Everybody has a passion, something they love. Whether it is a sport, a hobby or a talent, these activities are not only good for fitness and bettering skills but also for stress relief and peace of mind. Many at the Academy have such interests that they have been pursuing for years.

Band enthusiast senior Kylie Young has a love for music, including playing several brass instruments and the piano.

“Music is one of the most important things in my life, listening to it and playing instruments. It doesn’t matter how music is involved in my life as long as it is. Music helps me focus my energy into one thing which is usually very difficult for me because I have ADD. It allows me a way to express what I may be feeling, which allows me to act more calmly,” said Young.

Dance teacher Micki Kolberg has always loved dancing and had the opportunity to turn her passion into a career, not only dancing professionally but passing on her knowledge and inspiring students as a teacher at the Academy.

“Every day I dance and practice the art of yoga. Yoga encompasses meditation which in itself calms the mind, but it also has strengthening and other exercises. And, of course, dance is an extremely physical activity. With this, I can expel excess energy and focus on tasks at hand. Or, if I am stuck on something, taking a break and exercising allows my mind to calm down, think freely and explore other options rather than just sit there and stress over it,” said Kolberg.

Medical journals from Harvard Health Publications also agree with exercise benefitting stress relief.

“Exercise and sports also provide opportunities to get away from it all and to either enjoy some solitude or to make friends and build networks. Exercise is play and recreation; when your body is busy, your mind will be distracted from the worries of daily life and will be free to think creatively,” according to Harvard Health Publications.

According to Health Guidance, hobbies take one’s mind off the tension and pressure that one may be feeling and allow her to dive into activities that she enjoys. Creative hobbies like pottery, sculpting, painting, embroidery, bonsai, floriculture, gardening and more provide a sense of satisfaction and create better self-esteem. Hobby groups pertaining to the specific hobby can be great tools to make new friends with similar interests.