The SOVA Project is happy to feature this blog post written by one in our team of fantastic SOVA Ambassadors—these are young people who help create meaningful blog posts for us to share.
When you’re struggling with mental illness, it can be very useful to have certain activities where you can divert your attention from unpleasant thoughts and focus on something you enjoy. This could be anything from reading to making crafts to playing games. Fun activities are a great way for lifting your spirits and relieving stress, but there may come a point where the benefits begin to fade.
Many times I’ve found myself taking up an activity that I usually enjoy only to realize that in doing so I’ve missed an opportunity to have meaningful experiences with others, try something new, or learn something about myself. I also began to notice that I wasn’t as enthusiastic about what I was doing. For instance, I love to read, but over time I noticed that I was reading because I felt obligated to do so, which was my way of avoiding other responsibilities or situations. I also wasn’t as immersed in what I was reading. It became a habit rather than a hobby. Fortunately, I’ve worked out the best times of the day to read that won’t prevent me from experiencing other things that could enrich my life, and I’m beginning to find joy in this activity once again.