IT COMES AS NO surprise to most that college can be a stressful time for students. No matter what year, freshman or senior, there are numerous causes of stress and anxiety for students. Deadlines in classes, due dates for assignments and exams, all of which must be balanced with one’s social life and other obligations, can create a hectic schedule and stressful environment.
Of course, there are various ways to help decrease stress over one’s academic environment. Methods may include visiting the Counseling Center to discuss recent problems or speaking with a therapist off campus. Others may employ strategies often seen online, such as maintaining a circle of friends, going to the gym, getting enough sleep and more. All of these methods are tried and true, and should be implemented in one’s daily routine.
That said, many students have additionally begun to pick up hobbies as a way of both escaping from and coping with the stress of college. Typically, these hobbies happen to be of a creative nature, though many also explore sports, meditation and other hobbies of the active variety as well.
A close friend of mine enjoys embroidery, and from time to time, I have debated picking up the hobby myself. Stabbing something repeatedly with a sharp needle, even if it is only fabric, seems very satisfying. As with the majority of creative hobbies, you will also end up with something beautiful as the end result.
As for myself, while in college, I have begun to crochet and make jewelry. Crocheting, while not rare nowadays, is a hobby that can be very relaxing and rewarding. One needs to completely focus on their project in order to correctly count stitches, allowing a mental break from worrying about that exam you have coming up. Specifically, I picked up the habit of amigurumi crochet, otherwise known as crocheting plush animals. amirugurmi crocheters work with thick, fluffy yarn, and crochet hooks that are larger than what you usually see, so your hands do not cramp quite as much. As a bonus, you end your projects with a new stuffed friend.
While jewelry-making can pose its own perils — the tiny pieces of sharp wire scattered across my dorm room carpet, for example — it is similar to crochet in that it can serve as an exciting distraction from schoolwork. Working with beads, string and wire is less mentally engaging than a hobby like crochet, but it still demands a fair portion of attention. From wire wrapping crystals to making a string of beads, jewelry making can be a good way to keep your hands busy.
Similarly, the art of making knotted friendship bracelets can also keep one’s hands busy, while not taking up much space. Another benefit to this hobby is the lack of cost. While crochet and jewelry-making both require the purchasing of at least some materials, knotted friendship bracelets only need a few pieces of colored twine, or more commonly, embroidery thread. The ends of the thread can be taped to a notebook, tied to a keychain, or likewise secured to something to give tension in the string. From there, it will keep you mentally occupied, potentially reducing stress.
Outside of creative hobbies, physical activity can also help decrease stress. Simply going to the gym can help your body produce endorphins, which are essential for soothing anxiety. Playing a sport, either competitively or simply for fun, is another great way to get active and also make new friends. I have heard great things about the ultimate frisbee club on campus.
If possible, it is also a good idea to find physical education classes that you enjoy, instead of only relying on the gym — a class will force you to get up and be active, even when you are not in the mood. When I have the time, I enjoy aerial arts classes, such as aerial hoop and flying trapeze. These arts are freeing and enjoyable, which helps me to relieve stress. A more easily accessible option are the on-campus PE classes (which are also a graduation requirement).
College is an important time in a student’s life, and ideally an enjoyable time. That does not mean it is not stressful; the pile-up of work and obligations can easily get overwhelming. This is exactly why it is important to have hobbies that you can use to relax, destress and bring joy into your time at school.
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