Tree hugging and raising "mango dogs" are among the stress relief methods adopted by young people in China. PHOTOS: PIXABAY, XIAOHONGSHU
TREE hugging, watching videos of mundane activities and raising unconventional “pets” are just some of the methods generations of young Chinese citizens have adopted to relieve stress.
The newest, a toy called “mango dog” has recently emerged on social media, brings what netizens claim to be a sense of calmness and a therapeutic effect.
“Mango dogs” are mango seeds left after eating the fruit. The “pet” is obtained by washing away the fruit pulp from the seed, brushing the fibres with a toothbrush, drying it with a hairdryer and leaving it in the sunlight for a while.
In the eyes of some netizens, the “mango dog” has special meaning. “Every time I see it, it heals me,” writes one while for another, “It’s fluffy and cute.”
Some netizens said that the process of making a “mango dog” allows them to free themselves from the anxieties of work and study and experience a carefree childhood again.
This is not the first time that young people have raised novel “pets”. For example, Chinese college students have shared online their experiences of raising stones and cardboard box “dogs”. These “pets” share similar characteristics - they do not cry, make noise or get sick.
Tree hugging has also become a new form of stress relief for young people.
Mango dogs” are mango seeds left after eating the fruit.- PHOTOS: WEIBO, XIAOHONGSHU
“You may think you are hugging the tree, but in fact, the tree is embracing you,” one netizen shared. Many others who have experienced tree hugging have said that their anxiety has been alleviated, and they feel a sense of communicating with nature.
In cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou and Zhengzhou, some people have even organized “tree-hugging interest groups” and regularly plan tree-hugging activities.
“I came across someone online saying that hugging a tree can relieve stress. I tried it and felt truly relaxed,” said a young office worker identified only as Mr Ma.
“In those brief seconds, it felt like the tree released a lot of pressure and stress from me.”
Another young Chinese, only known as Mr Wu, finds joy in watching short videos of mundane activities before sleeping.
“I especially enjoy watching stress relief videos, like trimming horse hooves, washing blankets and cutting soap. After watching them, I feel like the stress of the day is relieved, and it’s easier to fall asleep.”
Earlier this year, playing with strings of plastic beads became popular among elementary school students who claim the sound of rubbing the beads between their fingers is relaxing. Other toys such as stress balls have also gained popularity.
The popularity of these stress relief methods reflects the youths’ need to release emotional pressure. According to public data, there are currently more than 800 companies in China with names, business areas, products, services or trademarks containing the term “stress relief”.
In 2022 alone, more than 70 new registered companies with this focus were added. - CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
