Make your holiday count

During this past National Day holiday, I traveled to Macao with my family and had a great deal of fun. While catching up with several friends, I was surprised to discover that they spent their time much like they did in school: attending extra classes at training centers or online, and immersing themselves in tests and homework. I almost felt guilty for enjoying myself so much while they were studying. However, despite admiring their productivity, I reflected on the importance of maintaining a work-life balance for myself.

If I devoted all my time to studying and considered having fun a waste of time, what value would there be in living a joyless life? Such immense pressure could lead to burnout, ultimately reducing my productivity.

Unlike robots, humans require moments to relax and contemplate their lives, rather than studying or working nonstop. It’s our intrinsic curiosity, desire to explore the world and ourselves, and inclination to enjoy life that set us apart from machines.

The tradition of holidays and celebrations, spanning thousands of years, exists for a reason — to remind us humans to take breaks from work and study. We should seize these opportunities to revel in the company of our loved ones and indulge in some personal time.

Some people may choose to spend their time as homebodies by sleeping, eating, binge-watching shows, or playing games online. Yet, in my view, this isn’t the most rewarding way to spend a holiday. Time passes swiftly, and they may regret not doing anything meaningful when the holiday comes to an end.

Our experiences and memories shape who we are. Therefore, I encourage them to make their leisure time purposeful. They can bond with their families and friends by cooking a meal together, enjoying it around a table while having conversations. They can also savor personal moments by watching a movie, playing sports, exploring nature outdoors, or indulging in a good book for pleasure.

My wish for everyone is to have a happy and meaningful holiday the next time they enjoy a few days off from work or school!