Late-night study sessions, lectures, and assignments; college can be stressful! Whilst we cannot ignore the importance of academics, we need to acknowledge the whole world outside of our textbooks just waiting for us! Exploring your passions outside of college will not only help you to relax and destress, but it will also help you to grow in ways you may not expect. Here are some activities that you should explore and a guide on how to get started!
Firstly, why should you put time and effort into exploring your passions? Everyone needs a passion—something that feels like a reward after a week of classes. Whether you learn a new instrument, paint beautiful scenery, or just try cooking a nice meal for yourself, hobbies can boost your creativity and confidence! Plus, you gain the satisfaction of mastering a new skill.
Pursuing your interests is one of the best ways to engage with people who share your passions. Try joining clubs, teams, or extracurricular activities that allow you to connect with peers and build friendships that may even last a lifetime. Who knows? You may even find a new best friend! Besides the social aspect of hobbies, pursuing your passions can help you manage stress and reduce the risk of burnout.
Let’s face it—college can be extremely stressful. To manage your stress, you should take time out of your busy schedule to do what you love. Whether it’s ballet, volleyball, hiking, or volunteering, it can be a great way to relax and unwind. Engaging in activities you love can clear your mind and recharge you, making you ready to tackle assignments and long readings!
It is so fulfilling to give back. Find a cause you care about deeply and try to support it. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter, tutoring kids, or cleaning up our environment, volunteering not only helps others, but also gives one a sense of purpose and belonging.Â
Most colleges have many clubs and organizations for every interest you can think of! Here at UMass, we have educational opportunities, such as the Accounting Association, but we also have unique creative clubs, such as the UMass Art Club. You could even try out for a sports team or running club. The opportunities here are endless! Check out the UMass Website for more information.
Besides on-campus, there are tons of opportunities off-campus. Look for local classes and workshops. Many are super affordable or even free. These events are amazing opportunities to try something new and exciting and meet new people!
At the end of the day, we can all agree that college is important, but it is equally important to give yourself a break. Don’t forget to take a step outside the class and explore what you love! By diving into your passions, you guarantee having fun while giving yourself a chance to grow as a person and make awesome memories and friends. So make sure you go ahead and take that leap and discover the whole world waiting for you beyond the book!
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