I am about to finish my second year of college, and one big lesson I have learned is that hobbies are an important part of a balanced life.
College can be a hard time. You may be living on your own in a new place, feeling that you should already know what you want to do. My past two years have been stressful, but also fun and exciting. Along the way, I have learned to make time for hobbies. They let me step away from the chaos and find some peace. Here are three of my favorites.
Diamond Art
I am no artist, but diamond painting needs no artistic skill. It is like painting by numbers, except you stick tiny jewels onto paper. When I am busy with classes and work, I spend 15 to 30 minutes on it. I can stop thinking about what is worrying me and simply place the tiny pieces. I have also worked on designs with friends while watching a movie.
Baking
In my second year, I started baking about once a week to calm down. My favorites include chocolate chip cookies, banana muffins, and garlic rolls. At first, it can be hard when something goes wrong. Yet these small failures are a low-pressure way to learn that things will not always go to plan, before I face the same feelings about grades or job applications. When a recipe works, I feel proud and share it with people I care about.
Reading
I once thought I would hate reading, because at school we often had to read boring books. Then I found that I enjoy it when I choose the books myself. After a stressful day, I lie in bed with a book and feel as though I have entered another world. One chapter each night helps me relax without another screen.
Figuring out your place in the world is hard, and college is only a short part of that journey. Finding hobbies you truly enjoy can make life feel a little less hectic.