We all need something in life that challenges us – and no, I’m not talking about school or coursework. I’m talking about something that brings us joy when we succeed and makes us want to try harder when we fail; something that distracts us from our everyday stress and problems and is all we can talk about at our weekend socials. 
 
For me, the challenge that brings me so much joy and fulfillment is horses.
 
There is the challenge of having to communicate when English is not an option. There is the thrill of working with an animal six-times your size and weight. And of course, there is the tremendous joy when all your hard work pays off.
 
Riding requires teamwork like any other sport and demands the finesse of the highest trained violinist. It’s my challenge and my passion. 
 
I think we need these extra challenges in our life to stretch our brains and make us well-rounded individuals, especially as students or working professionals. Psychologically, a mind can become burned-out working on the same track for too long. We become rutted in our schoolwork or careers, and even though we are focused on one subject, we become less and less productive. Our brain tells us when we need a welcomed distraction.
 
These additional challenges, as long as they bring us some form of joy, help to strengthen all our brain pathways to become more resilient in times of need. Which, when you are a student or professional, may be a lot!  
    

For some, these challenges may be reading a certain number of books of interest a month, painting with friends who challenge their artistic ability, or working on self-improvement at the gym. It doesn’t have to be every day and it doesn’t have to be all day, just as long as it is built into some kind of routine. 
 
The challenge may change over time as well as a change in our individual goals. One period may be on finding more time to hang out with friends and another period may be more focused on the individual’s self, like picking up a hobby such as baking or yoga. 
 
Take the time to discover what challenges and brings you joy! Your brain will thank you.


– Kaelanne Quinonez
 
Kaelanne is a master’s student in the Department of Ranchland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management.