You are giving the right side of your brain a workout when you tap into your creative side. The Mayo Clinic explains that music, art and using your imagination are considered right-brain activities. The left brain is responsible for language, number and reasoning activities. Much of the learning we do in school and at work tends to favor the left brain, but there are plenty of ways to give your right brain a boost.
Art
Kids can spend countless hours drawing and coloring, but many of us lose touch with our artistic side somewhere in the process of growing up. If you have kids or grandchildren, join them at the table or easel for a while when you pull out their art supplies. If you've always wanted to learn how to paint or sculpt with clay, sign up for a class, or buy some supplies and see what you can do on your own. You also play with the drawing and graphics tools on your computer, or take up photography and develop an eye for what makes a good photo. Art activities that tap into the imagination are a fun way to exercise your right brain.
Hands-on Activities
Children can enhance their right brain skills through home and school projects such as making posters, mobiles or dioramas. Have them create a paper mache piñata for a party, or make their own dolls. Adults can appeal to their right brain through crafts like knitting, quilting or needlepoint. Many craft stores offer classes, or you can join a hobby group to learn something new, giving that right brain the joy of social engagement, as well as stimulation.
Music
In the late 1600s, William Congreve wrote that music "has charms to soothe a savage breast." What he probably didn't know is that music also has the power to exercise the right brain. You can simply listen to music, or get involved in making it. Pick up that old band or orchestra instrument and try playing it again. Have some fun with music video games. Sign up for some piano lessons, audition for the church choir, host a sing-a-long, or challenge your friends to a game of "Name That Tune." Anything that taps into your musical side will stretch your right-side brain power.
