PICK UP a HOBBY

The Winter months are an excellent time to pursue hobbies, personal interests, and establish new ones.

The word hobby originates from “hobyn,” which means small horse or pony. Toy hobbyhorses are made from a stick with a horsehead form attached. The hobbyhorse, a favorite childhood pastime, became associated with leisure and play.

The onset of industrialization increased middle-class society, and hobbies also grew. Stress increased when people transitioned from farming to city living and working in factories. Anxiety continues to plague society today.

Practicing self-care and participating in hobbies can reduce stress. Being involved in hobbies can also increase work performance, bring a sense of happiness; plus, improve physical and mental health.

People like to engage in several hobbies: travel, exercise, and reading are a few. Reading inspirational books can be a source of creativity and resilience. Many find solace from the stresses of life through rural living and gardening. Physical activity, lifting weights, jogging, horseback riding, biking, and scuba diving are examples of ways to release tension. Several individuals have an avid interest in and passion for food. Spending time with family and friends cooking, and baking can alleviate loneliness and angst.

The sense of lack of control in many areas of our lives today can be redirected in pursuing our hobbies and shared experiences.

Clark College Libraries offer many books about hobby interests; below are a select few:

Although the library is currently open by appointment, in light of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, arrangements can be made to visit the library print book collections or you can make arrangements to obtain selected items by placing a hold. The Information Commons (iCommons) at the Columbia Tech Center (CTC) is closed. Please email ccl@clark.edu or call 360-992-2151 to schedule an appointment to visit the library.

We are looking forward to opening our doors and seeing you in person.