STEM subjects have a bad rep for being boring, overly logical, and not at all creative. I don’t think that’s true at all, but it can be easy to forget that there’s a world outside of your major. It’s important to have hobbies to keep yourself creative — not only is it a good way to destress, but I’d argue that creativity is helpful for any career you pursue and for life in general.
Find creativity in your classes
I know a math class isn’t exactly an art class, but creative problem solving is the basis of most STEM work. Finding an innovative way to fix a problem in your experiment totally counts as being creative. Whenever you get the chance to be imaginative in your classes, go for it. Whether you’re finding a fun way to do a presentation or writing creatively about a topic you’re passionate about, find ways to use your creativity for your schoolwork.
Dive back into an old hobby
What did you enjoy as a kid? Maybe you really liked dancing or drawing. Whatever it is, start doing it again. We tend to stop doing things that we’re not good at, but having a hobby isn’t about being good. As kids, we did whatever we enjoyed, regardless of talent. So, go back to your artistic roots and try your favorite creative activities from childhood.
start a new hobby!
There’s no better way to keep life interesting than trying something completely new. It’s fun to learn something new and improve over time. Take an hour to walk through a Michaels or another similar store and see if anything catches your eye. There are also plenty of opportunities to be creative on campus, so keep an eye out for any creative events that might be fun.
Make a commitment to being creative
The semester gets busy quickly, and it can be hard to find the time to have a hobby. That’s why it’s so important that you make it a part of your routine. Maybe that means having a monthly painting night with your friends. Or you could join a club that’s a creative outlet for you — being a part of Her Campus has been a super fun way for me to write about what I’m interested in!
Find things that keep you inspired
Creative expression is important, but so is keeping yourself inspired. It’s nice to find a great show or exciting book that you enjoy and keeps you inspired. I think that an essential part of creativity is seeing other people’s imagination at work. You don’t have to be an artistic person to enjoy art or a talented musician to enjoy music.
No matter what hobbies you’re interested in, there are plenty of ways to be creative as a STEM major. Just start being creative about how you can be creative. And remember: it’s not about being talented. It’s about finding little ways to keep your life exciting, whether that’s playing an instrument, or doing something as simple as coloring or writing in a journal.
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