It’s trivia time! This R U OK? Day, test your knowledge of hobbies – and win great prizes!
Tom Hanks collects vintage typewriters. Brad Pitt is partial to pottery. Queen B Beyoncé actually keeps her own bees. Taylor Swift makes snow globes.
We all have different hobbies. From common pursuits like drawing, knitting, music, cooking, gardening and sport to more unusual pastimes like making felt animals or spoon-collecting, a hobby just needs to bring you joy!
Having a hobby can be a silly or a serious business – either way, there are important wellbeing benefits. Hobbies can relieve stress and improve your mood. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from low moods, stress and depression, so dedicating regular time to activities you enjoy can really help to improve your mental health.
Hobbies are also a great way to connect with others – they’re all about shared quality time and fun experiences, and can be an opportunity to check in on those you care about. That’s why this R U OK? Day, the national day of action reminding us all to reach out to friends, family and peers, we’re holding an online trivia extravaganza focusing on hobbies!
Run by the Deakin Wellbeing Ambassadors, we’ll test your knowledge of the popular (and quirky) hobbies and pastimes that bring people together and keep life fun! For example, do you know how much the letter ‘K’ is worth in Scrabble? What do numismatists collect? What would you be doing if you were using the Royal Coachman, the Alexandra or a Grizzly King?
The winner of each round will score a $50 Woolworths voucher – there’s four up for grabs – and make sure you dress in yellow (the colour of R U OK? Day) to show your support for this inspiring movement.
When: Thursday 8 September, 6–7.30pm
Register now, and view terms and conditions.
Come and say hi on campus next week!
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors will also be on each campus for R U OK? Day, keen for a chat and with some freebies to hand out! They’ll be wearing bright yellow t‑shirts, so stop by to grab some free chocolate and bananas (*yum*), as well as some R U OK? Day merch that will get you thinking about how to have a conversation with someone you care about.
When: Thursday 8 September, 10am – 1pm
Where: Student Central on each campus.
Remember, you’re not alone
In the lead-up to R U OK? Day on Thursday 8 September, we’re encouraging you to let your friends and peers know you’re there for them.
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy a hobby and you don’t need qualifications to ask, ‘R U OK?’ – it’s something everyone can do. The R U OK? Day website has heaps of tips and resources to guide you. So, if someone close to you changes their behaviour or starts to withdraw, trust your instincts and have a conversation. It could save their life.
However, some conversations may be too big for friends and family to take on alone. That’s why it’s important to encourage people who are struggling to connect with expert support. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to Deakin’s Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS) service for a free and confidential appointment, or contact Beyond Blue or Headspace.