Written by: Nabil Aszami (4E 2022)
When we worry about something, our brains and bodies react with a stress response that resembles what happens when we have to run from danger. Well, let us face the facts, as we all grow older, we all get busier and lead more hectic lives, causing us to worry as a result. I was taught by teachers to pay attention to my body when I unwind after a long busy day. Through doing so, I have found myself enjoying my time listening to music deeply, and playing games.
Music has played a major role in my life since I was young. Every song I have listened to all holds different memories and holds a place in my heart. Take “It’s on again” as an example. It was the very song that played at the end of The Amazing Spider Man. I could still vividly remember the first time I heard it. As the movie ended, the song started playing and I was so hyped up. The movie really brought out my inner child and, as any child would, I, myself acted as if I was the hero to an imaginary world where I was a hero everyone needed. I swung out my hand, acting as if I were swinging with my webs from building to building, moving at fast speeds. As dumb as it may be, whenever I listened to said song, memories start rushing into my head, as if it was the very first time, I heard it again. This time in a third person view, I could see me as a kid really having fun, grinning from ear to ear. It gives me a huge wave of nostalgia, and I always feel happy remembering how much fun I had as a child. This is only one of many songs I cherish and every song I listen to will always be remembered with a memory, be it a sad, angry or happy, the nostalgia, without fail, brings a smile to my face. Thus, that is why through all the songs I listen to, it would always help me cool down.
Playing games has also helped me relax whenever I need to unwind from a busy day. As someone who enjoys fictional violence, I am constantly playing first person shooter games that have graphical content. “Valorant”, is one of the most well-known games at the moment with over millions playing all around the world. The main objective is to reach 13 points before the opponent does. To me, it is as if it was a drug I am addicted to. The ranking system has such a huge impact on me, constantly pushing me to strive for a higher rank. As of now, I am Platinum, and I am so proud of myself. I started off as the lowest rank but as I progressed and gained higher ranks, it made me feel a sense of achievement as it awarded me with rewards. Whenever I enter a game, a sense of adrenaline rushes through me. Whenever I kill a person in the game, I get slightly more happy, as I feel as if I am better than another player. Even when I am losing, I still feel delighted only because I don’t take the game seriously. Despite me playing a ranked game and losing, I am still happy to be able to play with my friends, forge bonds and create great memories with them. Whenever I play the game and manage to pull off an insane play, I get a huge sense of satisfaction as it all was done by me. It really is not the same as compared to watching a pro player doing it. This is because it was something that I did and it got me great results. I have to admit, the habit of mine is relaxing yet agitating. Why you may ask? That is because after a loss, it becomes quite annoying as I have played my best and it was not enough to help me achieve success. However, when I wake up in the morning, feeling tired after burning the midnight oil, I still feel quite joyful, knowing I have spent the night doing what I love.
One last hobby that helps me cool down after a long day is cycling. Everyone has different reasons to cycle. Some use it to exercise, some use it as a sport, however, I use it to relax. “How? Cycling is so tiring,” Is something that is so common to hear. Mysteriously, cycling through a park, along the road, or somewhere else entirely, has always helped me come to my senses. I hear the rowdy children, playing around the playground. I see teenagers hanging with their friends and having fun. I smell the aroma of dishes being cooked at the barbecue. No matter where I am, the bike always helps me be more aware of my surroundings. The calm wind brushing through my hair, the rising sun, surfacing as it were greeting me with bright rays of light. It fills me with great content as the thoughts as I cycle immerse me into some kind of dimension where the world revolves around me and I could control anything. Thus, this is why cycling helps me cool down after a long frantic day.
Over the years, I have come to the realization that hanging loose after a long day does not necessarily require physically resting on a bed. It boils down to what people define as satisfying or relaxing to them. As such, it differs from person to person. As we grow up, lives get busier, we get heavier responsibilities and our lives get more hectic. However, we need to always remember to leave a few hours for us to unwind and take a pause from our busy lives.
MJR World of Words 