As you or a loved one ages, you may begin to wonder what kind of enrichment activities would help with memory while being a healthy hobby. One of the options is to start writing.
Writing is straightforward, but you may not know what you want to write about. For an easier time getting started, come up with writing prompts in advance. Writing prompts help you brainstorm and come up with ideas based on a theme, so you or those you're working with in the community can get started right away.
There are several ideas you can use to come up with writing prompts. Here are five that are easy to use and will help you start your next writing activity.
The first thing you can do is put together a word jar. A word jar holds small slips of paper with single words or a few words on them.
Word jars work well for groups, and they potentially hold hundreds of ideas within them simultaneously.
To use the word jar, reach in and pull out a slip of paper. Whatever the paper says is what you or the person who is participating in the activity will write about.
For example, your word jar may hold seven slips of paper, each with one of the days of the week written on it. When someone selects "Monday," they'll have to write about that day and what it brings to mind for them.
Another way to come up with ideas for writing is to meditate. Take a few minutes to sit down by yourself or with a group and simply rest.
With meditation, you don't focus on anything in particular. Instead, you may decide that the first idea that comes to mind is what you'll write about.
For instance, if you are meditating and imagine a dog running in a field, that's what you'll write about that day.
Another excellent option is to choose a line from a book. As an example, you could use the Bible. You may open the book to a random page, and then, without looking, point to a line on that page. Whatever line your finger is on is the line that you'll write about.
You might choose:
"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
If so, you may write about how you overcame something in your life or a challenge you've gone through.
Generic writing prompts exist. There are books with generic prompts, games designed to help with writing prompts and full websites dedicated to writing prompt creation, too.
Some sites with writing prompts include:
These sites offer writing prompts to make you think. So, if you can't come up with anything on your own, why not try one of these generic prompts already prepared for you?
Finally, sit down and write about what you see. If you've just moved to an assisted living community, for example, you may choose to write about your favorite spot in the community. You may write about someone you've met or the things you'd like to do while living in your new home.
If you travel to the zoo or spend time at a cafe, consider bringing along your notebook or laptop computer to take some time to write. Whether you like to write fiction, nonfiction, poetry or journal entries, writing about what's around you is a simple option that helps you avoid writer's block.
If you're still not sure what to write about, take a look at this list to get started. Once you write down these prompts, consider noting any other ideas you have so they're ready the next time you want to write.
These ideas will help get you started on your journey as a writer.
Writing is an excellent way to express feelings and be creative as you age. To learn more about the enrichment activities offered at LifeStream at North Phoenix, contact us today.
