Hobbies aren’t always just for fun
Drawing's more fun than Xanax.
Like most people, I’ve always had at least one regular hobby. It didn’t really matter what it was, but it usually ended up being some creative outlet, like ice skating, drawing, singing, or dancing. I would spend my free time enjoying that hobby whenever I wasn’t doing other, more important things.
Since beginning graduate school, though, I haven’t felt like I had the luxury to continue my hobbies. For most grad students, there’s an end goal in sight in all your work. Everything you’re doing is propelling you closer and closer to being the successful professional you’ve dreamed of. Why would we want to waste time drawing a picture or going to take a dance class?
As I’ve discovered, I can’t deal with the stress of my program without my hobbies. For a while, I thought I was just being weak, and that if I worked harder, longer days I would get used to it. While I’m sure (I know, in fact) that some people have unlimited energy and work ethic, I personally can’t keep going at such an intense pace. At least not without breaks to enjoy myself in other, less intellectual ways.
We often forget about the health benefits of the arts, although art therapy is a widely-used strategy in mental health settings. At a 2003 seminar of the Institute for Public Policy Research, Mike White discussed the importance of the arts. He noted some important related findings:
An arts in health questionnaire survey carried out by the Health Education Authority
in 1998 produced 90 responses from arts organisations, an ‘overwhelming’ number of
which identified improvement of mental health. There was observational evidence of
participants achieving stress reduction (53% of projects), therapeutic benefit (57%),
improved sociability (59%), and skills development (70%).~From White, Mike (2003). ARTS IN MENTAL HEALTH FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION– A Discussion Paper. Mental Health and the Arts IPPR Seminar, London.
After some deep thought about my own mental health, I have realized that I won’t become an effective Psychologist without taking care of myself first. While at first it seemed trivial, I bought a sketchbook and some colored pencils, and started to spend time in the evenings drawing. I’m going to yoga or the gym a couple times a week too. Nothing too crazy, but it’s making all the difference. In the end, it makes my hours devoted to work more efficient and reminds me that there’s more to life than schoolwork.
For most students and young professionals with so many responsibilities weighing us down, it’s difficult to remember to prioritize our own well-being, but vital to our success in life. Ultimately, we can either be exhausted and too stressed to function effectively in our careers, or instead sacrifice a few hours a week to partake in some creative outlet. The latter option will make us physically and mentally healthier and more content overall.
If you, like me, are getting sucked into the American workaholic frenzy, I suggest you give some hobbies a try. They might improve more than just your drawing skills.
e novel/memoir.