Coronavirus Hobbies
by Livvy Kramer
After almost a year in quarantine, people have spent more time at home than ever imaginable. This overwhelming amount of free time became the perfect opportunity to experiment with new hobbies and activities or rekindle old ones. However, as teenagers in 2020, it can be hard to find passions that do not revolve around technology. Over quarantine, addiction to technology has become more and more prevalent. While there are many positive benefits of technology, they do not always outweigh the negatives. Although social media apps may seem like a harmless way to pass the time and keep in touch with friends and family, they can be incredibly harmful to mental health and actually increase loneliness and depression.
The addiction to technology is definitely something that has impacted me. Every Sunday, I see my screen time for the week, and I am shocked. How could I possibly spend so much time on my phone? Seeing my screen time made me realize that I needed more distractions in my life, but I was unsure where to start. I was curious to know what interests other people have taken up during quarantine, so I decided to interview some friends to find out.
“It is essential to have constants to return to, especially those you are passionate about”
Over FaceTime, junior Penny Shapiro told me about her newfound love for arts and crafts. “Recently and over quarantine, I have been making lots of art and jewelry. I will often just put in headphones and tune out a bit to my favorite music while making something spontaneously,” she says. Shapiro does not have many traditional art skills, but that has not stopped her passion for art. “I still find a lot of peace in drawing and making things, whether it’s a beaded necklace or a painting! It is essential to have constants to return to, especially those you are passionate about. “ I find these hobbies to be super calming and a great way to cope with the stressful times we are living in” Shapiro states. Talking with Penny helped me recognize the importance of channeling creativity, which is an aspect of learning we do not always get in school.
I also talked with junior Will Crotty over FaceTime, and he told me about his passion for playing the piano. “I’ve been playing piano since I was 5. Over quarantine, it became a way for me to get away from my phone,” Crotty says. This is another great way to channel creativity. Like Will, and most teenagers we are aware of the dangers of phone addiction; the most difficult part is trying to break these habits.
There is no harm in trying something new, whether it’s taking a different route on your daily walk or starting a new book. Although it may take some time to find things that you truly feel passionate about, they will eventually make you feel happier, more relaxed, and productive.