The Importance of Having Hobbies
By Stefanie Baptista
Staff Writer
“So, what are your hobbies? What are you passionate about? What do you like to do with your free time?” Everyone’s been there, everyone’s been asked those questions. They often come out of the blue and you’re caught, surprised, like a deer in headlights. You have no idea what to say. All of a sudden you’ve forgotten everything you enjoy doing. You start to stutter, maybe even sweat a little. You’ve forgotten how to speak properly, you can’t remember a single thing. You have amnesia.
So, fellow college student, how do we combat that sudden amnesia?! We actually pick up some hobbies and do them regularly enough so we can remember them. Now, I know it’s tough to make time for things outside of school, but it must be done. You will thank yourself later (hopefully). Hobbies can be great stress relievers and really great tools for helping you handle other aspects of your life, even if it’s just a temporary feeling of relief. Here are some of my hobbies:
1. Reading
I read all the time. I always have a book waiting in my TBR pile (TBR is short for “To Be Read” for all of you out there that aren’t familiar with word nerd lingo.) Being able to enter into a new world for a little bit is so freeing and can really help you forget about what’s going on in your world for a little bit. Try reading a chapter a night and see where that gets you!
2. Writing
I recently joined the school newspaper and let me tell you, I am thoroughly enjoying it. I never thought of myself as much of a writer so I was extremely hesitant going into it, but I am really glad I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. It allows me to be creative in a new way and really makes me feel like I am doing something to better myself. Try something new and join The Comment!
3. Exercise
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Everyone says this one. “Exercise relieves stress! Go to the gym if you’re feeling tense!” It’s way easier said than done. However, I promise you that you will never regret working out after you do it. You are going to feel better and you will be in a clearer headspace after. I, personally, love to run. No matter how I’m feeling, running helps. Now, I’m not saying go crazy and run a marathon, but try going for a mile jog and see how you feel after. Like Nike, just do it.
4. Baking
I have a newfound love for baking. I absolutely love it. I try and do it every weekend when I go home. It’s like a little treat (ha) at the end of a long week. The people close to me might beg to differ because I bake a lot of sweets but hey! Nobody in my life will ever go hungry! You’re welcome, guys. If you want to get into baking, start small. It’s okay if it doesn’t come out great the first time! After all, there is only one Betty Crocker.
These are just a few of the things I like to do in my spare time, outside of hanging with friends and family, of course. One can only be so social. I hope you were able to pull inspiration from this and I hope that you soon start to cultivate/make time for hobbies of your own. Take care of yourself while you’re young and able!
Stefanie Baptista is a Staff Writer for The Comment.
