Sipping from the Fountain of Youth

Last weekend my daughter and I took a fun introductory digital photographyclass together. I guess you could say I sipped from the fountain of youth thatday because studies show learning a new skill is a wonderful way to keep ourbrains healthy and agile.

In fact, according to the Alzheimer’sFoundation of America, mental stimulation is one of the five best ways to maintain a healthy brain. (things like learning a new skill or language, playing games, traveling to new places, trying new foods, playing an instrument) Other factorsinclude physical activity, nutrition, socialization and spirituality.

As I shared in an article I wrote in 2011 for Natural AwakeningsMagazine (“IsCreativity The Fountain of Youth?”) studies also show that people whoremain engaged in some type of creative endeavor, whether it be art, music,gardening, cooking, crafting or other creatively satisfying pursuits enjoy avariety of health benefits throughout their lives.

This is great news! 
We now have more compelling reasons 
to giveourselves permission 
to pursue our creative interests without guilt!

Since I happento know many of you feel guilty when it comes to taking time for yourcreativity I hope this will help you to realize time spent enjoying creative pursuits isn’t a luxury…it’s a necessity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Here’s a great 3-minute TED Talk by Matt Cutts about the benefits of trying somethingnew for 30 days. 

My fabulous personal trainer, Pauline Stafford, founder of Garage Fitness in East Dallas, has created a year-long contest for her clients in which we’rechallenged to add one simple healthy habit to our daily routine for two weeks ata time. 

So far our challenges have included eating at least three servings ofveggies a day, stretching at least two minutes a day and listing at list fourthings for which we’re grateful each day. It’s been a wonderful way to gentlyincrease our health and create new habits with some friendly competition throwninto the mix.

What creative pursuit have you been longing to try for the first time or reintroduce back into your life? What if you took a moment to make a quick list right now of just three creative activities you'd like to do sometime soon? I'll join you. Mine are:

#1 – Try out ZenTangle 

#2 – Practice taking photographs 

#3 – Play piano and sing

Until next time, all the best from my Creative Oasis Fountain of Youth to yours,
Jill

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."  – Mahatma Gandhi