Play
It may sound counterintuitive, but some students just don't get enough playtime.
Why is it important to play?
University isn’t just about rushing to class and completing assignments; it’s a time to explore who you are and make friends by participating in extracurricular activities. Not only is having fun through participation in hobbies and other activities good for your social and mental health, it can help you improve academically as well.[1] Making playtime a priority will help you balance your life by giving you a chance to relax and recharge.
Strategies for incorporating play into your life
Get involved in activities that make you happy
- Joining a club or intramural league that excites you will give you an opportunity to take your mind off of school work for an hour or two a week and you’ll meet lots of people who share your interests.
- Living in residence? Keep your eyes out for a wide-range of social events hosted by your residence.
- Graduate student? Check the GSS website for social activities and intramural leagues just for you.
Be playful
- Laugh, enjoy a joke with your friends, or watch comedy. Laughter helps to maintain social connections and releases endorphins, which promote a feeling of well-being. Laughter really is the best medicine.
Enjoy hobbies
- If you loved handball, skating, or art as a child or in high school, enjoy those hobbies at university as well – find the equivalent on campus or around Vancouver.
- Schedule time for your hobby just like you would for class, exercise, and homework – that way you make time for it no matter how stressed you feel.
Spend time with friends
- Sometimes the easiest way to play is getting together with a group of friends. Take a break from studying to catch a movie at The Norm, play volleyball at the beach or the UBC Aquatic Centre, or cheer on the T-Birds.
For more ideas on how to incorporate play in your day-to-day life, check out the Healthy Minds Blog.
[1] Eccles, J. S., & Barber, B. L. (1999). Student council, volunteering, basketball, or marching band: What kind of extracurricular involvement matters? Journal of Adolescent Research, 14, 10-43.
