The Value of Hobbies - Max Gallagher

As summertime inches closer and us students suddenly have a surplus of free time, we turn to hobbies to keep ourselves occupied. A hobby is “an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure” (oxford dictionary). These can be pretty much anything, as long as you do it often and enjoy it. Sports, video games, instruments; if you like it and frequently partake in it, it’s a hobby. Not only are hobbies fun, they also lead to increased mental health and lower stress levels. An article by the Utah State University states that, “engaging in creative activities can lead to an improved sense of wellbeing that may have long lasting effects”. Finding something that you enjoy instead of just rotting in your room and doomscrolling can make you feel more satisfied with the way you’re spending your time. Joy and a sense of accomplishment come with being able to do something that makes you happy.

Hobbies are also an excellent way to meet new people. Most hobbies have a community that is built around them, and a shared passion is a great way to find friends. If you’ve ever had a conversation with me, you know that I’m obsessed with the trading card game Magic: the Gathering. By playing this game, I’ve gotten to know so many wonderful people that, without this hobby that brings me joy, I never would have met. This community can lead to the development of a Third Place, or a space besides home and work/school where you can be together with other like minded people. A third place is one of the most valuable things one can have, and the rise of social media is slowly killing them. Finding a hobby allows you to find a place of joy and togetherness, which is always a struggle to achieve in life.

Normally, the biggest barrier most people face that inhibits hobbies is time. Students busy with school and adults that need to make money often don’t have the energy to pursue another time-intensive activity. However, the summer months where there’s less work to do is a great time to begin a new hobby. Seasonal sports like swimming are a fun way to get exercise, and the Free Library is a nice, air-conditioned place to dive into a story. This summer, bring a little more joy into your life with a hobby that can keep you happy, healthy, and busy. 

Sources:

https://www.oed.com/dictionary/hobby_n1?tab=factsheet#1409783

https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/how-hobbies-improve-mental-health