By Twyla E. Herron
Pulse Staff Reporter
College life can be time consuming and stressful. It is nice to do something relaxing and enjoyable when you have free time. Adopting a new hobby can relieve stress, and some hobbies may even help you earn a little extra cash.
“I personally enjoy reading in my spare time,” said Liberal Arts Major Kayla Tuttle. “I know that’s a generic pastime, but I feel like when I’m reading, I forget to worry. I just get pulled into another world for a little while, and that is always nice when the real world is so hectic.”
In this fast-paced world, it is difficult to find time for yourself, but when you do, you want to make the most of it. Sometimes, however, when you enjoy so many different things, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Here are a few ideas:
If you are an artsy person, then arts and crafts are right up your alley. Believe it or not, your creative skills could bring in a few extra dollars, which is always helpful on a college student’s budget. Selling pieces you have created, such as home décor or clothing, on Etsy (a website to buy or sell all things handmade), at county fairs or local arts and craft shows is a great place to start.
Cecilia Olmos, a Liberal Arts major here at PAC, thinks that it is important for students to have hobbies.
“If all you ever do is study and work, you can get pretty stressed out, and stressing out shortens your life,” Olmos said.
Olmos enjoys reading and drawing in her spare time, and she is thinking of getting into drama—something she has always wanted to do.
Another activity that will leave you feeling healthier and less stressed is exercising. Exercising is not appealing to everyone, and it is definitely not easy for beginners, but it can be fun and enjoyable. Walking at the park or doing yoga in your backyard is refreshing, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment.
PAC Freshman Alex Gonzalez said that his transition into college has been a little rough, but he manages his stress level by working out.
“I love to run. I put my headphones in and go until I can’t anymore,” Gonzalez said. “I am very easily irritated when I’m stressed, so I feel a lot more like myself after a good workout. It’s honestly so liberating.”
A hobby that not only makes you feel good but also helps those around you is volunteering. Food banks are always looking for volunteers, and donation stations are around the city for you to donate clothing, toys, blankets or other needed items.
“I always have fun at food drives. Seeing people’s faces after you’ve given them food to get them through another day is always satisfying,” said Katherine Lacey, a freshman at PAC.
Digital Arts Major Heather Lara has always been passionate about drawing.
“I have been drawing since I was in middle school, and when I do, it relieves stress for me,” she said. “I would see people sketching and want to start myself, so I did. There’s a lot I love to do, but this is what works for me. Everyone is different, though. You just have to give it a shot.”
You do not have to be good at something to try it out. Hobbies give you opportunities to learn something new without the pressure of succeeding. Some other ideas are scrapbooking, mentoring younger kids in need of guidance, exploring someplace new, couponing and organizing. Whatever pastime you choose, hobbies will open a door to new experiences that can make you feel less stressed and healthier.
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