In the midst of the hectic college atmosphere, the phrase “get a hobby” seems like a joke. How could you possibly find time to indulge in some “me time” when there’s schoolwork to be done, exams to study for and (if you go to school in a city) spend approximately thousands of hours commuting on public transportation? I was told by many people when I first started college that I needed to have a hobby, whether it was joining a club or just doing something that wasn’t related to school. I didn’t really take it seriously, but then I realized just how right they were. So why do you need a hobby? Doesn't watching Netflix and hunting for nap spots in the library count? Well, it turns out that having a hobby can relieve stress, increase your happiness overall and help you grow as a person.
To begin with, having a hobby, can relieve stress and improve your happiness. There have been many studies done that show how involvement in personal activities can improve your health and well-being. These studies show that involvement in certain pleasurable activities is associated with higher levels of happiness and lower levels of depression. There is also a psychological benefit in becoming involving in things that interest you. When you think about it, that makes perfect sense. What better way is to relieve yourself, if only for a moment, of all the stress and confusion in your everyday life than by taking the time to do something you enjoy?
There are also many ways in which having a hobby can improve you as a person. First of all, it makes you more interesting. The best conversations you can have are about your passions! Sure, you can talk about things like your major or your job, but hundreds of other people might have the same experience as you. What makes you interesting is what makes you unique and your interests can define who you are as a person.
Secondly, some hobbies can actually make you healthier. We know that working out, dancing and doing yoga can improve your strength, flexibility and overall quality of life. But it can also improve your mental health. Certain studies show that doing these things can reduce depression and anxiety as well as improve your intelligence. Playing an instrument or learning a language can also improve your mental health and make you a smarter person.
Finally, if you have a hobby that contributes to your community, you can improve the lives and the experiences of the people around you. If you enjoy volunteering with local community services, you can bring help to those who are truly in need. If you enjoy performing in music, dance or theatre, you can bring happiness and enjoyment to those who are seeking it. If you like to write or make art, you can enrich the lives of the people who receive it. If you like cooking or gardening, you can improve the health and well-being of those around you.
So go find a hobby! If you're worried about that exam or stressing about that paper that you still need to write, stop, put it aside and spend even just 15 minutes doing something you love to get your mind off of things. It might end up helping you in the long run.
