From Exhausted to Energized: How Badminton Saved My Life (Okay, Maybe Not My Life, But My Health)
Let’s be real. Who hasn’t woken up feeling like a deflated balloon? I used to be one of those people. Even in my early twenties, I was dragging myself out of bed, my body aching and my mood as sunny as a cloudy day in Seattle.
I was healthy eating person. No junk food, plenty of home-cooked meals, and a sweet tooth that was about as active as a sloth on vacation. I used to go for Brisk walks everyday evening for 1 hour. So, when I started feeling like an eighty-year-old trapped in a young person’s body, I was as baffled as a squirrel in a snowstorm.
One day my friends came over for dinner, one of them was a Yoga instructor, so I told her about my situation. Then she pointed out I might have Vitamin B12 deficiency, and because of that my bones are weak and I feel pain. She suggested taking a full body checkup.
It turns out I had more deficiencies than a poorly stocked pantry: Vitamin B12, iron, Vitamin D — the list went on. My cholesterol was playing leapfrog with my blood pressure, and my thyroid was having a mid-life crisis. I could’ve opened a health food store with all the supplements I was taking. This was a shock not just for me but for my family too. And
Doctor prescribed some supplements for Vitamins, but because I was too young to have all these problems, he said I won’t give you any other medication, and focus on your stamina from now on. Going to gym or doing any physical exercise to get some sweat, is the way to get rid of cholesterol.
I Started Gym, and I liked it too, but it takes a lot of motivation to go to the gym even if you like it, you get so bored just silently lifting weights and running on the treadmill. Then I joined Badminton. The Best decision of my life.
I am playing Badminton from last 10 months, from not even knowing how to serve or basic rules of badminton , to playing good enough. From getting tired in just 10 min of playing to playing for 2 hour continuously without getting out of breath. From not able to do 10 min running to going on hikes and cycling without feeling any pain in my body the next day.
Badminton isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s a social booster too. Hanging out with friends, laughing, and sweating it out is a recipe for happiness that even Gordon Ramsay would approve of.
Studies show people who socialize a lot are the people who live more.
Findings from 2018 and 2022 research showed that participants who frequently played racquet sports (namely tennis, badminton, and pickleball) had greater life expectancies than those who took part in other activities like running, cycling, and swimming.
Why?
- They engage the full body
- They’re low-impact : White cited that racquet sports are relatively low-impact, which makes them suitable for all ages and reduces the risk of injury while still providing a vigorous workout.
- They provide mental stimulation
- They involve social interaction
Source https://theeverygirl.com/racquet-sports-for-longevity/
So, grab a racket, find a court, and let the good times and endorphins flow. Your future self will thank you (and maybe even buy you a fancy dinner).
Conclusion
So, there you have it. My journey from energy vampire to human dynamo. It wasn’t always feathers and rainbows, but the payoff is real. Remember, it’s not about being perfect or achieving peak fitness overnight. It’s about finding something you enjoy, moving your body, and giving your mental health a boost. Whether it’s badminton, dancing, hiking, or even just taking a brisk walk, get out there and make it happen. Your future self (and maybe your current one too) will thank you. Now, go forth and conquer the world (or at least your to-do list) with renewed vigour!
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