Make Repetitive Tasks Fun - Sprinkle Creativity Over Your Routine
Explore fun, simple ways to make mundane tasks into mindful, creative experiences
Finding Creativity in Repetitive Tasks
This week, we’re diving into the intersection of creativity and repetition. Can they coexist? Absolutely! Let’s explore how we can turn even the most mundane tasks into something engaging and inspiring.
Creativity in Pilates: March MATness!
Keeping it Fresh (for me and you)
As a Pilates instructor since 2001, I’ve been teaching the same 34 mat exercises for years. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that at times it’s been monotonous, but every March, I embrace a challenge: March MATness.
If you’re new to the Dragonfly Pilates & Movement part of my world or just need a refresher, March MATness is a world-wide month-long celebration of Joseph Pilates’ original 34 Mat exercises. Each day corresponds with a specific Pilates exercise in order, i.e. March 1st is The Hundred and March 31st is the Pilates Push-ups.
Over the years, instructors around the globe have found creative ways to showcase these exercises, ones I remember have used everything from thumbprint doodles to Barbie dolls. I’ve had my own fun with it, from using bendable skeleton props to last year’s Spine Corrector experimental extravaganza.
Speaking of experiments:
This year, I’m incorporating the Foam Roller! (in part inspired by my friend Shari, from Essential Pilates - thanks Shari) I used to teach a weekly class with this particular prop, so I know my way around a roller, but I’ve found even more creative ways to use it simply by getting down on my mat and having a play.
(exciting) Offer Time
This March, if you want to see what I’ve come up with, then sign up (for free) for my daily emails where I’ll be sharing videos, insights, and my quasi whacky perspective on Pilates.
Here’s how: If you’re already a subscriber to The Vibrancy Society then you’ll need to head to your settings and toggle on the switch for “March MATness Celebration 2025”. Not a subscriber yet? Once you subscribe then you can do the toggle (I believe you’ll be asked which of my sections you’d like to hear from in the sign up process).
Not yet on my mailing list?
Creativity in Everyday Chores
Creativity isn’t just for the mat - it can be infused into daily tasks, too! Here’s what I’ve been inspired to play with in my routine chores to keep things interesting - it only takes a few extra minutes.
1. Mowing the Lawn with a Twist
I took as my inspiration the farmers that mow crop circles, create mazes, or even grow an artwork.
This Thai farmer takes it to the next level!
On my property we have a small side lawn that I keep pretty organised for the pooch (who wants to touch their bottom on long wet grass when going about their business, not Charlie!)
Last week instead of my usual mowing pattern, I decided to try something different - creating a heart shape in the grass. It wasn’t perfect, but it brought joy and mindfulness to the task. If you mow your lawn the same way every time, try a new pattern or design to keep it fresh!
2. Driving a Different Route
Ever arrived home and realized you don’t even remember the drive? That’s autopilot at its finest. The hubby prefers driving the way he enjoys going versus my quest for efficiency, but I’m taking a page from his book.
Next time you drive somewhere routine, take a slightly different route. Turn one street earlier and notice the surroundings, or come into your destination a completely different way and break the cycle of mindless travel. Better yet? Drive somewhere with absolutely no destination in mind - meander and see where you end up.
3. Turning Shower Cleaning into a Mini Vacation
Sometimes I can really get into cleaning and sometimes I do it because it just has to be done. Can you relate?
Tackling the shower isn’t exactly thrilling, but I’ve found a way to make it fun.
First up? Blast some music.
Next up? Put on my swimmers!
Last up? Pretend I’m at the beach or the water park.
These simple things shift the experience from a chore to, dare I say, something enjoyable.
The Takeaway: Small Tweaks, Big Impact
Whether it’s Pilates, lawn care, driving, or cleaning, injecting a little creativity into repetitive tasks can bring fun and a bit of mindfulness into your daily life. Take a few minutes and try tweaking a routine task - lean into the fun and let it change your experience!
What’s one repetitive task you’d like to make more creative? Let me know in the comments and we can brainstorm together!
And don’t forget - March MATness starts March 1st! If you want to join the Celebration with daily emails, don’t forget to adjust your email preferences in your settings:
Remember how I told you that last year’s March MATness featured my Spine Corrector? Here’s a video snippet with some of the fun:
Have a fab week,
xBec
P.S. This is a cross post with the weekly podcast where I go into this topic in a bit more detail.