Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

What could be better?  Something that is fun AND good for you.

This is especially true if you travel and get out of your usual environment.  But if you aren’t able to take the time or afford to get away, think about how you can apply some of these ideas to being a tourist in your own city or taking a long weekend close to home.

Here are some of the ways that taking a vacation and getting out of your regular routine can be a benefit to your health.

Overall Health Benefits

According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, it shows those who engage in leisure activities and out of town vacations experience less depression, lower blood pressure, and lower levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone.

Reduces Stress

The 1^st couple of days of a vacation help to reduce stress.  On about the 3^rd or 4^th day, your mind and body start to replenish.

It takes a little time to just unwind.  It’s important to get away from the usual routines, chores, and sometimes anxiety that accompany a busy schedule.

Gives you Time to Day Dream

Getting away can allow your mind to explore and dream.  It gives you space to be in that all important relaxed state of mind.

Boosts Creativity

When you are in a different environment, you see things differently.  You notice things you wouldn’t in your usual routines and places you take for granted.

Seeing new things stimulates creativity and gives you a new perspective.

Can Increase Exercise

Of course, this depends on the type of vacation you choose.  But, often, you’ll do more walking than you usually do.

Or you may find ways to add activities to your get away like renting a bike or skiing.

Challenge Yourself Mentally

I know it’s always a challenge for me to figure out where we are going and how to get there.  You have to figure out how to navigate your way and sometimes how to do things.

Adds a little Merriment

You’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine.  And often traveling and going on vacation can bring some fun and laughter to your day.

So, now that you know it’s good for you, where do you want to go?

Take A Daily Vacation!

What kind of creative break or fun thing can you do today?

Focus on your most important mini-goals and then PLAY!

Having periods of focused time to work on a project and then taking a break often gives you better results, and it’s more fun.

I want to start sharing some fun projects with you once in a while that are simply reminders to use your creativity as a fun outlet.

Even if you have a business or career where you are using your creative skills, choose something that is different than what you do on a day to day basis.

And if you work in an office all day or in an environment that doesn’t promote creativity, it is all the more important to exercise your creativity” muscles.

I find something very therapeutic about making things whether it involves making jewelry, painting,  sewing, cooking, doodling, or cutting and gluing.

As a bonus, you can enjoy or give away the results of your play time.

This week’s Creativity Just For Fun project is Embellished Slippers.

I toyed with the idea of making slippers but what sounded the best was to embellish them.

I found some great cloth slippers by Vera Wang on sale at Kohl’s.  I bought a few pair to make one for myself and for gifts for my Mom and my sister.

Before

After

I had fun looking through “my stash” to find the right ribbon and cloth bias tape.  I had previously made some bias tape from some nice cotton print fabrics.

One the purple and black pair, I used a fun black and purple ribbon with button shapes on it that I bought when my husband and I were in Orcas Island, Washington in a cool little bookstore.

And I used some lace on the maroon pair.

I hand sewed everything  so it took a while but was very relaxing.

If you want some other easy ideas to exercise your creativity just for the fun of it, visit my website for a few more ideas

http://embracingcreativity.com/creativity-just-for-fun.html

I’ll be adding more in the weeks to come.