Work   and   Rest

 By Zhong Wanting

Have you ever heard of that old saying, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’? This proverb illustrates the meaningful philosophy that rules our lives: it’s essential to achieve a good balance between work and rest.

In my primary school years, I was usually carefree. There wasn’t too much homework to worry about, so rest didn’t seem to be so important.

However, as I stepped into middle school, things changed rapidly. Each day seems to pass too quickly and everybody is always busy. For one thing, we have many other subjects apart from Chinese, English and math. Almost every student has to finish the assignments fast and well. Every day, we work hard in the ‘paper mountain’. Sometimes, we need to work in study groups to carry out researches. Yet too much strain can reduce one’s efficiency. Under the heavy work-load, the need for rest becomes greater and greater.             

My favorite way of relaxation is listening to music. Whenever I feel bored and tired while doing schoolwork, I’ll turn on my CD player and immerse myself in excellent music. The beautiful lyrics and soothing melody can sweep away my weariness.

Taking part in outdoor activities is also a good way to relax. After I get cooped up indoors for too long, I will be very glad to go outdoors in order to stretch myself and breathe some fresh air.

Hiking is a kind of sport I enjoy. Every time I go mountain climbing, I will try to travel farther up towards the peak. It’s always challenging, but no matter how hard and difficult the journey is, the view will always be broader, clearer and more fascinating at the top. The air is filled with the fragrance of the soft grass and the sweet, colorful flowers. Also, it feels like everything is there under your feet. The city spreads out below you, and the green hills are rolling in front of your eyes. You are just between the firm ground and the vast blue sky.

Another outdoor sport I like is playing badminton. I love the swishing and flicking of the racket. The shuttlecock darts here and there swiftly, so I need to act quickly. These kinds of activities can improve our physical skills and provide relaxation for the mind at the same time.

I slowly fit into my environment and gradually got accustomed to the fast pace of middle school life. Now, I can always discover joy in the hard, even tedious work. I’ve found the balance between work and rest, and this is the secret of staying cheerful and vital even when there is a heavy burden.

          Zhong Wanting, Class 1, Junior 1

    Guangdong Experimental Middle School

   广东实验中学  初一（1）班   钟琬婷