“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” This quote from Maya Angelou is a wonderful reminder that creativity is always there and can be tapped for your personal outlet. Think of ways that you can creatively express yourself. Do you enjoy singing, dancing, drawing, painting, doodling, playing a musical instrument, listening to a favorite musical artist, or coloring?  Why not make a feel-good, empowering music playlist, keep a journal, doodle on a handy scrap of paper, start a new knitting or crocheting project? By doing an activity that allows you to creatively express yourself, you can find a sense of well-being.

Examples of Creative Activities:

• Coloring, painting
• Making a zine or comic
• Gardening
• Making electronics
• Cooking or baking
• Singing and dancing

Arts & Crafts

Basically, mindfulness is a way of slowing your body and mind down by becoming aware of the present moment.  Breathe in and out slowly. Notice your senses.  What do you see, smell, or hear in the present moment?

Mindfulness, including specific practices like mindfulness meditation, is a popular way to cope with racing thoughts, anxiety, and stress. When you are feeling sad about something in the past or anxious about the future, take a moment to focus on the present moment.  Below are links on mindfulness:

Many studies show that exercise can be helpful in boosting mood, often times due to the endorphins released by the body.  It is healthy for your body, whether you enjoy walking, yoga, or active HIIT (high-intensity interval) training.  In addition, just getting outside to breathe some fresh air, or going for a short walk can help to reset your mind and body. 

"Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection." This quote by Jakob Smirnoff captures the great part about laughter - it's universal and can be shared by everyone. 

Whether you are watching a stand up comedy show on Netflix or Youtube, laughing at a silly TikTok dance, or laughing with your friends-- laughter helps to calm our bodies and reduce cortisol.

That first sip of coffee in the morning, a 15 minute walk in the sunshine, listening to your favorite song, biting into a chocolate chip cookie...these are all simple pleasures for which we can express gratitude.  Why?  Recent scientific studies have shown that expressing gratitude helps out brain to feel more positive and happier. What are the little things that you are grateful for?  Check out the link and video below.

The Science of Gratitude

The short video below explains how giving thanks, showing gratitude, or noticing simple pleasures in life can influence the chemicals in our brain and make us feel better.

Ideas for Practicing Gratitude

• Take photos of moments you are grateful for
• At the end of each day, take a minute to think about what small things or moments were memorable from your day.
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Tell friends and family what you are grateful for about them