Want to Add More Smiles to Your Day? Get Creative
By Sandy Schroeder
All of us know how easy it is to slip into a pattern of too much sugar and too little exercise as the holidays surge forward. But health experts warn the same thing can happen with our thoughts and attitudes.
When we stop taking time to just sit and talk with our kids, help with homework, or be at home for family meals, we may open the door to a downward mood slide in which we all feel crankier and it's way too easy to feel sluggish or sad.
Creativity Could Help Us Refocus
Refocusing could be as simple as making the effort to be more creative in our everyday efforts.
Creativity is really wide open. It does not mean you have to write, paint or sketch. It simply means looking around to see what you can do to create some new fun times and projects where you are. Here are a few starter ideas.
Building and Baking - For some dads this might be spending some hands-on garage time with the kids to build new shelves or bulletin boards for their rooms. For moms, it could be setting aside a Saturday to bake and cook with the kids, creating fruit loaves, cookies, appetizers or stews.
Story Time Together – The idea is to involve the whole family in a creative story hour. Take a little time each night to sit down together to create a simple story with each person adding to the narrative. You might be amazed at what your kids will say. It can be funny, sad, moving, whatever comes up, as long as everybody gets to add their part.
Music Makers – If your family loves music, focus on it. See what you can do together, writing or playing and singing your favorites.
Knitting, Quilting, Crocheting – Hands-on creations that turn into gifts can be great family projects.
Volunteering Yourself – Look around to see how you can help others in your community at senior facilities or community hospitals. Then work with your kids to show up with cookies and carols.
Brainstorm Future Stuff – This might be a great time to have the a family get together to make plans for the New Year. Where they would like to go, what they want to do, how it could work, can be starter ideas for future family outings.
Individual Timeout – Getting creative can also work for you. Take the time to try a new sport, upgrade your workout, restyle your hair, or rethink your wardrobe.
For me, this kind of creativity breakout is really all about being willing to look around and get moving, inspiring everyone else to follow suit. All sorts of fun and funny things can happen. See how it works for you.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.