The Healing Power of Poetry, Health, and Creative Pursuits

National Limerick Day on May 12th celebrates the joy of playful poetry—but the benefits go beyond fun rhymes and clever verses. Creative pursuits like writing poetry or engaging in other artistic activities can reduce stress, boost mood, and support overall well-being. Studies show that creative expression activates parts of the brain linked to emotional regulation and problem-solving, helping us find mental clarity and emotional release. Whether you’re scribbling limericks or diving into any other creative outlet, you’re doing more than making art—you’re supporting your health. Learn more about the celebration at King of Limericks.

Poetry, EAP, and Well-Being

At MSU, we support employees’ well-being through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available to full-time and part-time employees, including student workers. The EAP offers counseling and educational resources to help manage life’s challenges. Two past EAP webinars (available on demand) highlight the connection between creativity and health:

• Finding Fulfillment in Creative Pursuits (Sept 2024)
• Laughter Helps (Nov 2024)

These webinars emphasize how creative expression and humor can enhance mental health by reducing stress and improving emotional well-being. Additionally, the EAP provides 24/7 telephone support, available any time of the day, 365 days a year. For assistance, call 1-800-413-8008 #2.

Shared Leave: Supporting Employees Through Life’s Challenges

MSU’s Shared Leave Pool provides essential support for employees facing medical or personal challenges after exhausting their own sick and vacation time. It also offers up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for qualifying employees after the adoption or placement of a child—without requiring the use of personal leave. Whether for crisis or celebration, Shared Leave helps employees manage life’s big moments with peace of mind.

Here’s a limerick to reflect the spirit of the Shared Leave Program:

There once was a team full of care,
Who donated their time to spare.
For those in need,
They planted a seed,
Of support, making life fair!

Donate Shared leave on the Time & Leave Resources card on the My Missouri State portal.

🕒 Special Opportunity — Now through June 30: The donation maximum has been temporarily increased from 48 to 64 hours through the end of the fiscal year, giving employees who previously donated the full 48 hours the opportunity to contribute an additional 16 hours.

💡 Policy Reminder: Extra donations are only allowed when HR communicates a need—like now.

📊Help us hit 2,500 donated hours! You can give in 1-hour increments. (Note: You must donate at least 8 hours to be eligible to apply for shared leave.)

Explore Your Creativity at MSU

For those interested in further developing their creativity, MSU offers creative writing courses that could be the perfect outlet. Plus, full-time employees can take advantage of the Credit Course Fee Waiver Benefit, which covers tuition fees for eligible courses. Whether you want to enhance your writing skills or explore new creative avenues, MSU offers benefits to support your growth and wellbeing.

Creativity, Laughter, and Well-Being

On National Limerick Day, let’s recognize the benefits of creativity, humor, and the support systems at MSU that promote mental and emotional health. Whether through writing a limerick or utilizing Shared Leave and EAP resources, we’re here to help you thrive.