Hobbies Explained

As the school year begins to pick up, students start to become more busy and stressed—especially as exam season nears.  At times like this, it is vital to have a way to unwind and relax to avoid burnout; this can be done through taking up hobbies.

Why are Hobbies Important?

Hobbies are a great way to give yourself a break from studying and work. Whilst also allowing you not to waste time which is what many social media platforms and streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video seek to do.  

There Are 3 Main Sections That Hobbies Can Be Divided Into:

Creative Hobbies

Creative hobbies are ones in which you focus your energy on  creating something, which is why they can be great for reducing stress. For perfectionists it can be quite daunting to try to achieve a certain vision.  However with enough practice creative hobbies ultimately allow anyone to shut off their brain and simply enjoy the act of seeing their vision come to life. Creative hobbies include creative writing, painting, drawing, dancing, and much more.

Mental Hobbies

Mentally stimulating hobbies may seem counter intuitive since they are so reliant on thinking a problem through and can be time consuming  but they provide an alternative way to expand the mind.  It is like a challenge but without the stress of a grade or many people watching which can be enjoyable for a lot of people. Some great hobbies within this section are playing chess, reading books, and solving puzzles.  

Physical/Kinesthetic Hobbies

Another important category is physical hobbies.  Exercise and movement are great ways to relax as they are known methods of reducing tension and stress. This is because they lower the body’s release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in addition to stimulating the body’s endorphins, elevating one’s mood and decreasing stress.  Some possible hobbies include basketball, rowing, and swimming.  Additionally, there are kinesthetic hobbies that blur the lines between creative and physical activity by allowing for bodily movement in a relaxing pattern that is not as physical as the previous activities mentioned like knitting, crocheting, and woodworking.

Conclusion

Hobbies are a must have for happy, fulfilling, and stress-free lives so by investing in a hobby now while you are in high school and have more time, you will set yourself up to have better coping mechanisms and stress management techniques for adulthood.