By Natalie Michaud
poemRENOVATION Intern
As fall grows closer, we are reminded that a new season can be a time for new beginnings. It doesn’t have to be the new year to create resolutions for yourself. So take time this fall to add moments of joy and creativity into your routine.
It Doesn’t Have to be Complicated
Many people believe that adding something to your routine takes too much time or is too complicated, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Everyone’s needs are different but if you add a small moment of joy to your daily or weekly routine, it can make all the difference in your mood or well being long-term.
Joy can be as simple as you’d like. There is no need to overcomplicate the simple pleasures in life, such as creativity. Sometimes, joy can be found in a favorite song, a walk outside to enjoy the changing leaves, a conversation with a friend, or a few quiet moments spent doing something creative. Even a moment of reflection of a joyful memory can brighten your day.
Why Creativity Matters for Healthy Aging
There has been a ton of research on how creativity and everyday moments of joy can increase your emotional well-being long term and promote healthy aging. Researchers have found that neural pathways are strengthened when people take time to focus on things they appreciate.
So while our brains tend to naturally be in fight or flight mode, taking a moment to create or find simple joys can be extremely beneficial, especially long term.
Small Habits Lead to Lasting Benefits
Creating more joy in your life does not have to mean completely changing your routine. In fact, small and consistent moments can be easier to maintain than major lifestyle changes.
Think about one small creative activity you enjoy and find a way to make it part of your routine. Maybe you spend five minutes writing down a thought each morning, listen to music while making breakfast, take photographs during your afternoon walk, or participate in a creative activity with friends.
Over time, these small moments can become something you look forward to. They can provide opportunities to pause, reconnect with yourself, and bring a little more creativity into your day.
Things to Add to Your Routine
Looking for simple ways to bring more creativity and joy into your fall routine? Try these:
- Take a seasonal walk: Notice the colors, sounds, and changes around you.
- Try something new: Explore a craft, activity, recipe, book, or creative hobby you’ve never tried before.
- Make time for music: Listen to an old favorite or discover something new.
- Create with others: Invite a friend, family member, or group to participate in a creative activity together.
- Write something down: Keep a journal, write a few thoughts about your day, or play with words and ideas.
- Look for inspiration: Take inspiration from the changing season, your surroundings, memories, or conversations.
- Make creativity part of your routine: Even a few minutes can provide an opportunity to pause and engage.
Most importantly, choose activities that feel enjoyable rather than like another task on your to-do list.
How poemRENOVATION Can Help
Whether used individually or as part of a group activity, poemRENOVATION encourages participants to play with words, discover unexpected connections, and take something previously established and create something uniquely their own. It’s easy, fun, and could be a great addition to your routine. Try our free, online version that changes every day, or purchase our word blocks to have a more tangible experience. There is no right or wrong way to participate and there are endless possibilities. No rules, just create!