NEW YEAR, NEW YEAR, NEW HOBBIES NEW HOBBIES

by Lauren Leemaster

As full-time students, the idea of taking on a new hobby can be intimidating - juggling school, extracurriculars, and possibly a job requires a large time commitment. However, withholding the pursuit of a new activity due to lack of time does not always have to be the case. Being open to trying new pastimes in order to diversify free time helps individuals reach new bounds.

When it comes to new hobbies, the possibilities are endless and the effort provided is completely determined by the individual.

Puzzles

Whether they’re 100 pieces or 1000, puzzles are low maintenance and do not require unyielding attention. Setting a puzzle out on the table and spending five minutes on it a day acts as a brain break. Furthermore, the end result is worthwhile: it provides a visual reward to the builder’s work while having no pressure of a deadline.

“I discovered I liked puzzles during the pandemic. It makes me feel good when I finally find a piece. The work pays off and it’s really satisfying when you finish. I just finished my fourth puzzle this school year.”

- Mrs. Peplin

Reading Hammocking

While individuals already consider reading to be a popular hobby, BookTok’s influence over the younger generation led to a significant increase in student bookworms. Reading not only provides an enjoyable pastime but it can also introduce readers to fan communities that recommend new books.

Gardening Word Games

Witnessing the planting process progress all the way to harvesting brings about a kind of satisfaction that cannot be found when purchasing raw goods.

Challenging one’s intellect by incorporating daily word games is both a constructive and entertaining pastime. Apps like Wordle and the New York Times App assign daily puzzles for users to complete each day. Building streaks, unlocking new levels, and earning points reward individuals that continue to develop their productive habit.

CROCHETING & KNITTING ART

The end result of a crochet or knitting project directly reflects on the amount of effort put into the process. After picking up on the basics, one can create just about anything. Once developed, crochet and knitting skills can be used to make gifts for others or help act as an outlet for creativity; learning is the hardest part.

“I got into crocheting from my grandma. I like to make amigurumi, which are little crocheted stuffed animals.”

- Drew Kirkbride '26

With the popularization of the portable hammock, many GHS students pass their time hanging about and relaxing outside. In the summertime, students are found at local parks such as Boettler and Nimisila with a book and hammock in hand.

Thrifting

Searching for unique items and collectables makes for an enjoyable hobby while not being too financially taxing.

”I complete the Wordle and Contexto everyday, along with the occasional word search. It works as a brain break for me and it makes me feel productive. I feel like I accomplished a fun task."

The list is endless when it comes to arts and crafting; bullet journaling, coloring books, scrapbooking, photography, embroidery, friendship bracelets, jewelry making, nail art are all rewarding hobbies. Their beauty lies in their malleability; individuals have authority over the amount of time they allocate towards their selected art.

“I’ve been considering taking up at home stain glass, like a DIY,” and, “I want to try out book folding as well. They have some in the library that I like."

- Mrs. Berardi