By Joana Pastro

Can you believe we’re only a few days away from 2020? These last few months went by in a flash, but I’m not surprised. A friend of mine once said that after August, came Christmas. I can’t agree more — the second semester always seems to fly.

As we gear up for the new year, we should do everything within our power to make the coming year our best one yet. 

Since I’m from Brazil, I figured I could share a bit of our superstitious traditions to ensure good luck for the year to come. On December 31, we dress in white, wear brand-new underwear, and save the seeds from pomegranate and grapes. Lentils and pork are a must at the dinner table. And of utmost importance: never, ever eat poultry on New Year’s Eve.

Give it a try. It won’t hurt! You can read more about our traditions here. I’m curious about other New Year’s Day superstitions. If you have one, please share in the comments.

Now . . . let’s go beyond superstition and talk about a few habits you can develop to boost your brain and amp up your creativity:

1. Drink tea. Eat chocolate. Go nuts! (That is black, green, or white tea, dark chocolate, and nuts for eating.)

2. Listen to music that makes you happy.

3. Daydream. Doodle. Journal. Allow your brain to wander.

4. Walk. Indulge in hobbies and other non-craft-related activities that make you happy. 

5. Get out of you comfort zone. Try something new.

6. Observe. Be curious. Ask questions. 

7. Laugh.

8. Declutter your workspace, but make sure to surround yourself with items you enjoy.

9. Spend time with some tried-and-true activities that help expand your perspectives. Combine ideas in unexpected ways. Approach problems from different angles. Make word associations and mind maps.

10. Just. Get. Started. Whatever you want to produce, roll up your sleeves and do it!

Some of these are easy to implement — did anyone say chocolate? — others not so much. With a bit of discipline and mindfulness, you can make these part of your routine and hopefully see your creativity overflow in the new year. 

Cheers!

For as long as Joana Pastro can remember, she has wanted to be an artist of some kind. She became an architect, but once her first child was born, all the visits to the library and the countless story times made Joana dream of becoming a children’s book author. Her debut picture book, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NEVER IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, will be published by Kane Press in fall 2020. Her second picture book, BISA’S CARNAVAL, illustrated by Carolina Coroa, will be published by Scholastic in spring 2021. Originally from Brazil, Joana now lives in Florida with her amazing husband, her three extremely creative children, and a rambunctious Morkie.

Follow author Joana Pastro:

Website: joanapastro.com
Instagram: @joanapastro
Twitter: @jopastro