Hobbies Beyond the Books

Mar 4

Life as a student can be overwhelming. That’s why having hobbies outside of school is important so that you can de-stress and recharge! From channelling your inner artist through crocheting to connecting with nature through gardening, these kinds of leisurely activities can be fun and rewarding. This article dives into a list of hobbies you could consider trying out!

1. Crocheting

Crocheting, similar to knitting, involves using a hooked needle to turn yarn into fabric. The hook is used to loop and pull yarn to create stitches. Not only is this beginner-friendly, it’s also low-cost and allows you to create any type of design you want, ranging from scarves to animals. There’s no limit on your imagination! It’s an on-the-go activity that can be done anywhere, from the beach to the comfort of your own home! It also has many mental health benefits such as reduced anxiety, stress, and risk of memory loss, to name a few. Overall, crocheting is an extremely versatile hobby.

2. Cooking

Cooking is a necessity in life since it’s how we feed ourselves, but it can also be a very rewarding hobby. It allows you to be creative by using different ingredients in meals and trying out recipes from a variety of cultures. Most importantly, you get to eat it after! In other words, it’s an amazing way to express yourself as well as have some alone time. You can also share the food you made with your loved ones, bringing you closer together. Plus, having home-cooked meals is often healthier than eating out, which makes your effort worth it!

3. Gardening

Gardening is a great hobby to pick up if you’re more of an outdoor person. The best part of this hobby is that anyone of any age can start their own garden. It’s relaxing, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and lets you connect with nature right from your backyard. You’ll even get to save money on buying fruits and vegetables! Gardening promotes healthy eating, boosts your mood and encourages you to spend time outside where you can breathe fresh air and get your daily vitamin D.

4. Photography

Photography may sound intimidating, but it’s actually a great beginner and cost-friendly hobby! If you’re interested in trying this out as a casual activity, you don’t necessarily need an expensive camera or special lessons. Photography is exciting and allows you to express your creativity by capturing moments from different points of view. You can experiment with different lighting, techniques and angles. This means that the possibilities are endless when it comes to photography, which makes it the perfect hobby for those who enjoy constant change.

5. Journaling

Journaling may sound old-fashioned, but it has recently received more attention on social media! Similar to the hobbies mentioned above, it isn’t a very expensive endeavour. You can choose to use good old pen and paper, or if you’re more tech-savvy, you can write away on your device. Journaling is defined as the practice of writing down your thoughts and feelings for reflection, but the purpose of journaling can be different for everyone, which makes it such a flexible hobby. For some, it may serve as a safe space for them to vent or express their emotions; for others, it could be a way for them to keep track of important events in their lives. Regardless of what your reason for journaling may be, it’s an amazing way to strengthen your communication skills and improve your mental health.

6. Hiking

If you’re a person who enjoys being physically active and exploring outdoors, hiking is a hobby you should consider! It’s a great opportunity to take a break from everything and connect with nature. This activity can be done alone or with others, but is enjoyable either way, as it allows you to admire the beautiful scenery of your city! As a reminder, it’s important to be mindful of the weather and seasons as hiking in the winter may be a bit more difficult compared to when it’s warmer.

7. Learning a Musical Instrument

Learning how to play an instrument is a great hobby for those who like a challenge. It requires focus and discipline, but can also be relaxing and rewarding. There are lots of pros when it comes to mastering the art of playing a musical instrument, such as enhancing your memory, improving your hand-eye coordination, and learning patience. Rest assured, there are many instruments for you to learn how to play, which gives you freedom and flexibility in choosing which one you want to play!

Once again, having a hobby is extremely important as there are many benefits and it allows students to take a break from academics. It enhances creativity, decreases stress, and you can even meet new people who share the same interest! The best part of it all is that there are a lot of different hobbies for you to try, so it’s okay if you can’t find one right away that you like!

Jessica Y.