Your Voice: Embracing a slow lifestyle, joys of classic board games (short letters)

Growing up, I heard the words “hurry up” more times than I can count. Teachers, parents and even my friends seemed to have such productive lives. But let me tell you, dealing with it all the time can be a headache. It is as if we are expected to be as highly organised and efficient as machines, but where is the fun in that?

We are always racing against time, trying to pack as much as possible into every moment. But what about the small moments that truly make life worth living?

This constant pressure to perform in school and work also takes its toll. It feels like if you aren’t constantly busy, you are falling behind. Burnout is real, folks, and believe me, it’s not a good look. We have to find a way to balance it all. Take a breath, smell the roses and take it easy for a while.

This whole “time is money” mentality is a bit misguided. We have fast food, instant messaging, and all these other things that are supposed to make our lives easier. But in the end, they often make us more impatient. Life isn’t a competition; it’s a journey.

So what’s the answer? I think it’s all about finding the sweet spot. Mix that balance with a truly enjoyable process, and maybe try the “slow lifestyle.”

Sherren Leung Sze-wun, Leung Shek Chee College

With the proliferation of media and the internet, teenagers are increasingly exposed to idealised images, leading them to develop unrealistic expectations about their appearance. They become obsessed with using filters – tools that can make their faces appear flawless – but this can exacerbate their appearance anxiety.

The way filters seamlessly alter facial features is alarming. The more realistic the effect, the more it can disillusion people into chasing such beauty ideals, setting unrealistic standards for teenagers.

Once they step away from the flawless filter, they may harshly judge their appearance, fixating on perceived flaws like skin texture or eye size. Some may even become so anxious about their appearance that they consider plastic surgery. This promotes a distorted beauty standard.

Teenagers’ excessive pursuit of perfection and inability to accept their imperfections can lead to increased anxiety and negatively impact their mental health.

Filters can erode teenagers’ self-confidence in their natural appearance, harming their mental health. Schools should implement education on self-love and teach teenagers to embrace their imperfections.

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Abby Lun Tsz-yu, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School

In a world where technology connects people in new ways, old-school board games remain a classic pastime for engaging with friends and family.

Board games promote communication and foster social bonds in ways that electronic games simply cannot. In a game of Monopoly, players gather around, strategise together and debate moves while enjoying each other’s company.

By playing board games, players can forge connections and make friends along the way. Indeed, nothing beats having a friend with the same passion for board games. In contrast, electronic games often isolate players, requiring them to face a screen with no visible faces or voices during gameplay.

Board games also offer unique mental stimulation. Playing chess can help develop critical thinking and strategic skills. During board games, players must plan, predict their opponents’ future moves, and employ intricate techniques and strategies to outsmart their opponents. Players can also express creativity and invent strategies, making board games unpredictable. Unlike the dull and repetitive nature of many electronic games, every round of a board game is unique.

Fung Wang-yin, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College

In the highly competitive environment of Hong Kong, the dense population all strives for a better life. The saying “the strong survive and the weak perish” is undoubtedly embedded in the minds of many parents, leading their children into an endless cycle of stress.

Chinese-Irish YouTuber Steven He humorously portrays the typical “Asian parent stereotype” in many of his videos. However, behind the laughs lies the undeniable truth for Hong Kong kids. From a young age, children are subjected to extracurricular activities and the relentless pursuit of rewards, all to make their portfolios look impressive. The pressure intensifies once they reach secondary school. Even in university, adolescents stress over future job choices.

The typical student’s life revolves around studying. Even from a young age, stress is imposed on these young victims, robbing them of a happy childhood.

It is no coincidence that our happiness levels are declining. We study for exam points rather than knowledge in the current education system.

It is high time the education system is reformed for the mental health of current and future generations.