Jonathan Ware
reporter
collegian.editor@tccd.edu

TCC students said hobbies helped them balance life by relieving stress, expanding skills to grow individually and improving overall mental health.

SE student Arianna Peaney, whose hobbies include cleaning and shopping, said having hobbies helps her when she is feeling stressed.

“My hobbies help me in my daily life by taking my mind off of my stress and problems,” Peaney said. “Stress is unhealthy, so I feel like my daily life is improved whether I clean my home, read or shop. Occasionally, when I can’t escape from work, I like to deep clean while I work to work my hobbies into my day.”

She also described the joy that her hobbies bring and that it occupies her time when she is not in school. 

“Work was previously my only hobby because I had no other time on my hands,” Peaney said. “I have since then made time for myself to enjoy life and hobbies as they should be enjoyed. Hobbies are important to me because, without them, I would burn myself out and be miserable.” 

NE student Nicholas Lolin said it’s important when coming up with a hobby to not let anything get in the way of it.

“If something interests you, go for it,” he said. “Don’t worry too much about what anyone around you has to say. That comes second if it should even matter that much at all. You do you first.” 

He also said that his hobbies showed him to do more instead of doing less.

“Having hobbies to either alleviate that boredom or have a release for my thoughts to slow my mind down makes a massive difference,” Lolin said. 

NE student Haleigh Harris said the pandemic has played a role in having hobbies.

“I believe that my hobbies keep me sane,” Harris said. “Before COVID, the everyday hustle and bustle of life was enough to keep me busy, but once quarantine rolled around, I realized fairly quickly it would just be me, myself and I.”

She also touched on the mental health aspect of having hobbies. 

“I believe the sole purpose of having a hobby is for your mental health,” Harris said. “While you can reap the physical benefits of some hobbies, most hobbies are simply meant to help take care of your mental health. Hobbies reduce stress and can help you rediscover your interests.”