But why should you learn a new hobby during one of the busiest times of your life? Isn’t scrolling through social media after a day full of classes a good way to destress? Lowkey, I would agree that sometimes it is. However, there are many advantages to making time in your day to work on something you’re passionate about or want to learn more about!

Hobbies that require creativity, whether it’s painting or writing, help you have a different perspective and experience new things at school and work. Hobbies that involve physical activity create chemical changes in your body that allow you to de-stress. Even if the hobby doesn’t require physical activity, getting a short break from classes or homework to do something you enjoy can refresh your mind and help you prepare to handle challenges in the future.

Hobbies can allow you to explore different subjects without the stress that classes can sometimes put on you. As the original author notes, it can be hard to dedicate your time to a hobby that will have no direct impact on your academic career. As a psychology major, the content of my classes can sometimes be repetitive. The most recent book I read was about a man thriving in the Arctic with his dog. How cool is it to grow your knowledge outside of your comfort zone and take a break from what you study all the time? Perhaps a hobby that is different from reading would be best for the original author who reads all the time, like painting or jewelry making.

Hobbies can help increase your confidence too! The journey of growing through your hobby and becoming good at something gives you a sense of purpose outside of class and work. Even more so, you may grow outside of your comfort zone and become more confident about challenging yourself.