Most of us know that there are some adults who have never grown up and act like children most of the time; then there are the grumpy old coots who never seem to have any fun at all. Somewhere in the middle there is a place where adults can let their inner child come out to play for a time, but then act as responsible adults when the situation requires. For example there is nothing wrong with an adult using play equipment just for the sheer pleasure of it, but it would be highly inappropriate for an adult to speak or act like a child at a formal function.
To have a well-balanced life we, as adults, need to let our inner child out to play from time to time. A lot of adults find it embarrassing doing this, but over time the pleasure and sheer enjoyment of such activities outweighs this embarrassment. There are innumerable activities that you can do to let your inner child out to play. Just use your imagination. In case you are having trouble thinking of things here are some suggestions –
- Build sandcastles
- Blow bubbles
- Walk in the rain
- Run or stomp through puddles
- Play on a swing or other play equipment
- Sing a song – even if you can’t sing well
- Kick a ball around
- Watch out for insects or birds – see how close you can get to them
- Collect leave, seed pods, etc. and make artwork with them
- Dance like nobody is watching – even if they are
- Take messy food – watermelon, cake, etc. – outside and make a mess
- Draw a picture and colour it in
- Write a story – even if it is only about what you did that day
- Do a craft activity
- Keep a special toy around that you can hug when you are lonely
- Talk out loud to yourself while doing simple chores – like kids do
- Cook something simple and share it with others
- Smile at everyone you meet
- Dream of what you want to be and where you want to go when you get older
- Plan a special holiday – where you’ll go and stay, what you’ll do, how much it will cost - even if you never go.
- Go outside and lay down in the sunshine
- Laugh if you see something funny – preferably where someone else isn’t getting hurt
- Water the garden on a hot day and accidently on purpose wet yourself
- Pick a bunch of flowering weeds for a friend
- Phone a friend and when they answer say – “Hey! Is that you? This is me!” or any other silly comment that will make you both laugh.
- Climb a tree or watch trees swaying in the breeze and copy them
In letting your inner child come out and play every so often you can reduce stress, increase you general enjoyment of life, and learn not to take life quit so seriously.
Until next time – remember, safety first!