Think of downshifting not as another item on your to-do list, but as an invitation to return to a more natural rhythm of life. 

Turns out, it’s not just writers who benefit from taking time to be creative. A Drexel University pilot study found coloring, doodling, and free drawing activate the reward pathways of the brain, which can help improve mental health and creativity for lots of folks.

Whether you're hitting the beach, going for a hike, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, having a positive attitude toward your body and your health and wellness can make all the difference.

Author Jane McGonigal, in her book “SuperBetter: The Power of Living Gamefully,” writes that gamification of real-world goals can help us tap into strengths like creativity, focused attention, determination and optimism.