THE IMPORTANCE OF HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Throughout the spring semester, I have had a group of hobbies and interests that I have consistently come back to. Some of these were cathartic and comforting, while others were intended to improve my mental health and wellbeing.
This article was inspired by the very outdated YouTube trend of posting a monthly favorites video. During these videos, content creators would share some of their favorite hobbies, interests or things from that month. This could be something as simple as a candle or a new app on their phone.
Having favorite things to do or favorite interests is so important when it comes to taking care of yourself. It is also good to know what these things are, so when you are struggling, you have a group of things that you can rely on.
I decided to compile a list of some of my favorites from the spring semester to share.
Journaling
Journaling has been such a solace for me this semester. I do the stereotypical journaling, just writing out my feelings before bed, as well as scrapbook-style journaling, where I make collages and paste drawings into a journal of mine.
Both of these forms of journaling are so helpful for me. Writing out my feelings allows me to wrap my head around how I am feeling and talk things out with myself. Whereas my other journal gives me a creative outlet to make spreads about things ranging from Club Penguin (rest in peace) to letters my friends have written me.
Heartstopper
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman is one of my favorite book series, and it was just recently adapted into a Netflix series. I was so excited to see my favorite characters be adapted on screen, especially since Heartstopper is originally a graphic novel.
Heartstopper is free to read on the website Webtoon, which has made it so easy for me to constantly go back and read my favorite chapters (or even the whole series).
deleting TikTok
I chose to delete TikTok this semester and I can confidently say that it is one of the best decisions I have made for my mental health. I spend so much less time on social media, and on my phone in general, so I have more time for other activities. I have been able to read and journal more, which are more beneficial to my mental health than TikTok.
I was really worried about feeling out of the loop about TikTok trends or new popular videos on the app, but I have not felt that way at all. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my back and I have more time in my day.
Mitski
I have been so obsessed with Mitski’s discography this semester. She is one of the most unhinged sad girls and is able to express so many emotions through her music. I have been obsessed with listening to her music when I am doing anything and everything. My favorite album is Bury Me At Makeout Creek. She has such talent and a way with words.
If I ever feel some sort of way, there is probably a Mitski song that matches my exact vibe.
Healing
Healing is one of the most crucial things anyone can do. I have had a lot of unprocessed trauma catch up with me recently, and healing has been such a necessary part of my semester. Healing is not linear, and therefore it is not always easy. But I have been trying to have patience and compassion for myself throughout the process.
I highly recommend focusing on yourself and your own healing. Especially before it all catches up to you, all at once.
Walking
Going on walks has had a huge part in my healing. Whenever I feel upset (but not solely when I am upset), I go on a walk. I have made my own walking playlist, which is the opposite of “hot girl walks” music and is more like “sad girl walks” music.
Walking more mindfully has helped me process my thoughts and emotions better. It has been a huge solace for me, and I genuinely look forward to every walk I go on. I highly recommend it to everyone.
THE STAIRS IN MY DORM
This one seems so random and out of place, however, it ties in with my healing. Whenever I have been feeling anxious at night, and I am unable to go on a walk outside (because of safety reasons), I run up and down the stairs in my dorm building until I have calmed myself down. It is a great form of exercise as well, although I do it for the benefits it has on my mental health.
Finch
Finch has been such a help to me this semester. It is an app focused on maintaining mental health and wellbeing, but you get to take care of your very own animated bird along the way. My bird is named Noodle, and I look forward to dressing them up and taking care of them everyday.
Finch also has breathing exercises on the app, as well as features similar to journaling. You are also able to add your friends on the app and send them vibes.
My semester overall
Overall, my semester has been full of a lot of healing and overall taking care of myself. Having favorites is so important, and I recommend making a list of your favorites, so you can realize what always lifts your mood.