Chewing gum

Chewing gum gathers up a multitude of pleasures that only start with the sensory. The initial crackle as teeth meet the hard surface of gum, followed by the breakage and then the rhythmic bounce of the gum creates a delightful concoction of tactile satisfaction. This sensation is further heightened by the burst of flavour that floods the taste buds, awakening the senses with each chew and chomp.

It also provides arguably the finest means of concentration and stress relief. The repetitive motion of chewing – the jaw, in a sense, keeping a beat – can be inherently calming, like a hypnotic guitar riff. Gum- chewing suddenly becomes a tool for relaxation, allowing the mind to unwind and refocus in the thick of chaos.

There’s also a social aspect to chewing gum that should not be overlooked. Sharing a pack of gum fosters camaraderie and bonds among individuals, often leading to lighthearted conversations and shared moments of enjoyment even in pressure cooker places, ranging from the company boardroom to the immigration queue.

And, in case you missed out, chewing gum freshens breath and aids digestion – always a good thing – along with sharpening your focus.