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January can feel like a busy time with assessments and the start of a new term. Picking up a new light-level hobby can be a fun way of supporting your wellness and helping to relax.

January is National Hobby Month - so why not try out one of the following hobbies as a short break from your studies?

Cooking

Look after your mind and body by trying out new recipes or cooking for friends. You can find great, cheap and healthy recipes via The Student Food project, Student Cooking, or the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership. Sussex Uni Food’s first free Social Kitchen of the year will take place in February, so keep an eye out for this too.

Meditation and mindfulness

Take half an hour to pause and reflect using Light Meditation or Focusing Meditation at the Meeting House, every Tuesday or Thursday at 1pm. If you’d prefer something peer-led, check out the Connector Cafe peer support sessions on Wednesdays in Woodland 1, 1-3pm.

Walking

A brisk walk is great exercise and helps to clear your mind. If you’d prefer to walk with people, check out the Walking and Hiking Society. If you love walking with pups, sign up for the Dog Walking Society.

Crochet or knitting

For a hobby with beautiful outputs, try crochet or knitting. It’s a great way of feeling a sense of accomplishment from your hobby. You can try practicing at home with a YouTube video for beginners or a helpful blog. If you’d like to craft with others, check out the Crochet and Knitting Society. We’ll also soon be offering a Crochet workshop – watch this space!

Puzzles and games

These are great ways to challenge your brain in a different way. You could try brainteasers like sudoku or crosswords. If you’re interested in puzzling in-person, check out Puzzle Bored café in Brighton. For board or video games with friends, check out the Board Games Society or Video Games Society. Brighton also has some great spaces like Dice Saloon or Loading Bar.

Don’t forget: if you try out something new, you can log 5 Spirit of Sussex Award points in the 'Creativity and Culture' category, under the question 'Have you been involved in any creative or cultural activity?'