As we were discussing college plans last week, I recall you saying that your anxiety had been acting up, especially since you quit swimming, and were considering taking on another hobby to help ease this anxiety. As you are thinking about what you could do relax, I would like to suggest something besides a sport that could help: a creative activity. With finals, college decisions, and scholarship deadlines approaching, this can be one of the worst “seasons” of anxiety for some people, and also one of the most seasons where one is stretched for time. If you are serious about relieving your anxiety and getting a higher quality of life while not wasting much time, it is necessary that the issue of your anxiety is addressed, and the issue is solved …show more content…
In fact, anxiety is a massive issue for today’s teenagers and is potentially devastating. It is estimated that 10 percent of teens and 40 percent of adults have an anxiety disorder of some kind, surpassing depression as the most common mental illness in the United States (DoSomething.org). I recall you expressing that when you are at your most anxious, it is extremely difficult to concentrate on things like school, which as a teenager, is your life right now. I have anxiety, and I have noticed that when I am at my most anxious, I tend to score lower on tests and homework, because it is more difficult for me to concentrate. While the effects of anxiety may differ from person to person, it appears we are not alone In fact. In a study, there was a strong correlation between students with anxiety and poor grades, and it was discovered that 37% of the children with an anxiety disorder had lower grades than their peers without an anxiety disorder (Mazzone et. al., 2007). Furthermore, those with anxiety could be more at risk for diminished learning and social problems in school and beyond, which could impact them for the rest of their lives if the students do not find a way to reduce their anxiety and …show more content…
I propose that you take up such a hobby in order to relax and improve your quality of life. According to Jacque Wilson’s article “This is your brain on crafting,” Sarah Huerta, who after her brother’s sudden death, couldn’t even leave her house without suffering a panic attack. Her husband gave her knitting needles, and soon, the hours began to melt away for Huerta, who found that knitting keep her mind busy and prevented her from thinking about the future. In the same study, it was also found that creative activities such as painting, sewing, photography, and even cake decorating influence the brain in a way similar to meditation, acting as a natural anti-depressant and reliever (Wilson). I can relate to the benefit from a creative hobby. For the longest time, I didn’t have a hobby that I felt was creative and relaxing. However, at the start of this school year, I began taking Photography here at the high school, a course I enjoy, I have noticed that when I am concentrating on my assignments, I don’t feel the pressures I would feel if I were just sitting around at home. In addition, in combination with other help I was receiving, my anxiety diminished. I strongly encourage you to take up a creative hobby of some kind to get the