Written by: Keeland Neo (4E 2022)
I am a typical 16 year-old whose life runs like a well-oiled machine. Weekdays are filled with tuition classes which I am obliged to attend after school, and my weekends are not spared from activities such as playing table tennis and running. My parents waste no time in getting me to become the ‘perfect being’ they envision me to be-a person who is like a valedictorian and a sports prodigy. With every day of my week packed with activities, my days run like clockwork precision. Fortunately, the activities I did as a child-playing table tennis and running – have become my closest companions when I experience bouts of stress.
When I was younger, my parents used to sign me up to copious amounts of activities, one of which was table tennis.The moment I stepped into the table tennis room, I heard the sound of small plastic beads hitting the floor ceaselessly. The sounds turned out to be from table tennis balls hitting the walls and floors at break-neck speeds. The sight of people playing table tennis was to me enthralling, or even mesmerizing. Observing people shuffle their feet around while moving their hands with such dexterity and accuracy, was simply stunning. Leaving me agog with excitement and raring to play it as a sport. The possibility of me playing at a high level was simply like a dream to me. It would not be a stretch to say that table tennis was my first love. Over the years of playing, table tennis has become my drug of choice to relax and relieve my tense nerves at the end of a stressful day. Sometimes when I play, I can feel myself being transported to a different realm where it feels like I can do no wrong, it feels like I am in the zone and nothing can stop me, all my stress goes away instantly.I like to imagine myself playing in front of spectators who cheer me on. By the end of the match, I was awarded with a standing ovation for the magnificent match I have just played. As of recently, I have even made new friends from table tennis who I share everything with, from arguments, complaints and even celebrity crushes. I do not have aspirations to become a professional table tennis player, I am content to just stay in my small club and play to my heart’s content.
Physical activities have always been a stress-reliever for me, particularly long distance running. I enjoy running alone as it gives me a sense of freedom and allows me to clear my mind. I love running at dawn through the woody reservoir within close proximity to my home, where not only are the trees mature and their timbers are aged, but also where the first stream of daylight that streams in from the canopy layer illuminates the dust like ethereal confetti. This tranquil and serene oasis with lush greenery is my go-to place when something bad happens like failing an examination or a friendship going asunder. Running through this forested stretch feels extremely therapeutic for me as it replaces the hurly-burly of my student life with a placid one. When I get home, my energy magically feels restored and I feel ready to face the onslaught of work.
As our lives become increasingly busy with more commitments and responsibilities growing with age, it is important to engage in activities we enjoy doing and put a pause on our hectic place of life. Doing so will reduce stress, increase productivity, regulate our emotions as well as improve our overall well-being and mental health especially during this global pandemic.
MJR World of Words 