As high achieving college students, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves. To be brilliant at everything we try, be a caring friend, a well rounded student, and have interesting hobbies as well. For a long time, I dreaded the question, “So, what are your hobbies?” because honestly, I didn’t know what to say. Between classes, internships, and everything in between, I barely had time, let alone pursue something “fun.” But here’s what I’ve learned: hobbies don’t have to be impressive or productive. They don’t have to turn into side hustles or perfectly curated Instagram posts. They can be small things that make you feel a little lighter, calmer, or more like yourself.
Here are some things I have taken time to do recently, that have slowed me down and brought me joy.
- Painting
My roommate brought a set of water color paints to school this semester. One afternoon, I joined her while she sketched. I looked to Pinterest for inspiration, and began to draw and paint. I found myself feeling a little calmer after, and the hour without a device seemed to slow time down a little. Now, my wall is slowly filling with pieces of art that symbolise moments in time, each one holding a different memory of a burst of creativity. - Lego
Recently, I also got gifted a set of Lego flowers. Similarly to the painting, one afternoon I found myself exhausted from a long day, and craving a bit of calmness. So, I put on my Olivia Dean playlist and I built a couple of the lego flowers. I think something about the tactile feeling of doing a task and building one piece at a time is really relaxing. - Reading
I love to read. But I always find ways to validate the voice in my head that says I don’t have time to read. Recently at the airport, I bought a book before a flight. Not a “classic” or a “bestseller”– just a book that caught my eye. I read half there, and half on the way back. Now, I have a book on my bedside table, ready to go for when I have just a moment to read a chapter or two. - Walking
Though the weather is gloomy and grey, getting outside always shifts my mood. In fact, most days I choose to walk down Comm Ave instead of taking transport, even when it’s miserable. On weekends, a long walk on the esplanade, or a stroll after picking up a coffee or even going out of state for a hike, are ways I stay active that are actually enjoyable to me. - Cooking
- Living off campus, I thought cooking would slowly but surely turn into a chore. But after two months, I can confidently say that hasn’t been the case for me. As a foodie, I am never satisfied with a cup ramen meal for dinner, and so I’ve actively made time in my schedule to make sure I can cook meals. Wednesdays are my favorite day of the week, because I have a long afternoon break, where I typically make dinner for my roommates that reminds me of home. I take the time to buy ingredients, and make something new each week like my favorite Asian curry or Indian dish. It’s a small ritual that reminds me of home and is made more meaningful because I get to share it with others.
We’re often our own harshest critics. We want to do everything, be everything, and still somehow stay balanced. We can continue to be dedicated, tenacious students, and still find time to build a Lego flower a day. Joining 3 clubs doesn’t mean you wouldn’t have time to read 15 minutes of a book before bed. Having early morning classes doesn’t stop you from walking to them.
Our lives are made up of little pockets of joy. We just have to notice them. And if you don’t have a hobby right now that brings you joy, that’s okay too. Keep exploring, keep trying new things, and remember: hobbies aren’t checkboxes. They’re just small ways of caring for yourself.