The other day, my professor was talking to my class about the importance of reading. He said that successful people would be even more successful if they read every day. I could not agree with this more. Reading helps expand your mind, your vocabulary, and your understanding of the world. Every time you read, you are given the opportunity to learn.

Another super helpful thing that can further you in life is to find a healthy and creative outlet. I have always been pretty good at acknowledging my creative side. More so when I was younger. My favorite class was art and at one point I started writing books (that I never finished). I had intended on writing a different book for each of my family members and gifting them their books on Christmas... I don't think this ever happened.

Creative outlets give you a break from the hustle and bustle of day to day life. They allow you to take a step back and remove yourself. I've found that they help me be more productive and have helped increase my attention span. This is probably because I'm not fixated on doing the things that I enjoy doing since I'm doing them. I typically take my creative outlet break when I find myself particularly antsy. For example, the other day I was in the library and after an hour or so I realized that I could not stop fidgeting and I was having difficulty focusing.

Whenever I feel this way I do one of the following.

1. Draw

Drawing turns some people off because they feel that they're not good at it. The only way to get better is practicing and sometimes little doodles can become works of art.

2. Write

Write about your day, write about your goals, tell a story about what you want to happen or hope to happen.

3. Dance

Throw on your favorite song and jam. Or find someone who likes to dance and dance with them. Take a class... My grandparents go dancing at least twice a week, sometimes five.

4. Make

So, my dad is very involved with this group of people who call themselves 'Makers' because they make things. They make whatever calls to them. If you're ever feeling uncreative or down, I highly suggest going to a Maker Faire. You will be surrounded by tons of creative people who are surely to spark your imagination.

Sidenote: I went to the Maker Faire in Rochester, NY last year and it was very, VERY cool. 10/10, highly suggest.

5. Take Pictures

Every day, I'll be walking across campus or leaving a store and all of a sudden I'll see something that I just stop and take a picture of or stop and appreciate because it's one of those random beauties that you haven't seen before or haven't properly appreciated. One of my friends is a pro photographer and it inspires me to go exploring with just myself and my camera. You never know what you'll find!

6. Read

READ. If nothing else on this list has grabbed you, I implore you to ignite your love for books. I believe, one hundred percent, that everyone has an affinity for books. Those who claim they don't, haven't found the right book. So keep looking!

7. Adventure

Go. Be. Do. Don't make a plan, just go explore. Happen upon something that you never expected. Write about it. ;)

A little while ago my dad texted me saying "Make something..." and I was confused because I wasn't sure if he was telling me to make food or sending himself some kind of reminder. But then he said, "Make, create. Do. Just because." Both of my parents are very creative people, so I have always been surrounded by innovative mindsets. Through growing and being enveloped in new responsibilities I had lost sight of my creativeness because of lack of time. Now, I am making an effort to dare I say, stop and smell the roses. If I want to do something creative, I do it. You should too.