Buzz
Although adulthood has its joys, there are moments when we yearn for the carefree days of our youth. Reclaim that sense of youthfulness by embracing childlike thoughts and actions. Even amidst the responsibilities of adulthood, you can still tap into your inner child by maintaining a youthful outlook.
Steps to Follow
Embracing Childlike Thinking
Let go of your inhibitions. Adults often fret over how others perceive their conduct, leading to stress and self-consciousness. To feel more youthful, if only for a moment, cast aside concerns about appearing foolish, goofy, or eccentric.
- For instance, don't fret about the volume of your laughter. Simply revel in the moment.
- If worries about others' opinions arise, dismiss these thoughts and concentrate on the joy of laughing, jesting, or engaging in play.
- Many activities that evoke a childlike sensation demand shedding inhibitions and fretting less about external judgments. It may be challenging at first, but start with small steps. Indulge in comedy films and TV shows, allowing yourself to laugh wholeheartedly.
Release judgmental tendencies. Focusing on others' opinions inhibits your inner child, as does passing judgment. Children typically exhibit more acceptance and open-mindedness than adults, so strive to emulate their approach.
- When negative thoughts about others arise, deliberately redirect your mind to positive thoughts. Initially, this may feel forced, but it aids in reshaping your mindset from judgmental to optimistic.
- Psychologists recommend countering judgmental attitudes by practicing self-compassion, as judgments often stem from insecurity. Compile a list of your finest qualities and recite them aloud each morning. Over time, you'll cultivate a more positive outlook on the world and its inhabitants.
Ditch the agenda. Embracing spontaneity and minimal scheduling is key to feeling youthful again. Maintaining a rigid schedule can hinder your sense of freedom and youthfulness.
- While every day can't be completely unscheduled, aim to limit commitments on your days off.
- Arrange activities with loved ones without strict timeframes or detailed plans.
- Allow yourself a brief respite from adult responsibilities. Chores like laundry, bill payments, and cleaning won't foster a childlike sense of freedom.
Embrace boredom. Many adults feel compelled to fill all their free time with productive activities, unlike most children. Despite the initial challenge, accepting boredom can facilitate relaxation and a youthful mindset.
- Granting yourself idle time fosters creativity, exploration, and contemplation.
- While adults often discourage daydreaming, experts assert that it often leads to innovative and creative ideas.
Let others take the lead. Few things are as taxing as bearing responsibility for everyone's schedules. Occasionally relinquish control to recapture a childlike essence.
- Opt for the backseat during car rides instead of driving.
- Allow someone else to dictate dinner plans.
- Instead of orchestrating activities, simply enjoy the moment and let others take charge.
Break a few rules, within limits. While adults often feel compelled to adhere to rules, children are more inclined to adventure. While respecting laws and duties, consider bending a few unwritten rules of adulthood.
- Stay up past your usual bedtime on a work night.
- Indulge in dessert before dinner.
- Enjoy a midday movie, defying the conventional adult routine.
Embracing Childlike Actions
Revisit your cherished childhood book. Many of us had a special book or series that brought immense joy during our youth. Rediscover that joy by revisiting your favorite childhood read.
- For an authentic and budget-friendly experience, borrow a copy from the local library rather than purchasing online or from a store.
- Recapture the magic of staying up late, reading under the covers with a flashlight.
Take a bike ride. While cars offer convenience, they often evoke adult responsibilities. Opt for a bike ride to reminisce about the carefree days of coasting down hills with the wind in your face.
- Forget about destinations—most children simply revel in the joy of riding.
Listen to music from your youth. Explore and groove to a playlist featuring top hits from your younger days.
- Dust off your old CDs, cassettes, or vinyl records to relive the era before online music streaming. Alternatively, many internet radio services curate playlists based on specific decades or years, facilitating a nostalgic journey.
- Release your inner child by singing and dancing freely, unencumbered by adult inhibitions.
Indulge in childhood foods and treats. While adulthood often emphasizes dietary concerns, childhood favorites hold sentimental value. Occasional enjoyment of these treats can evoke nostalgic memories and foster a sense of childlike delight:
- Popsicles or ice cream.
- Chicken nuggets.
- Pizza.
- Candy bars.
- Favorite juice flavors or fruit punches.
- Cotton candy.
- Animal crackers.
- Soda.
- Hot dogs.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches.
Rediscover your childhood hangouts. Recapture that youthful essence and relive cherished memories by revisiting some of your favorite childhood spots. Here are a few suggestions to kick-start your journey:
- Fairs, circuses, or amusement parks.
- Mini-golf courses.
- Arcades.
- Go-kart tracks.
- Water parks.
- Zoos.
- Toy stores.
- Skating rinks.
- Playgrounds.
Indulge in puddle splashing or mud play. Embrace the carefree spirit of childhood and revel in some messy fun. Don clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and frolic in puddles or whip up some mud pies.
Scale a tree. Experience the pride of accomplishment that comes with climbing a tree and relish the exhilarating feeling of being up high, transporting you back to simpler times.
- Remember, you’re likely larger now than the last time you attempted this, so opt for sturdy branches.
- If heights aren’t your thing, fret not. You can still enjoy the tree’s shade and tranquility from below, perhaps with a picnic or a good book.
Dress however you please. Embrace the freedom of childhood by wearing whatever you fancy, without fretting over matching perfectly or conforming to societal norms.
- If you work in a strictly formal environment, reserve this activity for your off-duty hours.
Hunt down the ice cream truck. If you’re lucky enough to reside in an area with an ice-cream truck, seize the opportunity typically reserved for children. Ice cream from the truck often carries a nostalgic taste that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Revisit a playground. Many individuals reminisce about their childhood spent swinging, sliding, and climbing jungle gyms at the playground. Revisiting these spots will transport you back to the carefree days of playing like a child.
- If you’re feeling daring, give the monkey bars a try.
- While much of the equipment is designed for children, exercise caution before use to avoid adult-like trips to the emergency room.
Unearth your art supplies. Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, spending time engaged in creative pursuits can be wonderfully relaxing.
- You don’t need to tackle complex projects. Opt for modeling clay, a coloring book, or paint by numbers for a simple yet enjoyable experience.
- Art projects are perfect for rainy days.
Revisit childhood games. Recall the games you cherished as a child and enlist friends or family to join you. Here are a few suggestions to kick-start your trip down memory lane:
- Hopscotch.
- Four square.
- Tag or capture the flag.
- Dodgeball.
- Hide-and-seek.
- Jump rope.
- Board games.
- Team sports.
Spend time with friends. When was the last time you simply enjoyed the company of your friends? Gather your group without a specific plan, or indulge in activities you once adored as children.
- Host a sleepover.
- Play video games.
- Watch cartoons or animated movies.
- Engage in a game of truth or dare.
- Make a pact to steer clear of work and adult responsibilities discussions.
Maintain a Youthful Outlook
Relive recess moments. Remember when recess was a regular part of your day? If your schedule permits, take breaks and enjoy a brief recess. Even if it's after work, allocate some time during the day for fun activities.
- Try any of the activities mentioned earlier.
- Instead of eating lunch at your desk, opt for a picnic in the park.
- Recall recess in school often involved outdoor physical activities, so use shorter breaks for a brisk walk around the block instead of waiting in line for coffee. You can even take your drink with you.
Indulge in snack time. You might not have a nap mat handy at work, but you can certainly pack a snack to evoke a childlike feeling. Snacking throughout the day maintains your energy levels and uplifts your spirits.
- To truly embrace your inner child, ditch the adult protein bar and opt for a juice box, bag of animal crackers, or pudding cup.
Embrace the unknown. Unlike adults who often shy away from admitting ignorance, children eagerly absorb new information and delight in learning.
- Enroll in a community education class, join a book club, attend a lecture, or pick up a new hobby. If stepping out alone feels daunting, invite a friend or family member to join you.
Leave work stress at the office. Many adults carry workplace stress home, hindering their sense of youthful vitality. Upon returning home, disconnect from work email and refrain from dwelling on the day's challenges.
Keep smiling and laughing. Studies show that children smile around 400 times a day, while adults manage only about 20 smiles daily. Psychologists suggest that smiling and laughter enhance happiness and youthfulness, so be prepared to grin and chuckle to feel young again.
Indulge in children’s movies and books. To maintain a youthful outlook, consider watching a family-friendly movie or delving into a book meant for younger audiences. These choices often carry a lighter tone and less seriousness.
- To evoke nostalgia, revisit one of your cherished childhood favorites.
Engage with your own kids or volunteer with children in your community. Spending quality time with them is among the most effective ways to feel young again.
- If you, your family, or your friends have children, involve them in the activities mentioned earlier.
- You can also offer your time at a local school, church, or community group like the Boys and Girls Club. These organizations often seek adults to serve as role models or mentors, and the children you interact with can reignite your youthful spirit.
Pointers
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To reconnect with your inner child, listen to music, read books, watch movies, or enjoy snacks reminiscent of your childhood.
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Revisit games you played in your youth.
The suggestions provided here stem from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a helpful tip to share on Mytour, please submit it below.
- Try adopting a childlike sleep schedule, going to bed early (like 8pm) and rising at 6 or 7.
Points to Note
- Parks and playgrounds offer a nostalgic escape, but note that some parents and community members may be cautious about adults unaccompanied by children in these areas.
- Schools, churches, and community organizations often conduct background checks on potential volunteers.
