05/08/2025

TUESDAY | AUG 5, 2025

6

‘Fear of missing out’ fuelling pickleball trend

JOHOR BAHRU: The trend of decorating homes with terrariums, or miniature gardens in glass containers, is gaining popularity among urban communities, especially the younger generation, seeking a natural touch in their living spaces without the need for complicated care. A terrarium is a combination of live plants and natural elements arranged in a glass container. There are two types of terrariums, namely closed and open. The former is suitable for tropical plants that thrive in high humidity while the latter is better suited for cacti and succulents that This activity has been gaining popularity, even among those who initially had little interest in sports but eventually got hooked due to the psychological phenomenon known as the “fear of missing out” (Fomo). According to Universiti Putra Malaysia Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital psychologist Norezzati Md Hanafiah, Fomo is often linked to social pressure or unhealthy lifestyle KUALA LUMPUR: If you are an avid social media user, chances are you have come across videos of friends or celebrities playing a unique sport known as pickleball that combines elements of ping pong, badminton and tennis. o If handled properly, phenomenon could spark healthy habits within community: Psychologist

soil is not the only medium for plants. With sphagnum moss, plants can still get sufficient water,” he said, adding that the arrangement of various components within a terrarium creates a stable and aesthetically pleasing mini ecosystem. He said terrariums can cost up to RM8,000, depending on their size, design and the types of plants used. “We hope to introduce terrariums more widely to the public. Many still think terrariums are only for small animals, such as fish or turtles, but they are also ideal habitats for plants.” For those interested in creating Pickleball is the sport of choice for national hockey legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi, 53, who was drawn to the game’s unique, low-impact nature, making it suitable for all age groups, Bernama reported. “I find pickleball to be perfect for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Previously, I only did brisk walking and went to the gym for workouts,” said Mirnawan, who on the fun-first concept, as seen in pickleball. This makes physical activity enjoyable and more effective than approaches that emphasise beauty or weight loss. “When an activity is seen as fun rather than a burden, people are more likely to stick with it. This makes a healthy lifestyle something to enjoy rather than something to be forced into.” She said social media plays a major role in spreading the trend and creating a wave of normalisation that encourages more people to try it without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious.

require good ventilation. “Terrarium care is simple. For the closed type, it usually only needs to be watered once every two weeks and can be placed under regular lighting without UV rays,” said NaugJustPlants outlet supervisor Muhammad Amirul Rashid Abdul Razak, 27. He explained that terrariums are becoming increasingly popular due to their soil-free concept, requiring only materials such as sphagnum moss and lightweight expanded clay aggregate to retain moisture and prevent pests from attacking. “Many people do not realise that habits but it could also be used positively, including to encourage a more active lifestyle. She explained that from a psychological perspective, this drive is closely tied to the human instinct to be accepted within a social group, which is vital for emotional wellbeing. In the context of pickleball or other light sports, Fomo could turn into a positive motivator. “One might start as a spectator, then develop an interest in trying it out, which could become a turning point towards adopting a healthier lifestyle. If handled properly, Fomo could spark healthy habits that spread widely within a community,” she said. Beyond physical benefits, pickleball contributes to mental health through its relaxed and fun social aspects, enhancing mood, providing ongoing motivation and offering social therapy for those dealing with work stress or burnout. According to Norezzati, the approach to health promotion is evolving, with a greater focus

Norezzati said the approach to health promotion is evolving, with a greater focus on the fun-first concept, as seen in pickleball. – AZURA ABAS/THESUN

terrarium varies from 30 minutes for smaller designs to up to three hours for larger ones, depending on the participant’s skill level and creativity. “We have had children as young as four years old join a workshop with their parents. It becomes a fun family activity and an early introduction for children to plant care.” With their low cost, easy maintenance and high aesthetic value, terrariums have evolved beyond simple home decor into a symbol of the urban community’s growing interest in sustainable living. – Bernama ranging between RM50 and RM70 per hour, usually split among several players, and minimal equipment requirements, the sport is suitable for people from all walks of life. “In residential areas, the community or management could make use of and modify existing badminton or basketball courts slightly so that residents could play for free and enjoy a variety of recreational sports.”

their own terrariums, workshops are offered daily to the public, including sessions for children, families and corporate groups. NaugJustPlants digital marketer Nurul Athirah Eddie, 24, said participants who join the workshops would be guided step by step on the process of creating and maintaining their own terrariums. The fees for the workshops are based on the size and type of materials used, starting from RM75 to RM380 for larger and more complex designs. “The time it takes to make a has been actively playing since mid-last year. As the owner of Pickleball Playground in Shah Alam, he encourages participation among youth under the age of 18, seeing their potential as future athletes who could elevate the sport to greater heights. He described pickleball as a wallet-friendly and accessible sport, noting that with court rental fees

Urban home decor sees rising popularity of terrariums