We talk about putting the brakes on thinking to give your brain a mini vacation. Yoga nidra is a great, easy meditation to help you do just that! Links to yoga nidra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=7H0FKzeuVVs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfIikxpis9s What is Ayurveda?  https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa116840spec

We all have that inner critic that tries to sabotage us. Learn an easy exercise from creative writing that will help you rein in that unwanted critic! Related Link about how inner critic kills creativity:  https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-biggest-killer-of-creativity/

Creativity, whether in the form of a quilt or a home-cooked meal, often happens when we need to solve a problem. Related Link:  https://www.antiquequiltdating.com/String_Quilts_Match_the_Economic_Times,_Past_and_Present.html

Have you heard of Fung Shui? Learn how to use this ancient Chinese philosophy to help shift your brain into a creative mindset! Related links:  https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-your-children-and-creativity-area-1274425 https://creativelivingworks.com/posts/feng-shui.php

Think you can't draw? Well, anyone can draw using the Zentagle method. It's an easy, fun way to create artistic-looking designs! Related links for more info:  https://feltmagnet.com/drawing/How-to-Create-a-Great-Zendoodle https://mymodernmet.com/zentangle-art/

How can the act of writing on paper help train your brain to think creatively? You'll find out in this episode!  Link to the Forbes article mentioned:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/nancyolson/2016/05/15/three-ways-that-writing-with-a-pen-positively-affects-your-brain/#2176d1685705

Lisa and I discuss an article that describes how motherhood affects creativity and share our thoughts on how children help you see things from a new perspective. (Apologizes for sound quality near the end; we are both getting used to the podcast technology!) Link to Atlantic article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/09/how-motherhood-affects-creativity/539418/

Today, we talk about what it means to be "creative" and how every job can have aspects of creativity. And we do a short "first line" exercise to help get that creative part of your brain moving! Link to info. about Temple Grandin: http://www.templegrandin.com/

Writers Louisa and Lisa host short episodes designed to kick-start your creativity! Being creative means problem solving, developing new ideas, looking at life from a unique perspective -- all valuable workplace skills. Join us every week for five-minute exercises, reading suggestions, and much more!