd react, what he might say. But now that the moment had arrived, she felt none of the satisfaction or righteous anger she thought would anchor her. Just a deep, gnawing ache of unasked questions and unfinished sentences.

6She placed the letter back on the table. It wasn't time yet. She didn't know if she was ready to read it, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to know what it contained. But for the first time in years, she allowed herself to feel what she had been avoiding: the truth that his absence had mattered. That she had waited, in her own way, all this time. Outside, the wind rustled the leaves like distant footsteps.

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Power of Green Technology

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12021 will be the most significant year yet for combating climate change. Two recent developments have made this possible. First, while scientists warn the world that the worst impacts of climate change will soon be felt if we do not reduce emissions dramatically, these impacts can already be seen. From the historic and deadly wildfires in Australia and California, to severe flooding around the world, there is no denying that climate change is already disrupting our daily lives. At the same time, support for climate action has never been stronger as society is ever more unified against the threat of climate change.

2Second, we are seeing promising technologies which will bring carbon-free energy within reach. Not long ago it was very hard to imagine a constant carbon-free electricity supply as the wind does not always blow and there is no sun at night. However, better energy storage and the reduction of costs associated with wind and solar power, have made the world more optimistic. Compared to ten years ago, it costs 70% less to produce wind power and this reduction is even higher, 89%, when it comes to the production of solar power.

3Another one of those promising technologies is artificial technology (AI). Mainly technological companies use AI to optimise electricity consumption in their workplaces. Their approach can also be used by other commercial buildings, including airports and shopping malls. AI can also be used to make wind power more predictable, which will increase the value, utilization and adoption of renewable energy.

4Technology is helping cities reduce their carbon emissions. This is a critical step forward as cities contribute over 70% of the world's greenhouse-gas emissions. Technology is also helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change that are already apparent. Scientists, for example, are in a position to use satellite data to map wild-fires in real time and better predict how they might spread. In India, flood forecasting models use AI to predict when floods will hit and how deep the waters will get, helping save lives.

5There is no doubt that global frameworks to ensure we are working towards the same goals are needed. This is possible as we have seen this kind of collaboration during the pandemic. The private sector and governments have worked together to deliver personal protective equipment, medical devices and contacting apps needed to fight the virus. This strong partnership will be just as critical in fighting climate change.

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Changes to Healthcare

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1The advantage of technology for most people who use it is that they can message and talk with friends. Another advantage, for the lucky few, is that they could become a celebrity by creating a website. Many people use social media to connect with other individuals, but technology also benefits the wider community, especially in healthcare.

2Advanced testing equipment provides more efficient feedback to patients. Before modern testing methods became available, patients had waited longer for results to arrive, the consequence of which was delayed treatment that harmed their chance of a full recovery. Nowadays, treatments are not delayed for long. Samples can be analysed immediately after they are taken and the results are sent by email, cutting waiting time dramatically. As far as healthcare professionals are concerned, fast responding equipment is essential.

3Computerised records, which hold all the information about patients' health and medication in one place, ensure that doctors have all the relevant information about patients. Before digital systems were used, rooms had been filled with paper files which could get lost or damaged. Now, doctors and nurses feel more confident that they have all the relevant data. It is thought that patients probably benefit even more than the doctors, knowing that all their previous health history is available to staff every time they visit the hospital or clinic. Similarly, worried family members don't need to be upset with intrusive questions about loved ones during difficult times. A disadvantage of relying on this technology is that medical staff may need training in computer skills. Computerised records are easy to access, on the condition that people know how to use the technology.

4The benefit of using the internet to research symptoms is that it is a quick way of avoiding unnecessary doctor visits, provided that you think about the information you read carefully. Panic might be felt as a consequence of symptoms of a minor illness being mistaken for those of a more serious one. If you take care, using the internet to find treatments for general aches and pains is easy and fast. It's going to be unnecessary to visit the doctor with minor health issues in the future due to online assistance. Overall, health benefits are going to increase even more as new technology is developed.

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Khalid's Exercise Business

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1Khalid is a young Emirati who has decided to set up his own exercise business. But this business is not in a gym, but rather offers exercise programmes online — with a series of training sessions which you can log in and use any time.

2He had the idea one day when he became tired of using his local gym. Although the gym he went to offered personal training, he found it was often very busy. Khalid also worked very late most nights. Often when he finished work, the gyms had closed.

3With his online programme, Khalid can offer people what they need to train on. It can be as easy or as difficult as they need. People can use it first thing in the morning or last thing at night. "I kept it online, so it is more popular with a wide range of people," he tells us. "Also, it means we can offer quite cheap programmes. I believe all of this will make it attractive to many people."

4What about the future of Khalid's business? Khalid has had offers to partner with other companies, but he has said no to all of them. He wants to offer more programmes soon, like meditation and yoga. He hasn't decided yet if he will open his own gym! Whatever he decides, we hope that Khalid's business continues to be a success.

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Natural Meditation

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1Meditation is becoming more popular — some schools offer it in classes. Offices set aside half an hour from the workday for it. Many people gather in parks to enjoy it. Meditation is not just an exercise but also big business. And one company in Iceland has a new offer — so as to create the maximum feeling of calm, they offer meditation classes near a thermal spring.

2Hind practices meditation but spent years only practising at clubs and at her work. A friend of hers encouraged her to meditate in a range of natural spaces. "I wish I had tried this many years ago," she told us. After the effect it had on her, she wasn't surprised to hear about the Icelandic company's idea.

3Hind says that she really felt the benefits of this practice one particular time. She was meditating near a waterfall and relaxed by focussing on the sound of the water. At the time, she had a bad injury in her neck — and was amazed to find that this meditation really helps with her healing!

4Meditating in various buildings was more difficult for Hind than meditating in any natural space. "I even once meditated near a volcano! And yet, strangely, meditation in this environment was easier than meditating in my bedroom or living room. The outside noises were a big problem for me."

5No matter where you meditate, the most important thing is to concentrate on that constant talking you have in your own mind and make it quiet. In outside spaces, you might achieve that by listening to the noises outside of you. In indoor spaces, you probably need to try and ignore those distracting noises. But the key is to try and forget all your little worries from the events of that day.

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Sport Injury Treatment

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1It is often believed that sports and exercise are an essential part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle — and they certainly are for most. However, it is also often reported how a simple injury or lack of care when doing particularly hard exercise can soon develop into a life-threatening condition. This can be particularly important when exercising in hot weather. While building a sweat in heat has certain benefits, you do need to occasionally get some shade — however, the key is hydration. The less water you drink in these conditions, the more likely you are to develop a serious condition.

2One such case of this was Brian. A heavy jogging session soon ended when he had a nasty fall and hit his head. He had very few symptoms, a bit of dizziness and a headache which soon passed. He had been planning to pick up some over-the-counter medicine on the way home to treat his symptoms. However, he remembered the possibilities he had read about and decided to treat it as if the symptoms had been more serious. He got medical attention at his local hospital, and his doctor told him he was very lucky — he was showing first symptoms of a serious head injury called a concussion and could have been brought in an ambulance if he hadn't acted sooner. His dehydration had also made his condition worse.

3Science has brought us a range of treatments for sporting injuries, and we are excited to see what new ones will soon be available. More modern treatments, such as stem-cell therapy can even cure the most serious injuries, since these work by helping people rebuild muscles. They are currently extremely expensive but, maybe, such treatment will one day be available to all.

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Self-driving Cars

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1Driverless cars, which are about to become a common part of our daily lives, are vehicles that drive without human control. They use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to move safely and make decisions. These cars, which are often electric, are usually more fuel-efficient than traditional vehicles and can help reduce emissions, especially if they use renewable energy sources.

2One clear benefit of driverless cars is safety. A machine doesn't get tired or distracted and is so much safer than human drivers that it can cut the number of accidents by as much as 90%. They also consume up to 30% less energy when driving smoothly and may reduce traffic jams by more than 50%. Self-driving cars could offer greater independence to groups such as very old people, or people with disabilities, who are unable to drive on their own.

3Many experts, however, share the opinion published by The Atlantic magazine that those cars also pose some real dangers. Driverless vehicles tend to perform poorly in unexpected situations, such as extreme weather, according to their recent article. An engineer is quoted as saying, "I wish I'd been able to teach this car what snow is." Also, human actions inside or around the car can be unexpected, leading to accidents. Future passengers should know that trying to stop or leave the driverless car in motion can be dangerous. Similarly, the general public should avoid touching driverless cars, as it might confuse the electric sensors of the car.

4The list of problems continues. Many employees in driving jobs may lose their work. In the USA alone, there are about 2.5 million truck drivers, and almost a million bus and taxi drivers. This means that the introduction of driverless vehicles can be a threat to over 3 million people, most of whom decline other work and depend on driving for a living. Additionally, self-driving cars might affect traffic and public transport more negatively than expected in cities that are not well designed and lack effective laws.

5In conclusion, while driverless cars might be able to improve transport one day, they must be introduced carefully. Strong laws and smart planning are essential to prevent them from having the opposite effect and making things worse.

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Hadeel's Journey

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1By the age of sixteen, Hadeel had demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, becoming the fastest young runner her club had ever trained. She felt confident that her application for the national team would be successful. However, the introduction of a more intense training programme caused her exhausted body to decline, which was dangerous for her health and wellbeing.

2Only a month before the trials, she began experiencing a constant fever, aching muscles, and other concerning symptoms. At the hospital, doctors identified a rare viral infection, which was shocking news that left Hadeel anxious and deeply discouraged. Immediate treatment was necessary, and doctors warned her that recovery could take months. They explained that if she had rested more during her training, her health wouldn't be deteriorating now. That observation had a significant impact on Hadeel, contributing to her developing symptoms of depression. While her friends continued training, she remained at home, feeling isolated and forgotten.

3Her coach, recognizing she was on the point of giving up, visited Hadeel personally. She encouraged Hadeel to reconnect with the enthusiastic and ambitious person she had once been. This appeal proved effective, as it stirred a determination that she had assumed was lost.

4By September, Hadeel had made considerable progress and was selected for the team, a moment that she later described as one of the most rewarding experiences she had ever had. While she felt proud of her recovery, she acknowledged the importance of respecting her limits. She promised herself to stay loyal to her wellbeing, a choice that many would view as the most relevant lesson she had learned from the experience.

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Eco-anxiety

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1The growing awareness of environmental issues has caused a considerable rise in eco-anxiety among young people around the world. Eco-anxiety, a deep fear of environmental crisis such as declining ecosystems, global warming and pollution, affects emotional wellbeing. This can lead to severe depression, which is an understandable but damaging consequence as people stop participating in their community. Young people may feel so anxious that they are on the point of seeking health support, though increasingly this stress is actually motivating them to join environmental programmes.

2COP28, held in Dubai in 2023, was described by many as the most inclusive conference that the world had seen, featuring a Youth, Children, Skills, and Education Day that gave young people a platform to share their stories and discuss climate solutions. The application of measures to address potential feelings of helplessness and despair amongst students attending environmental studies courses illustrates the level of concern. The UAE Ministry of Education strategy (2023) clearly demonstrates the significant emotional impact of environmental concerns on youth and focuses on emotional wellbeing and mental strength as part of their climate education policy. The success of such plans appears to be confirmed by a survey which reports that many young UAE residents have expressed a desire to be part of environmental projects and are hopeful about protecting future resources. If emotional education had not been addressed through these initiatives, the younger generation would not have been able to engage so powerfully at COP28.

3When we spoke to Maryam, a student passionate about climate action, she explained how taking part in conservation projects helps her manage eco-anxiety. "If I hadn't converted my worry into relevant action by getting involved in these rewarding projects," she said, "I would have felt consumed by negative emotions." Maryam experiences pride in attending clean-up campaigns, planting trees and collecting recyclable waste in her neighborhood. Inspired by Greta Thunberg's message that "hope is not something you find; it is something you create," she believes that building hope is even more important than constructing solar panels or rescuing forests. The most effective method she has found for spreading this belief in a brighter future is showing people that the small actions they take every day have important consequences.

4In conclusion, the rise of eco-anxiety has created not only fear but also a new wave of optimism, creativity, and leadership. The younger generation are proving that emotional commitment to the planet can produce real, thoughtful progress. Whilst climate change is probably the greatest issue humanity has encountered historically, eager and motivated young people like Maryam are inspiring adults to do more. With such loyal determination, I am more confident that a safer, cleaner future can be built for everyone.