Dear Alya,
I am so busy all the time with school that I don’t know what to do in my free time, so I just waste it by scrolling on my phone. How can I find things that are more interesting to do?
Sincerely,
Blank Paper
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Dear Blank Paper,
Thank you for sharing your concern. I understand your frustration of not knowing what to do in your own time. However, I will tell you that not having a hobby to spend your free time on isn't something to be too worried about. Actually, a lot of people asked me the same question as yours. I know how hard it is to find something to do when you are so focused on one thing. In your case, it will be work related to academics. I’ve been through your age, and I once had a time when I didn’t know what to do. It was very frustrating, but I eventually overcame it by eagerly looking for a hobby that would perfectly fit me.
Based on my personal experience, I advise you to try all kinds of different things that people find interesting. This piece of advice might sound vague. However, I believe that you have the best recommenders near you! Ask your friends about what they do in their free time. Since your friends are teenagers just like you who possibly share common interests, they might recommend activities that suit your wants well. You can also use the internet to get recommendations from people other than your friends.
If this doesn’t work out for you, I recommend first figuring out your kind of person. You might struggle to find your interest because you are unaware of who you are and what you want. Draw a simple portrait of yourself on a big piece of paper and use these questions as a guide. Which do you prefer: outdoor or indoor activities? What do you want to gain from your free time activity? Write down any words or elements that match your interests, and try to find activities that align with those elements. This way, you will quickly understand the characteristics your interests hold.
I guarantee you that having a hobby will make your life much more colorful, like a sketchbook filled with different colors. So, try as many things as you can. I know that leaving your comfort zone might be uncomfortable at first. But soon as you find a hobby that you love, I promise you that you will not regret the attempts you made.
Sincerely,
Alya
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