College life can be pretty stressful. Besides the new environment and people, there are constant deadlines and projects to do.
A lot of students also combine education with part-time employment, which adds to the level of stress. It is crucial to have some “me time” and unwind after a long day. This helps to keep the mind and body in good shape and prevent academic burnout.
Remember, it’s ok to ask for help when struggling with a particular project or a deadline. Professional academic writing service WritePaper offers immediate assistance for students in need. Experienced writers will assist with any type of college paper on short notice. They offer writing, proofreading, and editing to make sure your essay or term paper is outstanding.
And they also give valuable advice on academic writing, which will come in handy in the future. In the meantime, one can rest for a bit and recharge. A good way to do so is to pick up a new hobby.
Relaxing Hobbies for Students
A hobby doesn’t have to take up much time or effort. The main goal here is to have fun and do something that helps you calm down. Here are the best picks for college students to try.
Music
Whether you listen to it, play an instrument, or write songs, it is a great hobby. One can pick up a new instrument or work on their singing skills. You can join a local music group or theater or enjoy this activity at home with YouTube tutorials or online classes.
Even simply listening to the tunes you enjoy has a great calming effect. According to Harvard Health, listening to music for half an hour a day can lower blood pressure, slow down the heart rate, and reduce stress. It also helps to decrease anxiety.
Gardening
It is a perfect relaxing outdoor activity. One can practice being outside more, learn new skills, and grow some amazing plants. Even if you do not have an opportunity to have a small garden outside, you can get some indoor plants.
A lot of times, students do not spend enough time in the daylight, and it is a valuable source of vitamin D. Such activity also promotes tranquility and a feeling of peace. Depending on what types of gardening you are doing, it can add necessary physical activity to your routine. If one decides to grow vegetables or fruit, for example, they can enjoy fresh food right from the garden.
Journal of Health Psychology has published a study that proves that gardening reduces cortisol levels. It also boosts a positive mood even more than leisure reading.
Puzzles
If you are into mental gymnastics and like to solve tricky problems, puzzles are an amazing option. They keep one’s brain sharp and promote creative thinking. At the same time, they are fun and can be done with others.
Studies show that puzzles help improve memory and increase problem-solving skills. There are many types of puzzles you can do online or offline.
Some of the best ones are:
- Jigsaw puzzles;
- Riddles;
- Crosswords;
- Sudoku;
- Math games;
- Trivia;
- Quizzes;
- Rubik’s cube.
There is something for any liking.
Journaling
Journaling is a well-known way to reduce stress and get a mood boost. Multiple studies claim that it helps with anxiety and depression as well. It promotes a clearer mind as you can put all your worries on paper. This is great for dealing with negative or complex emotions.
Sometimes it is difficult to untie the thought in the head. But when you need to write them down, it helps to organize all of them in a logical order. It is a free creative hobby that has no rules to it. Another benefit is that it is a healthy way to vent without hurting anyone. This significantly reduces emotional tension and calms the nerves.
One can do creative writing, daily journaling, free writing, a gratitude diary, etc. The general rule is not to edit yourself and let your flow guide you. As a result, your writing skills will also get better with time.
Arts and Crafts
Doing something with your hands is an incredibly therapeutic activity. Arts and crafts are perfect for those who want to find a creative outlet and try new things out. There is room for experiments and a huge array of options.
Students might also like the fact that many arts and crafts do not require huge investments. They are pretty affordable and entertaining. Some of the popular activities are:
- Embroidery;
- Drawing;
- Knitting;
- Coloring;
- Scrapbooking;
- Macrame;
- DIYs of all sorts;
- Crochet;
- Sewing;
- Making jewelry.
One can also start with some home décor or alterations to simple things like painting mugs. If you enjoy it and produce some unique pieces, it can also become a small business opportunity at some point.
Video Games
Gaming is a great hobby. Here one can put the worries behind, recharge, and explore new digital worlds. It is one of the best ways to shift focus and relax. Of course, if you are not doing competitive gaming – it might not be as calming.
But simply enjoying a good video game is useful for students for several reasons. It can reduce stress and help unwind. Also, it can teach you new skills. These include motor skills, communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and overall cognitive functioning. The exact list depends on what type of game you are choosing.
The best part is that there are all types of stories and digital worlds to discover.
Sport
Regular exercises promote physical and mental health. They release endorphins, which boost mood. They also help to reduce the level of cortisol. After training, one feels more positive and energetic. Breaking a sweat after classes is one of the most effective ways to unwind.
There are literally no cons to making sport your new hobby. Here are several options to consider:
- Yoga;
- Gym;
- Jogging;
- Biking;
- Aerobics;
- Hiking;
- Tennis;
- Football;
- Basketball, etc.
One can join a team or student group. Or they can start doing yoga at home with online tutorials, courses, or specific applications. There are multiple options, and many of them are free or affordable. If your college has a gym, it is another amazing opportunity.
Cooking and Baking
With this hobby, you’d get to calm down, learn something new, and enjoy a tasty meal. It might seem challenging at first, but when you start, it gets easier.
Opt for something simple and accessible at the beginning. Or try to do your parents’ recipe you’ve always enjoyed.
Cooking promotes endorphin release and may decrease anxiety. Also, it is a valuable skill that will always help you out. You’ll learn how to make delicious meals at home and save money on eating out. This might also be useful for incorporating better nutrition into your daily life.
Baking is particularly tempting in the cold season as it fills the room with pleasant smells and warmth.
In Summary
Picking up a new hobby is a perfect way to reduce college stress. It allows you to discover your interests and put them first. It reduces cortisol levels and promotes the development of new skills. And it is also very entertaining.
