The end of the semester is in sight, and that may be a stressful time for students and teachers alike. Sometimes, a little activity is needed to clear your mind. Here are a few hobbies you can pick up for some distraction and relaxation.
- Cross Stitching
Cross Stitch is a form of embroidery, in which you stitch small x’s into fabric with embroidery floss to form a design. These designs can be most anything your heart desires, from patterns to words to landscapes. The possibilities are endless. Cross-stitcher Avery Bequette says, “The repetitive nature of it is very soothing, and it’s very satisfying watching the pattern come together.”
A few materials are required for cross stitching; Adia fabric(stiff white fabric with evenly spaced holes), embroidery floss, an embroidery hoop, scissors, and a needle. One can find patterns from various sources, or make your own. Cross stitch kits are also available, which come with materials and patterns.
The time you spend on it depends on your preference and the complexity of the project. Bequette says, “I spend hours doing this every week. Depending on the size and complexity of the pattern, some pieces can take much longer than others.”
Though patience and depth perception are useful, she says cross stitching can be for anyone. “It takes a bit of time to get good at it, but there are a million tutorials online, and it’s not too difficult to pick up.”
2. Collecting
Another hobby to cultivate is collecting. There are tons of trinkets, dozens of doodads, and trillions of tchotchkes one could collect. Finding different objects is a fun and relaxing activity.
Hope Pisarscyk, a junior at St. Thomas Moore High School, collects tea cups. “I have a little over 25 different teacups, all of varying sizes and patterns,” said Pisarscyk. “I like collecting tea cups because they are such pretty and unique items to have on my shelf!”
Collecting can apply to any trinket you wish! You can find them at all sorts of places if you look close enough. Collecting can be a good way to house memories, or decorate your space!
3. Music
Music is a great way to unwind and relax, while also expressing creativity. Keegan Kennedy, a sophomore, plays the trombone and piano. “I like instruments because I can play songs I enjoy.”
Getting into music requires a few things to start out with. For one, an instrument to learn. If it’s your first time, you may also need some instruction, which can be found online or physically. Aside from this, you’ll need time. Kennedy says he usually practices for 20 minutes a day. He recommends it for “anyone who enjoys music.”
4. Exercise
Exercising can be a great way to spend your time. Doing so relieves boredom, maintains physical health, and can improve your mental health as well. Muskaan Garg, a junior at St. Thomas Moore High School, runs and plays soccer in her free time. She does these as they allow her to “think things through.”
Physical activities can range in difficulty and equipment. For instance, some workouts are things you can do at home, while other activities require other people or equipment. Yoga is something you can do with simply an open floor and a resource. Garg said running shoes and cleats are needed for running and soccer.
Exercise, no matter your strength or resources or abilities, can be an excellent way to release stress. Garg recommends it for “Anyone who’s looking for a chill hobby that allows you to learn new skills and see growth across months of practice.”
5. Gardening
Get your green thumb on, and consider picking up gardening! This hobby is fun and can yield some fun items. Kennedy spends about an hour and a half a day gardening during the summer. He says, “I like gardening because I can eat the fresh vegetables I grow, and grow pretty flowers.”
This hobby may be a bit more extensive than others. It requires space, in the form of a garden space to cultivate, a shovel, a trowel, and seeds. If you don’t have the outdoor space to do so, you can also plant smaller plants indoors, with pots, soil, and seeds.
Gardening is an excellent way to get outside and make something from scratch. Kennedy says, “I would recommend gardening to anyone who enjoys being outside and who wants fresh vegetables.”
