Testimonial
Can the Arts Keep You Young?
“Chris has been our insurance agent for five years. He made the whole Medicare process easy to understand and paid attention to every detail to tailor a program that would be a best fit for us. If we have a question or issue, Chris responds back immediately! He’s been an absolute pleasure to work with! We highly recommend Chris for all your Medicare and Insurance needs.”
CREATIVITY MAKES YOU HAPPIER, SMARTER, AND HEALTHIER
– Cheryl B. & Mary N.
If you’re still brainstorming about your New Year’s resolution this year, you’re in luck — working your creativity might be the best resolution you could ask for. Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person, consider the creative and/or problem-solving activities you enjoy most. Do you ever find yourself completely absorbed in these activities, losing your sense of self and time? That’s called “flow.” It’s a creative state that helps your mind and body reduce anxiety, boost your mood, and even slow your heart rate. Your creative “flow” could happen in a lot more ways than you think, whether you’re drawing, knitting, or even telling a story to friends. Research shows that when you’re creating, no matter what it is, your blood is flooded with dopamine, a feel-good chemical that helps motivate you and increases your happiness and fulfillment. Creativity also boosts your mental health, minimizes symptoms of depression and isolation, and even reduces your risk of dementia. That’s right — according to a new study in Neurology, a medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, people who engaged in artistic activities (painting, drawing, sculpting, etc.), in both middle and old age were 73% less likely to have memory and thinking problems, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), that can lead to dementia. Additionally, people who engaged in craft-based activities, such as sewing, woodworking, and ceramics in midlife and old age, were 45% less likely to encounter cognitive issues! Even social activity has a similar effect, with frequent social activity, such as attending events or travel, leading to participants being 55% less likely to develop MCI. “But I haven’t been creative for years!” you might contest. You’re not alone. Many people let their creative activities wind down after graduating from high school or college, and their careers may not involve creative thinking or utilizing the brain in different ways. However, trying one new artistic, crafty, or even social activity can be enough to help keep your mind active, curious, and young. So, if you’re still pining for a New Year’s resolution, try dedicating some time to discover your creative “flow” and how to experience it with regularity! It just might be one of the best decisions you could make for your mind, body, and spirit in 2022.
Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com DIY Holiday Eggnog
Making your own eggnog is easier than you think! This creamy, delicious drink will be a hit with your holiday guests.
Ingredients
• 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 cups milk • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy!
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