For many office workers, the end of a long day no longer means collapsing on the sofa—it means heading to the pickleball court. The sport, with its mix of moderate physical exertion and high social interaction, has quickly become a favourite way for Vietnamese residents to recharge both body and mind.
Take Nguyen Ngoc Quynh from Hanoi. She sets aside two to three sessions a week, each lasting around three hours, and treats them as her sanctuary.
“Every time I go to the field, I feel time passes very quickly. In my head at that time, I only focus on the fight and each ball, all pressure in work as well as daily life is almost put aside,” she explained.
Nguyen Ha Long from Hai Phong echoed the sentiment. For him, pickleball is as much about reconnecting with friends as it is about exercise.
“Going to the field, being motivated and meeting close friends is also an effective way to relieve stress, helping the body regain energy and a comfortable spirit after stressful working hours,” he said.
Why It Works
Psychologist Hoang Anh, who has also taken up pickleball, breaks down the benefits into three layers—biology, psychology, and society. On the biological side, exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, all of which regulate mood and promote relaxation. Psychologically, focusing on the game pulls attention back to the present, cutting off cycles of anxiety. And socially, pickleball’s interactive nature fosters connection and belonging, which can be a powerful antidote to loneliness and stress.
“Sports in general cannot self‑heal depression or eliminate stress,” Hoang Anh cautioned. “But when creating a favourable biological foundation, regulating psychology, and social connection, sports will help the body become healthier, and the mind more balanced to face life pressure.”
A Moment of Silence in a Busy World
Ultimately, pickleball—and sport more broadly—offers something simple yet profound: a pause. A moment of silence amidst the busyness of life. When the body is exercised, the mind is relaxed, and social ties are strengthened, people find themselves better equipped to regenerate energy and move forward with resilience.
For many, that’s reason enough to pick up a paddle after work. It’s not just a game—it’s a lifeline to balance, belonging, and renewed strength.
