Boosting Mental Health Through Zen Play

Singapore's fast-paced environment has long celebrated the hustle mentality. We're all familiar with the constant push for achievement (Lam, 2024). However, the pandemic has shed light on the value of its opposite — the "cozy" trend.

The essence of coziness lies in "prioritizing comfort, warmth, and ease" (Willians, 2024). This shift towards a more relaxed lifestyle has seeped into various aspects of our lives, including our work and leisure time. Even the gaming world, typically associated with overstimulation, has embraced this trend. For example, Stardew Valley, released for Windows, lets players choose their pace – tending to a farm at their own leisurely pace instead of rushing through pre-defined missions (CozyShiro, 2024).

At work, some might worry this translates to laziness. However, the "cozy" trend isn't about slacking off. It's about enjoying the journey as much as the outcome (Lam, 2024). Instead of fixating on winning or losing, it allows for focused engagement in the task at hand, regardless of the final result. By enjoying the journey, we can enhance our focus and creativity, ultimately leading to better results. Moreover, embracing coziness can help us let go of perfectionism and embrace imperfection. By accepting that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, we can reduce stress and anxiety.

By prioritizing comfort, warmth, and simplicity, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling life, even in the heart of a bustling city.

Written by: Tan E-Zhen

11/2024

References

Cozy Shiro (n.d.). Cozy Gaming: Stardew Valley. https://www.cozyshiro.com/post/cozy-gaming-stardew-valley 

Lam, Nicole. (2024, April 1). Gen Zen: Slow down, get onboard the 'cosy' trend; it can boost your mental health. Today Online. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/mental-health-matters/gen-zen-cosy-trend-boost-mental-health-4633371

Williams, Holly. (2024, January 6). The joy of cosycore and hunkering down. BBC Culture. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240105-the-joy-of-cosycore-and-hunkering-down