Editorial January 2026

Dear Readers,

With the month of June and the end of the academic year in the USA comes the bliss of unstructured summer days. Without classes to ground my daily schedule, I’m inspired to undertake new hobbies. What are your go-to activities to unwind and de-stress? Are they active, creative, or meditative? I think there are two kinds of hobbies: active and passive. Having both is essential for the holistic reset essential for productivity, both mental and physical. If you know me, you know that I love to read biographies. Truth is stranger than fiction and taking time to read is something that keeps me thinking, shaping the direction of my goals and motivations. This is a passive hobby, and it’s something that I need to do to remain creative— and to discover new and interesting directions for my work. Other passive hobbies include chess, painting, woodcarving, playing pool, ibid, ibid, ad infinitum. Active hobbies get you moving. As much as passive hobbies need to be distinct from intellectual activities you have to do, like schoolwork, active hobbies need to be distinct from the workouts you usually do. Active hobbies, like skiing, tennis or even long walks in new spots, are not standard workouts but are refreshing to your mind and body in some way. This June, I hope you find extra time for whatever replenishes your spirit.