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January 2026 To advertise call (775)727-8787 PAGE 19
ages problem-solving. That can have a profound
impact on mental health, as a 2015 study in the
journal Neurology found that adults who en-
gaged in creative pursuits like painting were 73
percent less likely to develop cognitive issues
that can lead to dementia.
Writing: Writing is another creative pursuit
that can make for a great hobby. Writing in a
journal, even if it’s a recap of the day’s events and
not writing fiction, can clear up mental clutter,
which in turn can open a pathway to more cre-
ative thinking. Adults also can utilize a journal
to do some creative writing.
Knitting: Knitting is another hobby that al-
lows adults to indulge their creative side. Adults
must design patterns, choose colors and even
create items wholly from scratch when knitting,
Hobbies That Encourage Adults to Be Creative which makes this a great way to be more cre-

ative with personal time.
Parents of young children have undoubtedly pursuits, and enough to compel some adults to Playing an instrument: Learning to play a
read or learned about the benefits of giving chil- wonder which hobbies they can pursue in an ef- musical instrument affords adults an opportu-
dren time to engage in creative pursuits. Such fort to ignite their creative fire. Creativity can be nity to express themselves. Playing a musical
activities can help foster cognitive development defined in a number of ways, particularly with instrument also has been linked to a range of
in youngsters, but the benefits of being creative respect to recreational pursuits, but various ac- cognitive benefits, including sharpened deci-
don’t end in adolescence. In fact, adults also tivities might be just what adults need to reap sion-making, improved memory and focus and
have much to gain from being creative as well. the rewards of being more creative. enhanced mental flexibility.
A 2021 study published in the International Painting: Many adults who paint character- Various activities encourage adults to be
Journal of Environmental Research and Public ize this recreational activity as a great way to un- creative and foster a greater sense of creativity
Health noted a positive relationship between wind and ease stress. Painting requires creativ- in men and women. Such pursuits make invalu-
creativity and subjective well-being in adults. ity, and even avid painters may not recognize able hobbies and pay both short- and long-term
Such findings are a feather in the cap of creative that painting is a mental exercise that encour- dividends.

Clear kitchen countertops. Kitchens are the ottomans are a prime example of furniture that
most popular rooms in many homes, and that serves multiple purposes. Blankets and throws
popularity can come with a cost. Clutter can left out on chairs and couches can make living
quickly accumulate on kitchen countertops, areas feel more cramped and less organized. A
which is both inconvenient when preparing storage ottoman can be a great solution in such
meals at home and unsightly to residents and spaces, providing both a place to put one’s feet
guests. Appliances used with frequency, such as and also a clever storage solution for blankets
coffee machines and toasters, can be given coun- and pillows. A coffee table with a small drawer
tertop real estate, but store lesser used items, or two can make for a multifunctional center-
like blenders and waffle makers, in cabinets piece to store remote controls, coasters and oth-
or pantries. Mail or materials sent home from er small items that can encourage the buildup of
children’s schools also can pile up in a kitchen, clutter if left out when the room is not in use. A
so resolve to go through the mail each day and storage bench in bedrooms and guestrooms also
discard unnecessary items. School papers can can ensure these spaces stay clear of clutter.
Tips to Clear a be read when children arrive home from school Think vertical. It might be possible to work

Cluttered Home and any that need to be kept can be stored in a your way up if storage is a problem in certain
areas of the home. Vertical storage solutions
folder placed inside a drawer in the kitchen or a
home office. might be especially useful in areas like a ga-
The dawn of a new year is often character- Install drawer dividers. Drawer dividers can rage, which can be difficult to navigate if garden
ized as a chance to wipe the slate clean and start help clear up cluttered spaces that might not be tools and other outdoor items are left on a floor.
anew. The tradition of making New Year’s reso- visible to the naked eye. Dividers inserted into Overhead storage racks that utilize a crank to
lutions reinforces that characterization, as many kitchen drawers can ensure leftover containers raise and lower the rack when items need to be
people resolve to turn over a new leaf and com- are stored neatly and are easily accessible. Draw- accessed and stored can be great ways to store
mit to a year of self-improvement on January 1. er dividers in a home office space can make sure holiday decorations and other items. Kitchens
While the phrase “wipe the slate clean” may desks don’t fall victim to disorganization, which with high ceilings also can employ a hanging
be figurative, some also might take it literal- can make it harder to find supplies and import- pot rack to create more cabinet space and re-
ly, particularly in regard to their homes. Those ant documents. duce the amount of items that need to be stored
who want to turn over a new leaf in a cluttered Consider furniture that pulls double duty. on countertops.
home can consider these storage solutions to Some home furnishings are more than meets Clutter can quickly take over a home. But
give spaces a fresh and less claustrophobic feel the eye, and that multifunctional utility can some simple storage solutions may be all anyone
in the year ahead. help people conquer cluttered spaces. Storage needs to more effectively organize a home.