As the new school year starts, be sure to take some time for yourself.

I admit that, personally, free time to myself often ends up being anxiety-inducing during the school year. I could be squeezing in something “productive” instead, such as studying, working or deep-cleaning my entire house. While this sense of anxiety can be productive when finals season comes around or when I’m finishing a big assignment, this feeling of dread doesn’t have an “off” switch, manifesting itself even during periods when my workload is lighter and I can afford to take a step back. 

As the new term begins, it can be easy to get caught up in the busyness and pressure to succeed and put the things that we love to the side. Although it is important to focus on your studies, neglecting your hobbies can negatively impact your mental health. 

While it can be hard to overcome the initial motivation barrier to try a new hobby, it will get easier over time if it’s something you enjoy. This is because participating in a hobby you like causes neurotransmitters, such as dopamine to be released, rewarding you for the activity and further motivating you to do it again. 

The enjoyment we get from hobbies is not only important for our short-term mood. Having this reward loop in your brain is important because it can help prevent anhedonia. This is a common symptom of depression which describes a general lack of ability to experience pleasure or motivation, and often manifests itself as a loss of interest in activities that normally bring you joy.

 A 2020 paper in The Journal of  Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics showed a correlation between participation in hobbies and lower levels of depression. Another 2023 paper in Nature Medicine indicated that those who participated in hobbies reported that they were happier, healthier, less depressed and more satisfied with their lives compared to the group with no hobbies. 

In addition to combating and preventing depression, hobbies also reduce stress. Participating in certain activities has also been shown to lower cortisol levels, which, when elevated, is correlated with stress. 

Importantly, there also can be a social element to hobbies, even if they are not group-based. Socialization is extremely important for our well-being, and hobbies provide us with the opportunity to find like-minded people and build relationships. University students, especially, have great opportunities to meet new people through their favourite activities, as there are tens of thousands of students on campus with a wide range of interests and plenty of activities and groups on campus to engage with. Here are four suggestions for affordable hobbies you can get into on campus!

Through USask Rec

Hobbies that involve exercise reap double the rewards—not only do you gainmental health benefits, but also the physical health benefits. Depending on what sport or physical activity you participate in, it can also be highly social.

Included in your student fees is access to the Fit Centre at the PAC, both swimming pools on campus, open gym at both the PAC and Education and racquet courts available for booking with squash, racquetball and table tennis. The PAC also boasts a 40-foot climbing wall, which is free for students to use after they attend a top-roping orientation, which costs 10 dollars.

If you are looking to participate in group activities, student fees also include a variety of recurring free fitness classes, including Zumba, kickboxing, spin class and yoga. USask Rec also offers a variety of reasonably priced learn-to sessions. Offerings in the previous school year included Métis square dancing, kayaking, scuba diving and fencing. 

If you’re interested in competing against others, there are a variety of competitive and recreational intramural leagues offered through Campus Rec. There is a wide selection of sports, including touch football, tennis, basketball, futsal, hockey and more. Men’s, women’s and co-ed leagues are offered, and you can create your own team or join as an individual and be placed on one.

Joining a Club

There are a wide variety of organizations on campus, with over 150 clubs, societies and groups for students to join. There is something for everyone! This is a great way to connect with like-minded people while doing what you love. There is a full list of USSU-ratified with their contact information and descriptions available on the USSU Hub website.

Getting Outside

Walking might not seem like the most interesting hobby— after all, it’s something we all  have to do every day, but getting outside for a walk can be incredibly relaxing as well as good exercise! There is lots to look at around campus, whether it’s the old architecture of the buildings or the greenery that piques your interest. Highlights around campus include the Patterson Garden Arboretum, Boffins Public Gardens and the Sculpture Garden. 

While it’s not really on campus, it’s close enough! The Meewasin Valley trail is directly adjacent to the university along the river, representing over 105 kilometres in total of pathways which can be used for walking, cycling and running.

Writing for The Sheaf

We might be biased, but The Sheaf is a great way to channel your creativity and share your ideas around campus. If you are interested in journalism, you can volunteer to write and edit articles. If that doesn’t interest you, past volunteers have also shared other mediums of work such as poetry and photography. Volunteering for The Sheaf is also extremely flexible— there is only as much time commitment as you would like there to be. 

Reach out to the editor-in-chief at editor@thesheaf.com if you are interested!

These are just a few suggestions for things to try on campus, and there are lots of other things you can do, whether they are out in the city or in the comfort of your own home. If you think you don’t have time, try approaching it from a different perspective— the chances are high that you just might spend that time on your phone anyway.