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.

• Practice gratitude: Remind yourself of the things that you’re grateful for and be specific by writing them down or replaying them in your mind.
• Stay connected: Reach out to friends and family members who can provide emotional support and practical advice.
• Use resources on campus: Communicate any concerns you may be having with the Student Counseling Service. Set up an appointment in mental health or academic counseling to help with your stress management as you’ll most likely be addressing the things that cause you stress.
• Try a relaxing activity: Explore relaxation or wellness activities such as meditation or breathing exercises. Schedule these activities into your schedule
• Get regular exercise: Small amounts of exercise add up and can help you boost your mood. It doesn’t have to be a crazy hard workout, a thirty-minute walk will work just fine.
• Stick to a sleep schedule: It’s important to get enough sleep as this can impact your mental and physical well-being.

Some other quick examples? Drink water. Have a cup of tea. Sit in the sunlight. Take a shower or bath. TAKE A BREAK! Play video games. Listen to music. Read a book. Listen to a podcast. Connect with nature. As I’ve talked about in a past article, making time in my busy schedule to focus on my hobbies, such as reading and learning a different language, has become a great way for me to take a break and take care of myself. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated either, watching documentaries has somehow become one of my self-care activities too, as it allows me to do something I enjoy, learning, while taking time to destress from assignments or class.

I encourage you to reflect on what you think you can do for self-care. Although it does take time and trial and error to figure out what works best for you, it’s definitely worth it! Not only can these activities help you feel more relaxed at the moment, but they can help your health and ability to handle stress in the long run.