Stressed? Get a Hobby
Reported By: Ellaynah Brown
Illustrated By: Sydney Simmons
Between classes, homework, work, and extracurricular activities, sometimes it’s hard to find time to relax and do something you enjoy. Nevertheless, taking time for yourself is important, whether that means taking a nap, hanging out with friends or enjoying a hobby.
Hobbies can be a great way to help you unwind while doing something you enjoy. Most anything can be a hobby; from crocheting, skateboarding, painting and thrifting, hobbies come in all shapes and sizes.
Setting aside time to focus on yourself and activities you enjoy is not only good for your mental health, but for your overall attitude. Having an activity to look forward to after a day of homework and studying can help give your brain a much needed break.
Around campus, George Fox University (GFU) students enjoy many different hobbies. “I knew coming into Fox I wanted to try to fit a ceramics course into my schedule,” student Josh Hren said. “I took an intro course with a now-retired professor, Don Sprague. He was notorious for saying ‘make another one’ — that really fueled my obsession for pottery, and I haven’t stopped making since.”
After four years, ceramics “has become a rhythmic routine to just work with the clay and make something beautiful out of a wet pile of clay,” Hren said.
GFU student Abby Antonov’s hobbies include playing the piano, working out and cooking. As Antonov puts it, “hobbies challenge you, help you relieve stress, and allow you to engage in something you enjoy.” Learning a new hobby can open doors to so many exciting endeavors; “Hobbies allow us to create beautiful things and explore and discover the many talents God gives us,” said Antonov.
Another student, Coleman Roberts gets to enjoy his hobby regularly. “I am on one of the esports teams so that is obviously my biggest hobby. This is my second year doing this and I am co-captain this year,” said Coleman. “It’s a good decompression time.”
With all of the stressors of life, it is important that students learn how to manage and regulate their stress sooner in life rather than later. There are many ways we can do ourselves a favor and prioritize time to be creative!
According to Head to Health, a study showed that 4 out of 5 participants found that taking the time to enjoy any hobby was moderately to highly effective in managing their stress. Finding a hobby in which you can participate as part of a group can also help improve self-esteem and social connections.
If you don’t think you have a hobby, reflect and discover what it is that makes you happy. Is it reading? Writing? Playing sports? Sewing? Shopping? Gardening? Whatever it is, set aside time in your week to slow down and enjoy yourself. You deserve it!