(Entry 1)Hobbies

Life can be stressful, but with the help of hobbies, we can combat this stress and live better. According to Kaiser Permanente, hobbies can “boost your health” and “Whatever your preference, research shows that when you engage in interests you enjoy, you’re more likely to have lower stress levels, a lower heart rate, and a better mood. You’re also more likely to engage in the world around you.” (2023) 

As someone prone to stress, I often draw as a hobby. Creating art helps me to escape moments of my life. Drawing helps subside the difficulty of dealing with strong emotions I've never been able to tame. 

As a fun hobby, I found relief in art. As I created my own worlds and characters, it gave me purpose in something I enjoy. 

However, I became stressed when I joined a yearly art challenge. Joining Art Fight is fun, but the pressure of creating attacks on the opposite team is draining. The same could be said about creating art as a school project and taking commissions. The University of Victoria states that art has many benefits and can benefit all humans, even if we don't label ourselves as artists. While I can agree that art as a hobby can promote many benefits such as destressing, less anxiety, and reduced depression. But taking a hobby too seriously can produce opposite results. 

I love making art and find immense joy in incorporating it into my school and work life. But, putting all my effort into school assignments could have been more worthwhile. Unlike when I am paid a commission, whenever I went all out for a job, it was simply j drawing for a grade. Sometimes, art can put a lot on your mental and physical health, but it can also provide that escape once you let go of these high expectations you can put on yourself. 

(All art belongs to me.)