Your Future Hobby(ies):
By: Ela Rybak ‘25
With finals around the corner and group projects racking up, it can be hard to find time for yourself. Sometimes I only have half an hour to catch up with family and friends, but recently, I’ve recognized how much better I feel when I take time to do things unrelated to work or school. Mental health thrives when we partake in activities that make us happy!
Here’s some inspiration for hobbies and activities that will help your well-being during this hectic season.
Playing an instrument
I started playing an instrument this year after always being fascinated by the thought and passion that went into creating different tunes. I received my first ukulele on my nineteenth birthday, and it’s become such a positive outlet for me to escape the stress of work. Fortunately, USC offers many opportunities for beginners and experts alike to learn more about playing different instruments. If you think you may want to pick up playing the guitar, 2 unit classes like “Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar” and “Easy Freestyle Beatles” focus on the fundamentals of guitar playing, and no musical background is required. “Beginning Piano” is another 2 unit instrumental class that highlights piano techniques. Additionally, the “Afro-Latin Percussion Instruments” class delves into how culture and music are intertwined while teaching you how to play percussion instruments.
Reading
Reading can sometimes seem like a chore for me since I usually equate it to doing work for school. However, deep-diving into an exciting book, whether a romance novel, comic book, or a pure classic, is good for your brain as it helps to expand your attention span and ability to concentrate. Try picking up your favorite book and taking it to Alumni Park to read on a blanket, or try reading at your favorite quiet spot on campus.
Making art
Art of any kind helps with self-expression as well as relieving stress. Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, it’s fun to pick up a paintbrush along with some snacks and have a picnic while painting things you see or whatever pops up in your head. The same goes for drawing, sketching, or even making elaborate bullet journal spreads. I don’t consider myself an artist, but creating artwork has led to some of my fondest memories.
Maintaining plants or a garden
Whether you live in a dorm, apartment, or house, looking after your own plants can be very rewarding. I have my own balcony this year, so I started caring for five different plants. I water them once or twice a week and see them continue to grow and bloom throughout the semester. When I’m sitting in my room doing homework, it makes me happy to look outside and see greenery. However, not all plants need to be outdoors to flourish.
Best for outdoor or indoor: Geraniums, begonias, and calla lilies.
Indoor plants with low light: Peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants.
Indoor plants with high light: Orchids, cacti, jade plants, and African violets.
Exercising
Along with recreational sports, USC offers lots of ways to get moving. The Lyon Center and Village gym offer classes ranging from Zumba to pilates to trapeze yoga. After a workout, I can finish my schoolwork ten times more efficiently. Check this link to sign up for different classes: USC Workout Classes - Recreational Sports. Also, the Village is home to a Core Power Yoga studio if you want to explore yoga more specifically.
Not only are all of these hobbies exciting, but they also benefit your mental and physical health. It’s important never to be afraid to try new things, so if you realize something isn’t for you, keep exploring!
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