Yes, it’s true what you’ve heard…exam season is upon us. Do you know what that means? It means your stress levels are going to skyrocket, I’m sorry to tell you, but it’s true. Don’t worry! I am here to help you. Now, during this exam season, you might be looking for something to do other than binge watching a Netflix original and procrastinating those next 20 slides. Maybe something more productive? More therapeutic? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. These hobbies I am about to tell you about are known to be extremely therapeutic, calming and can help reduce stress.
Journaling
Journaling is a hobby that I personally think that everyone should get into, for several reasons. First, writing down your thoughts and emotions has major benefits in managing the chaos in your life. With everything us young adults have going on, it is so easy to get overwhelmed with your feelings, so PRO TIP: WRITE THEM DOWN!! I promise after you will feel more calm and relaxed. Even journaling about your to-do list will help you organize your thoughts. Try doing this hobby every day and I swear the routine will calm your mind drastically. Need some tips to help you start journaling? Click here.
Bullet Journaling
Bullet journaling is also a form of journaling that a lot of people find therapeutic. It’s really just a form of organizing your life in an aesthetically pleasing way, who doesn’t love that? Bullet journaling is also known to increase mindfulness and productivity. What does this all mean? It means you can act like you actually have your life together and have fun doing it.
Need more facts on bullet journaling? Click here.
Colouring
Adults are now reverting back to their childhood ways of playful colouring, but this time… it’s to help reduce stress! Adult colouring books are known to be one of the most therapeutic hobbies ever, and I can say that I personally love them. Adult colour books are helpful to your intellectual, mental and emotional health. Colouring is also a fun way to reduce your stress levels and create something beautiful in the process. Release your inner child with this therapeutic hobby!
Stretching/Yoga
Relax your brain and your muscles with this therapeutic hobby. Stretching is known to tame tension in your body, both physically and mentally. This can act as a very relaxing study break. Yoga is known to reduce anxiety and allow you to get back in tune with yourself and your body. Start off slow with some beginner stretches and ease your muscles into a more stress-free state.
Cooking
This is personally my favourite therapeutic hobby. The process of chopping, dicing and sautéeing can get you into a very relaxing rhythm, and the result of a delicious meal doesn’t suck either. Finding an easy recipe that you love and taking the time for yourself during exam season to cook yourself a healthy, home cooked meal is a fantastic hobby to get behind. By cooking at home, you’re able to know exactly what is going into your body and you’ll save so much money. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, build this healthy habit with this hobby.
Cross Stitching
You might call me ancient for this one, but I know people who have taken up this hobby and absolutely LOVE it. This crafty hobby is extremely inexpensive and calming, and it gives you a beautiful outcome you can share with your friends and family. Cross stitching is the act of piercing and pulling a needle and thread to form a pattern, which can actually be very therapeutic. Lay on the couch with this craft while you watch your favourite show on Netflix (you won’t feel as bad about watching a whole season in one day).
Reading
I get that this hobby may not seem therapeutic to some people, especially university students who read countless textbooks every semester. I understand that school may have sucked the fun out of reading, but I swear it can be so relaxing. If you find the RIGHT book and the RIGHT spot, light some candles and dive into a good story, it can be used an escape from your cluttered mind. I know it is hard to find a good book that you can really get lost in so here is what everyone is reading right now to help you choose.
Now that you’re educated, do yourself a favour and try one of these therapeutic hobbies this exam season. Happy exam season Golden Hawks, and stay stress-free!