Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Lifestyle Senior Writer
RECHARGING your mind by strengthening relationships and creating positive shared experiences should remain a top priority in life.
In an era when people are grappling with numerous challenges, fun, relaxation and adventure have become the new “painkillers” of modern life.
Being surrounded by people who uplift you, understand you and offer support helps reduce loneliness and serves as a reminder that you are not facing life’s challenges alone.
Nothing beats reconnecting with your peers, especially those in the same profession or trade. Group retreats, adventures and recreational outings have a unique way of breathing life into dull moments and creating lasting memories.
Whether rich, middle-class or poor, people cherish opportunities to escape to resorts and other destinations where they can reflect on both their successes and failures.
Complemented by good food, music and breathtaking scenery, such moments inspire renewed hope, restoration and togetherness.
Only this week, social media was awash with pictures and videos of Zimbabwe senior national soccer team players Marvelous Nakamba, Teenage Hadebe and Tawanda Chirewa enjoying a traditional meal at Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central.
For Chirewa, who was raised in the United Kingdom but remains deeply connected to his Zimbabwean roots, the experience was particularly special.
Seeing the trio later joined by fellow Warriors star Munashe Garan’anga at Rufaro Stadium during the soccer match between Scottland FC and Triangle United on Thursday was equally heart-warming.
The quartet has endured difficult spells in their respective careers abroad last season, but their retreat and road trip together demonstrated that they still value friendship and social connections beyond football.
Closer to home, local creatives have also embraced the culture of bonding through travel and leisure.
Comedians and entertainers such as Frets Donzvo, Gracious “Dan Grego” Mangeyi, Leeroy “Comic Elder” Zaware, Nyasha “Nyarie” Usayi, Beatrice Mudzinga, popularly known as Bee Wezhira and Brighton “Ridhiculous” Muchayabande have often embarked on road trips, dining and unwinding together at destinations such as KwaTerry in Mhondoro.
Although many of these visits double as commercial engagements, they also provide an important opportunity for the creatives to recharge mentally and emotionally.
In the music industry, many artists have formed social football teams that travel across Zimbabwe, with such expeditions helping them strengthen friendships and professional networks.
Even among the elite, the importance of relaxation is evident.
Business executives and entrepreneurs often travel to exclusive tourist resorts to refresh their minds and temporarily disconnect from the pressures of daily life.
Warriors stars enjoying their meal.
Philanthropist and businessman Wicknell Chivayo has on many occasions shared pictures of himself and his close circle, including Tazvi Mhaka, popularly known as Chief J, their spouses and friends, enjoying holidays both locally and abroad aboard expensive private jets.
No matter one’s social status, fun and recreation are essential.
They help reduce stress, improve mental well-being and create meaningful connections. New adventures, group retreats, scenic drives, good food and shared experiences allow the brain to disengage from daily pressures and return refreshed.
Psychologists and wellness experts agree that taking time to relax, reconnect and explore is not a luxury, but a necessity for a healthy and balanced life.
Popular comedian Dan Grego, who firmly believes in group outings with fellow creatives, noted that such adventures have created a strong bond among them.
“Group outings are paying off for some of us because we get to understand each other better,” he said.
“If you have noticed, we have been moving around as large groups of more than 10 comedians, having fun. At the end of the day, you will realise that such initiatives are paying off.
“Like any other sector, my circle is largely comprised of skit makers and that alone has helped me perfect my craft.”
The Marvelous Nakamba lookalike revealed that group retreats were also ideal for helping them refresh their minds.
“Most of the time we are shooting videos and, as you know, there comes a time when the mind needs to relax.
“You can’t be working all the time because the brain also needs to refresh,” asserted the actor.
Similar sentiments were echoed by his co-actor and partner-in-crime, Usai.
“Group outings are critical for mental wellness,” she stressed.
“During our road trips, it is not only about having fun or dining together as creatives, but we also get to understand what our peers are going through. It is a platform that affords us a chance to reflect on our careers.
“I don’t take these group retreats lightly because you get to understand what your peers are going through and, by sharing, they get help.”
The versatile actress also revealed that group retreats with fellow comics had helped her understand members of her clique better.
“As actors and actresses doing skits, sometimes it is difficult for us to meet and exchange notes, but when we gather as we do during these outings, you get to know the person behind the character.
“In our industry, there are different classes of people, but the more we meet, interact and travel together, the better we get to know the real personality of a person.
“There are some creatives who are perceived to be arrogant, but I can tell you that once you meet and dine together, you will be surprised to discover that they are good people.
“As such, I don’t regret these outings because they have created new opportunities for me,” she added.
Nesto, Skit queen – Nyasha Usayi and Skit king – Dan Grego
Urban grooves pioneer Ernest “Nesto” Manandi, who has a strong passion for social soccer, has also been part of the popular Zimbabwe Musicians Football Club, which has toured many parts of the country as a group.
Nesto, who is also a player and assistant coach for the team, shared how their outings are paying off.
“We decided to come up with this team as a way of engaging with each other as musicians despite our busy schedules,” Nesto said.
“This concept has seen us travelling as a team to places such as Beitbridge, Kwekwe, Bulawayo, Mutare, Kariba, Kadoma and many other destinations for social soccer matches.
“We have actually become brothers and sisters through this bond, where we also get to exchange notes after the games.
“Collaborations have been birthed as a result of these outings, where fellow musicians get a chance to identify opportunities.
“Those who need relaxation and a break from their routines are being afforded that opportunity through our unique concept.”
Nesto, who has been championing unity among musicians, continued:
“We also get opportunities to share our problems as well as explore opportunities that may come along the way.
“I am glad that there are people who have benefited from these outings and are now in a better state of mind.
“In this era, when mental health issues are taking their toll, I am grateful that we are making remarkable progress in whatever we do as a group during our expeditions.”
Travel and hospitality guru Joseph Kariuki, who runs Nyama Choma Resort on the outskirts of Harare, believes group retreats are healthy for holidaymakers and fun-loving people in general.
“Being a player in the hospitality industry, I cannot deny the fact that people need to relax and enjoy good food away from the madding crowd,” said Kariuki.
“From dealing with people regularly, I have noted that group outings are now popular among many people and, as their host here, I make sure that their outings are worthwhile. Group retreats to both old and new resorts are healthy, and we will always do our best to ensure that visitors get a memorable experience.”
A psychologist from the University of Zimbabwe, who preferred anonymity, said group outings, which are now popular in various circles, religions and professions, are not new at all.
“These outings have always been there, but it is only now that they are being formalised and given themes by fun-loving people,” said the psychologist.
“Group outings involving people from the same field or those who share a common vision are important because one gets a chance to refresh and ease their burdens by hearing other people’s experiences.
“We are all going through a lot, but we do not always have the right people with whom to share our challenges.
“As such, when you have a circle that you trust, life becomes easier because you are able to share your experiences openly.”
As such, group outings and road trips are important for “refreshing” with peers because they combine social connection, shared experiences, and a change of routine — all of which help people recharge mentally and emotionally.
