College is go, go, go. Sitting in lectures all day just to come home to a Canvas to-do list full of assignments makes it difficult to balance everything at once. But what about the time we have left for ourselves?
Doomscrolling might call your name; however, it doesn’t have the same benefits as an activity that is mentally and physically beneficial. It’s time to find a hobby.
A hobby is an activity done regularly during leisure time for pleasure. It can be something creative, athletic, academic or more personal.
Baking sweet treats, playing a sport, needlepoint, photography or learning something new are just a few that are common among college students.
Hobbies are necessary for students, as doing something enjoyable stimulates dopamine in the brain and provides something to look forward to at the end of a long day.
Even starting something new and then stopping is beneficial, as you still got out of your comfort zone and hopefully had some fun along the way. It’s pretty rewarding to do something you enjoy, even if you aren’t good at it.
Engaging in hobbies can also contribute to personal growth, reduce stress and foster social connections through community involvement and active participation.
According to an academic journal about frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, “doing a creative arts hobby like painting, playing an instrument or knitting activates parts of our brain that help us process emotions.”
Those who have been to a concert or have been involved in the arts might know this feeling. According to Harvard Medicine Magazine, “Music lights up practically all of our brains. The hippocampus and amygdala the most, which activates emotional responses to music through memory,” which is why a movie, song or concert might resonate so strongly.
Not only does a hobby improve mental health and help process emotions, but it can also enhance well-being and improve social connection.
Having a weekly group or team to share interests and do an activity with can create stronger social connections and help participants feel a positive effect afterward. The mood change and positive outlook sometimes remain even days after engaging in said activity.
Besides, who doesn’t want to have something fun to look forward to every once in a while?
We’re all made to enjoy different things, so it’s important to find something that pertains to you. Finding something exciting that can provide a break from school and benefit mental health will significantly impact your day-to-day routine and individual fulfillment.
