How Physical Activity Can Boost Your Mood and Mental Health By: Madhurika Velayutha Perumal

 How Physical Activity Can Boost Your Mood and Mental Health

By: Madhurika Velayutha Perumal

Grade 9 - South Brunswick High School

These days, a lot of people, especially teens, deal with stress and anxiety pretty regularly. While there are plenty of ways to cope it, one of the best ways is to get active. Regular exercise can seriously boost your mood and help with your mental well-being.

As you start to exercise, your body produces endorphins, which are referred as nature's happy chemicals. These can boost your energy levels and enlighten your mood. Even a short workout, whether it's a jog or a calm walk in your neighborhood, it can brighten your mood and release the tension that circulates throughout the day.

Sticking to a regular exercise routine can also bring some structure to your life. Having a plan to work out can help you feel more put-together and promote healthier habits. Whether it’s hitting the gym, joining a sports team, or trying out yoga, moving your body is a great way to feel better both mentally and physically.

In my opinion, physical activity is one of the best ways to cope with stress and improve overall mental health. There's something incredibly refreshing about getting your body moving, whether it's through a high energy workout or a simple walk outside. It not only helps clear my mind but also brightens my mood almost instantly.

I believe that finding an activity you genuinely enjoy makes it even more effective, as it turns exercise into a fun activity rather than a chore. Plus, the social factor of working out with friends can make it an even more enjoyable experience. 

Overall, I think incorporating regular physical activity into our lives is essential for maintaining a positive mindset and a healthy emotional and mental state. You can tackle stress and anxiety, boost your mood, and create connections with others. So, embracing an active lifestyle isn't just good for your body; it's a neat move for your happiness too!

Why Everyone Should Learn Basic Computer Science By Mirudhula Velayutha Perumal

         Why Everyone Should Learn Basic Computer Science

By Mirudhula Velayutha Perumal

April 7 2026

Grade 9- South Brunswick High school 

Computer science is becoming a part of everything we do which's why I think everyone should learn the basics of computer science. Even if you do not want a career in computer science, understanding how computers work and the language used to program can be really useful in life.

One reason it is important to learn computer science is because computer science helps you understand how many things work. Computer science can help you with problem-solving and logical thinking. Learning computer science will not only help you in computer science but also in school and in your daily life too.

Another reason it is important to learn computer science is that computer science technology is everywhere. From phones to cars,  we use computer science technology all the time. Learning the basics of computer science helps you understand how computers work and function

It can also open up opportunities for you. Many jobs today require some knowledge of computer science technology. Having basic computer science skills can give you an advantage. Even simple skills like coding or understanding computer science algorithms can be helpful in careers.

Overall, learning the basics of computer science is important because computer science improves how you understand things, helps you with solving life problems and logical thinking and gives you better opportunities for careers. Computer science helped me see how all the computers and devices we use have a whole language to themselves. And when I started to learn the language it helped me to see problems outside the box and looking for more than one solution. Computer science is a skill that everyone can benefit from no matter what they choose to do with computer science.

Why is Rain Calming? By Mridula Murugan

 Why is Rain Calming?

By Mridula Murugan

According to an article from The Mind Company, the sound of rain makes everything feel calmer, even having benefits, such as helping you fall asleep easier. There is science behind this supposed power, changing the way that your brain reacts to the sound of rain. These rain sounds are often very repetitive and come at a lower pitch, making your nervous system feel like the sounds are familiar to you. It can act like a sort of natural white noise to help you feel calm and at ease. It might even bring back comforting memories that give you a calm and relaxed feeling. 

The article also explains that it can affect the way you rest, because of the other effects of rain. Since rainy weather also comes with low sunlight and lower air pressure, it makes your body feel sleepier and ready to take a nap. When replicating this with rain sounds, you might still find it easier to fall asleep. Another reason that rain is calming is because of the emotional connection to it, especially with what it represents. Since rainy weather allows for a day spent inside, resting away from the cold weather, it feels like a sign to let go of the stress and stay calm.

To me, the rain is calming because it feels like everything slows down in those moments. It relaxes my brain and makes everything else feel quieter, allowing for a peaceful and focused mood. While the rainy weather might be the best time to rest, I believe it’s a great time to settle in for a comforting book or show to keep you company. In these moments, it’s easy to understand why rain is the best natural source of calm.

Works Cited

Wormsley, Colleen. “Why Is Rain so Calming? The Science behind Sleeping to Nature’s Soothing Sounds.” The Mind Company, 19 Sept. 2025, themindcompany.com/blog/why-is-rain-so-calming.

How to Remember What You Read By Mridula Murugan

 How to Remember What You Read

By Mridula Murugan

It’s important to know that remembering what you read is not just about having a good memory. It revolves around having a purpose and actually doing something with those ideas afterward. In the article, James Clear explains that people should focus on books that are worthwhile, choose how to apply them to real life, and avoid treating it like a race. One strategy is to take notes in a way that you can actually return to them later, effectively understanding what you read. This means creating notes that are searchable, highlighting key passages, and writing important notes that are concise but independent of what you remember.

Always remember that you can always quit a book, especially if the quality of the ideas does not stick out to you. The article emphasizes that the opportunity cost is too high to be wasting your time on average books and average ideas. The books that you should pick are the ones that provide wisdom that are actually able to be used immediately. At the end of each book, write a short summary so you can maintain the main ideas and be able to review all your notes and ideas quickly. 

For me, I always notice that I remember reading better when I actually think about what I’m reading as I do. If I simply read a book for a certain time spent reading or to reach the end of the chapter, I won’t truly process what I’m reading. Instead, if I think about how that novel or article applies to something in my life, they continue to stand out to me long after I put it down. In the end, make sure to put in effort continuously to retain all the knowledge that you interact with. 

Works Cited

Clear, James. “Reading Comprehension: How to Retain More of Every Book You Read.” James Clear, 3 Sept. 2018, jamesclear.com/reading-comprehension-strategies.

Margins By Mridula Murugan

 Margins

By Mridula Murugan

Margins wait

beside the page,

quiet places

blank and pale.

They are not

the center line,

not the sentence

meant to shine.

Still they hold

the smaller things—

question marks,

half-finished thoughts,

tiny stars,

crooked arrows,

words written fast

before they’re lost.

They make room

for extra doubt,

for a change of mind.

What does not fit

in a perfect line

simply settles

at the side.

Clock By Mridula Murugan

 Clock

By Mridula Murugan

On the wall,

it waits without resting,

hands moving

whether anyone looks or not.

A clock is patient

with no hurry,

yet it never stops.

It simply keeps going,

minute after minute,

carrying mornings into afternoons,

afternoons into night.

Sometimes it feels gentle,

like in a quiet classroom

when the light falls across the desks

and the second hand circles

as if nothing in the world

could break the calm.

Other times it feels louder,

a sharper pressure,

when someone is waiting

for an answer,

a decision,

a door to open,

a moment to end.

Cherry Blossoms By Mridula Murugan

 Cherry Blossoms

By Mridula Murugan

Spring arrives

without much noise,

just a softer wind,

a little more light.

Cherry blossoms open

like soft light,

spreading through branches

in shades of pale pink.

The breeze moves through 

with a simple ease,

and petals drift down

slow as quiet thoughts.

The world is gentler,

touched by their color.

They do not stay long,

and their beauty feels deeper

because it will pass.

Still, while they bloom,

they make spring feel visible,

like the season itself

has taken a shape.