How Pickleball Saved My Sanity
In the whirlwind of today's fast-paced world, finding an outlet for stress and a way to maintain one's sanity is essential. For me, the answer unexpectedly came in the form of a sport known as pickleball. While it may seem like an unconventional choice, pickleball has indeed been a lifesaver in my quest for balance and mental well-being.
It started on a bleak, damp Sunday in October. My partner and I were bogged down in the stresses of trying to sell our homes, caring for our children and still trying to make life as much fun as possible for everyone. We decided to visit our family-friendly gym, really just for something to do! My son asked if he could book us a pickleball court for an hour. I was sceptical, but agreed, so after we’d had lunch, we collected our borrowed paddles and a ball and headed for the court. The sun had come out. It was warm for October and we were able to go out in t-shirts. We tentatively started to hit the ball back and forth; our skills improved with each pass and our moods lifted rapidly. Before too long, we were all running around with enormous smiles on our faces, laughing at our attempts to keep the ball in play. And on that Sunday that had started so badly, pickleball truly saved my sanity. I was able to forget about the stresses of house-selling and be truly in that joy-filled moment. Even now, I still think back to that day and it makes me smile!
In case you’ve not heard of it, pickleball, often described as a combination of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, is a sport that has gained in popularity in recent years. It's played on a smaller court, with a perforated ball and paddles, making it accessible to a wide range of players. I stumbled upon this sport quite by accident (as you now know!), but it turned out to be a serendipitous discovery.
Pickleball has continued to save my sanity and that’s down to the physical activity it provides. In today's sedentary world, it's all too easy to find yourself stuck behind a desk or glued to a screen for hours on end. This lifestyle can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Pickleball offered me an engaging and enjoyable way to get moving. The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with the strategic thinking required, kept my mind sharp and my body active. The physical benefits were evident in my improved fitness, stamina and overall health, which in turn had a profound impact on my mental well-being.
Pickleball also provided the perfect outlet for me to spend quality time with my son. He enjoys working out and is quite competitive, so pickleball has provided the perfect opportunity for some bonding time. The social aspect of playing regularly with him cannot be underestimated. It created a sense of camaraderie. The laughter, support, and friendly competition on the pickleball court became a welcome escape from the stresses of everyday life. We get a burst of fresh air and exercise, plus the enjoyment of the game.
The third and most vital way pickleball saved my sanity was by providing an outlet for stress and an opportunity to disconnect from the pressures of life. While on the court, I found that I could momentarily forget about work, bills and the myriad responsibilities that often consume our thoughts. The game demanded my full attention, leaving no room for rumination. The rhythmic sound of the ball hitting the paddle and the strategy involved in each point served as a form of meditation. It offered me a mental respite, an escape from the noise of the world, and a way to recharge.
In conclusion, pickleball may not be the most conventional means of maintaining one's sanity, but it has proven to be a lifeline for me. This sport provided the perfect combination of physical activity, social connection and stress relief. It's a reminder that sometimes the unlikeliest of passions can become powerful tools for maintaining our mental and emotional balance. Whether it's through a sport like pickleball or another activity that resonates with you, finding that sanity-saving outlet is crucial in today's fast-paced world.
