As the summer season begins, many college students find themselves juggling various responsibilities, including work and academic obligations. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 90% of students report working in some capacity over the summer months. However, not all students are taking a break from their studies, as many opt to take summer courses.
In 2020, The Hechinger Report revealed that nearly 7 million students took summer courses, highlighting the growing trend of year-round academic enrollment (The Hechinger Report). As students navigate their busy schedules, it is essential to remember the importance of leisure activities in promoting overall well-being (The Minnesota Daily). Engaging in hobbies and creative pursuits can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional health.
As Jake Loeffler… a clinical psychologist at Boynton Health’s Student Counseling Services, notes, “We’re more than just what we do for work.” Loeffler believes that summer is an excellent time to focus on leisurely activities, which can help individuals escape the “survival mode” that often prevails during the academic semester.
These activities can include creative pursuits, such as painting or writing, as well as group-oriented hobbies like playing sports or singing in a choir. The benefits of leisurely activities are numerous. According to Loeffler, these activities can increase creativity, stimulate cognitive function, and engage the senses… ultimately calming the nervous system.
Group-oriented hobbies can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, as individuals connect with others who share similar interests. AsLoeffler so aptly puts it, “The unity I feel playing soccer with others is almost like an orchestra playing together.” In the Twin Cities, a new studio is offering a unique opportunity for individuals to come together and engage in a communal hobby.
Twin Cities Skaters, a group based in Uptown, has established a studio where skaters can gather, share tips, and learn new tricks. This cooperative environment fosters a sense of community and connection among participants, providing a much-needed break from the demands of work and academics. Leisure activities do not have to be limited to formal classes or organized groups, however. Students can explore their own creative interests and talents, whether it be writing, drawing, or playing music.
By prioritizing leisure activities, individuals can recharge and refocus, “preparing themselves for the challenges of the upcoming academic year.” As the summer months unfold, “students are encouraged to make time for leisurely activities and creative pursuits.”
Source: Found here
Summer Leisure Activities
As the summer solstice approaches, it is prudent to reconvene with the notion that leisure activities play a paramount role in promoting overall well-being. In an era where the onus of academic obligations and work responsibilities often assumes a ___-consuming nature, it is essential to incorporate leisurely pursuits into one’s daily routine.
This notion is corroborated by The Minnesota Daily, which emphasizes the importance of leisure activities in fostering a sense of balance and sundry other benefits. The plethora of summer leisure activities can be categorized into two broad realms: individualistic pursuits and group-oriented endeavors. The former can be exemplified by creative activities such as painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument.
These endeavors enable individuals to tap into their creative reservoir… thereby reinvigorating their mental faculties and instilling a sense of satisfaction. In contrast, group-oriented hobbies such as team sports, singing in a choir, or participating in communal art projects facilitate socialization and camaraderie, thereby mitigating feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The benefits of leisurely activities are multifaceted and far-reaching. According to various studies, these pursuits can increase cognitive function, stimulate creativity, and even temper one’s nervous system. They provide a welcome respite from the rigors of daily ___… thereby recharging one’s batteries and preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead.
As TheMinnesota Daily aptly puts it, “engaging in hobbies and creative pursuits can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional health.” In the Twin Cities, a novel initiative has emerged to promote leisurely activities among individuals. Twin Cities Skaters, a collective based in Uptown, has inaugurated a studio wherein skaters can congregate, share expertise, and learn new tricks.
This cooperative environment fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, providing a refreshing diversion from the demands of work and academics. It is imperative to note that leisure activities do not necessitate formal classes or organized groups. Individuals can opt to explore their own creative interests and talents, whether it be writing, drawing, or playing music.
By prioritizing leisure activities, individuals can recharge their batteries, refocus their energies, and prepare themselves for the challenges of the upcoming academic year. ^^, summer is an opportune time to cultivate a sense of leisure and recreation. By embracing the plethora of leisure activities available, individuals can promote their overall well-being, “stimulate their creative faculties,” “and foster meaningful connections with others.”
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Even with classes out for the summer, a college student’s time may still be consumed with work and other obligations. N early 90% of students report working in some capacity this season, according to the National Recreation and Park Association.
However, school is only out for some. In 2020, nearly 7 million students took summer courses , according to The Hechinger Report.
