When many teens think of "activities" they think of extracurriculars and the importance of them on college transcripts, but an activity can be anything a person enjoys doing. Now more than ever, youth have an unbelievable amount of pressure to perform i.e. make good grades, excel at everything, and do whatever it takes to pad their high school transcripts. A grade point average of 4.0 is no longer the highest with advanced classes and dual enrollment. At the same time students are asked to have community volunteer hours, school club involvement, and be the best at any sport they play. This is all a ton of stress and responsibility to put on any young person. Activities and personal interests are a great way to let loose and have fun. They also provide a sense of well-being, social and emotional fulfillment, and spiritual needs.

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Social needs are being met when they are bonding with people who share a common interest. Even if it's a solitary activity like writing or playing video games, they can still join clubs or participate in online communities to discuss their activities. It gives them an opportunity to form a tribe with a new group of people.

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Emotional needs being met by activities increase self-confidence and make life challenges easier to handle. They give you satisfaction, happiness, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. 

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Spiritual needs are not just met at church, but when a person finds a calling larger than themselves. A person can fill their spiritual cup by doing volunteer work, helping a charity that is close to their heart, or even playing with their younger siblings.

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Activities help balance what people need to do everyday and what they want to do every day. 

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