January marks the beginning of the second semester, bringing the return to academic routines and the inevitable pile-up of assignments. Amidst the hustle and bustle of school life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of taking breaks and setting time to do the things we like. Coincidentally, January is also recognized as National Hobby Month. 

Hobbies allow for relaxation, alleviate stress, help us learn a new skill, and positively impact both our physical and mental health. As a way to celebrate National Hobby Month and find something to love, here are some hobbies to consider:

Reading

Reading exercises the brain, requiring concentration and focus. It increases your attention span, which has been shown to decrease with the rise of short-form content. Reading also expands knowledge and cultural awareness. Most importantly, it is free. Anyone has the opportunity to visit a public library and read. 

“Reading is very entertaining,” stated junior Esther Xuan. “It allows me to explore a new world and learn new things.”

Making Kandi/Bead Bracelets

Creating bracelets allows for the chance to play around with various styles, materials, and design elements. Beads can be mixed and matched to discover personal style. Not to mention, handcrafted bracelets make thoughtful and personalized gifts. 

Freshman Lillyanna Torres enjoys making Kandi bracelets because “it can help [me] calm down at times, and [I] can make gifts for people.”

Listening to Music

Listening to music has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, mood, alertness, and memory. Not only is it a source of enjoyment, but it is also an avenue for bonding with other people who share a similar taste in music.

Junior Ainara Sanchez-Bosch takes pleasure in “listening to music; [my] only complaint is that sometimes [I] can’t find the right songs.”

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a way to preserve cherished photos and memorabilia. Documenting moments by creating albums can become a treasure or keepsake that can be passed down through generations; it can also become an exceptionally memorable gift. 

Basic supplies for scrapbooking include a scrapbook (can be any book, a three-ringed binder is economical), scissors, decorative papers, glues, stickers, and markers for personalized pages with handwritten notes.

“I like collecting little things,” said junior Enchi Huang. “Putting them all together in one page is satisfying.”

Cooking

Cooking at home allows us to have better control over ingredients, making it easier to choose nutritious options and adopt healthier eating habits. It is often more budget-friendly than dining out regularly.

“I like cooking, but the best part of it is eating,” said Xuan.

Often, a challenge that faces us in pursuing our hobbies is time. To overcome this, we can dedicate a set time in your schedule, take small breaks throughout the day, and be mindful of what you do. Make sure to have time for hobbies and have fun!

Photo by Rachel Lee