10 Stress-Relieving Hobbies to Pick Up This School Year

As the year began with school, assignment pressure, exams, and extracurricular activities increased rapidly. But don't worry; starting a new hobby was pretty great in keeping me in check and handling stress. Here are some hobbies that helped me unwind and a few others you might want to give a shot.

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1. Bullet Journaling

I'm a huge fan of bullet journaling, as it's that perfect mixture of keeping you organized and creative. I love designing my layouts with colored markers and washi tape, tracking all from school assignments to personal goals. Not only does it keep me organized, but it's a place to have some fun. You can doodle, write your thoughts, or keep track of how you have been feeling.

My favorite bullet journal supplies come from "Leuchtturm1917" because of their quality and durability. If you are a person who likes to be organized but would like to do this stylishly, bullet journaling might just become your new best friend.

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2. Playing a Musical Instrument

A few months back, I took up playing the ukulele, and it's been great in terms of being a getaway from school stress. And there is something super soothing about going on and plucking away at those strings for even just a few minutes. The feeling of accomplishment—that I had finally mastered a song—was amazing.

If you're looking for an easy instrument, but one with depth, the ukulele is a good choice. Plus, with apps like "Fender Play," learning is at your fingertips, no matter your skill level.

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3. Yoga and Meditation

I know it sounds cliché, but yoga and meditation seriously changed the way I deal with stress. It really doesn't have to be much; sometimes, even ten minutes a day can make a huge difference. I use the "Down Dog" app, with which I'm able to customize sessions that fit into my really busy schedule. Yoga stretches all the sitting tension from my desk, and meditation cleans my mind, keeping me with my feet on the ground. Beginning with some yoga has turned into a daily ritual from which I just can't stay away.

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4. Creative Writing

Whenever I feel that there is too much overloading me, I turn to creative writing. Writing, in any form, evidently provides an outlet where my imagination can truly run wild within those short stories, poetry, or fan fiction. It helps take an extra load off my chest, but most importantly, it enhances my writing skills; it comes very in handy in school. Of course, my favorite place for writing is a cozy corner in my house with a cup of green tea and my laptop.

5. Cooking or Baking

Cooking and baking—these are now the activities I do at the end of a very long day. I enjoy trying out new recipes and just playing around with ingredients in the kitchen. It feels so good to make up something delicious from scratch, especially when it's something my family enjoys.

I just baked some homemade chocolate chip cookies using a recipe from "Sally's Baking Addiction," and the process of measuring, mixing, and baking was incredibly therapeutic. Also, who doesn't love a warm, homemade treat?

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6. Outdoor Activities

Whenever I feel I need a break from it, I get out and go walking or hiking around. Nothing seems to clear the mind like fresh air and nature. Now, very recently, I've started walking on the trails nearby, which keeps me fit while absorbing the beauty around me. Sometimes I take my camera along and take some photos of the scenery, which immediately relaxes me and keeps my mind in the current moment.

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7. Crafting and DIY Projects

As I have always had a tingle in my hands, crafting and DIY projects are precisely my thing. Crafting ranges from making friendship bracelets to painting rocks, and even knitting. These are things through which I express my creativity by creating something physical.

Recently, I got to try out rock painting, and it was such fun! I painted some with cute designs and left them around my neighborhood for others to find. It's a small way of spreading some joy, and, quite clearly, a great way to de-stress.

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8. Reading for Fun

I am a huge reader, so reading for pure fun is one of the most soothing activities. Any novel of my choice provides a refill of fresh air when so much schoolwork is choking me. Currently, I am reading a fantasy series where I cannot resist its adventure plot. Whether you are into fantasy, romance, or mystery, getting a book to your liking can be a nice way to unwind.

9. Journaling

Apart from bullet journaling, I also journal ordinarily. I take my personal notebook and just put down my thoughts and feelings, knowing that it's as private as it gets. It's something I use for reflection on my day, the times when I need to vent my frustrations, or pretty much anything wandering in my mind.

I see that it helps me figure everything out that has been overwhelming me, making it easier to deal with stress. That's why I write this in a cheap, lined notebook—nothing fancy, just someplace I can always be candid with myself.

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10. Gaming

When I need a lightning-fast activity to get away from stress caused by school, I hit up my games. My favorite pastime involves a simple game like Subway Surfers, or perhaps a new puzzle game with a high score to defeat like 2048, on my phone. It's an interesting way of getting connected to friends online—not just through games but also while teaming up with them in multiplayer games. Balance it to become a stress reliever and not another point of stress.

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Finding What Works for You

Everyone reacts differently to stress, and hence, all that matters is finding what feels right to you. It may be any of the hobbies stated here or entirely different, but the main idea is just to create time for oneself. Remember, school is that important, but so is time granted to yourself. So enjoy yourself by picking a new hobby, and let this school year be less stressful and more fun!

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