CONTEST: Learning to face difficult times

The times have changed and sometimes it feels like the world is going to explode, a lot calamities ranging from global warming to insecurity, terrorism, food scarcity and a whole lot of of other issues including our own personal situations. It is like we are being kept on the edge, a lot of pressure and all these take a huge toll on us and sometimes we breakdown. This is the time safe guarding our Mental Health should become a priority. When we are overwhelmed by the challenges we face, it takes a huge toll not just on our bodies but our mind as well, we begin to diminish in various areas of our lives, it can affect our work, academics, the way we interact and even our Health takes a hit. Recently we have seen Big Superstars like Naomi Osaka withdraw for a while to protect her mental health.

That's why with all the turbulence going on we need to find a way to relax not just our body but also our mind. To retain our sanity in a world of insanity, so a lot of folks have deviced various ways that helps them relax, some folks relax by taking certain drugs that act as tranquilizers, some relax by going to the Spa or gym or even catching up with friends. It all depends on what works for such person.

What activity do I do that helps me relax?

Playing Basketball helps me to relax not just my body but my mind as well. Some may view basketball as just tall guys throwing and catching a ball while running around but it is beyond just a physical activity for me. It helps take my mind off worries, it keeps me focused and helps releases stiff nerve, my body is fully alive. This exercise keeps my body in a good state which in turn helps me to relax and it helps me think things clearly. Since Basketball is not a one man game I am able to catch or keep in contact with my friends and having great conversations with friends is also a good way to relax. Playing Basketball also helped me get through the pandemic.

How long have I being doing it?

I have being playing Basketball as a way of exercising and relaxing my body since 2018 when I entered into the university. I school at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus and I can you the Den as it is fondly call is not a child's play ground, the stress students go through is out of this world especially when you stay off campus and you have to wake up as early as 6:00am to meet up with lectures. Most times we end classes very late and you have to walk all the way back home. All these take a huge toll on oneself not just physically but mentally as well. So despite the busy schedule I always make out time to engage in basketball as this helps me relax better.

What benefits have you obtained doing this type of activity?

Basketball is a game of strategy, so you have to be sharp, quick and be able to read the body language of both your teammates and your opponent as well. I apply this principle in whatever I do. It also keeps me fit both mentally and physically. After playing basketball I feel relaxed and I think better, it feels like I have nothing to worry about. It's a good feeling on the inside like a therapy that energizes my body and soul.

Do you recommend the activity to release stress?

Yes I totally recommend basketballing as an activity to release stress. According to research playing basketball helps the body release feel-good hormones such as dopamine which helps releases stress. Engaging in this sports helps improve balance and co-ordination as well as building endurance and developing concentration and self-discipline. It also helps one feel calmer and well relaxed and it is a fun way to put some regular exercise into ones lifestyle and it can help improve your mood.

My personal experience or advice about the activity I do?

After playing basketball and freshening up there are things I always notice. I feel calm on the inside like I am at peace with myself and I stop feeling pains in my joints. I feel lighter, happier and more satisfied with myself as my mind is more relaxed than ever. My sleeping condition has improved and I no longer have sleepless nights. So I will advice people to engage in sports especially basketball. For the sake of mental and physical fitness always find time or activity that helps you relax this is very vital. Stress is a deadly killer that can cripple your body but by engaging in activities that helps you relax it is the best cure for stress.

Me going for the layup