Growing up, I heard the words “hurry up” more times than I can count. Teachers, parents, and even my friends seemed to have very productive lives. But let me tell you, dealing with this all the time can be a headache. It’s like we’re expected to be as organized and efficient as machines, but where’s the fun in that?
We’re always racing against time, trying to fit as much into each moment as possible. But what about the little moments that are truly worth living?
This constant pressure to succeed in school and work also takes its toll. It’s like if you’re not constantly busy, you’re falling behind. Burnout is real, folks, and trust me, it’s not a good idea. We have to find a way to balance all of this. Breathe, smell the roses and relax 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 is not a competition; it’s a journey.
So what is the answer? I think it’s all about finding the right balance. Mix that balance with a really enjoyable process and maybe try the “slow lifestyle”.
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break! Photo: Shutterstock
Unrealistic beauty standards
Sherren Leung Sze-wun, Leung Shek Chee College
With the proliferation of media and the Internet, adolescents are increasingly exposed to idealized images, leading them to develop unrealistic expectations about their appearance. They become obsessed with using filters – tools that can make their face look 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 and cause them to pursue such beauty ideals, thereby setting unrealistic standards for adolescents.
Once they move away from the flawless filter, they may judge their appearance harshly, focusing on perceived flaws like skin texture or eye size. Some may even become so worried about their appearance that they consider plastic surgery. This promotes a distorted standard of beauty.
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 teens’ confidence in their natural appearance, harming their mental health. Schools should implement self-love education and teach adolescents to accept their imperfections.
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Rediscover the joy of board games
Abby Lun Tsz-yu, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School
In a world where technology connects people in new ways, old-fashioned board games remain a classic pastime for interacting with friends and family.
Board games promote communication and foster social connections in a way that electronic games simply cannot. In a game of Monopoly, players gather together, strategize together, and debate moves while enjoying each other’s company.
By playing board games, players can bond 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, forcing them to face a screen without visible faces or voices during gameplay.
Board games also provide 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 use complex techniques and strategies to outsmart their opponents. Players can also express their creativity and invent strategies, making board games unpredictable. Unlike the boring and repetitive nature of many electronic games, each part of a board game is unique.
Board games like Monopoly and chess promote social connections and critical thinking. Photo: AFP
Find Balance in a Fast-Changing World
Fung Wang-yin, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College
In Hong Kong’s highly competitive environment, the dense population yearns for a better life. The saying “the strong survive and the weak perish” is undoubtedly ingrained in the minds of many parents, leading their children into a never-ending cycle of stress.
Chinese-Irish YouTuber Steven He humorously portrays the “typical Asian parent stereotype” in several of his videos. However, behind the laughter lies the undeniable truth for Hong Kong’s children. From a young age, children are subjected to extracurricular activities and a relentless search for rewards, all to make their portfolio impressive. The pressure intensifies once they reach secondary school. Even in college, teens are stressed about their future job choices.
The typical life of a student revolves around studies. From a very young age, stress imposes itself on these young victims, depriving them of a happy childhood.
It’s no coincidence that our happiness levels are decreasing. We study for exam points rather than knowledge in the current education system.
It is high time to reform the education system for the mental health of current and future generations.