When it comes to mental, emotional and spiritual wellness, the inner child is conceptually one of the most significant components to consider. As you carry every version of you, adulthood only means that you’re younger selves still reside within. It’s important to consider whether the decisions that you make are factoring in the health and happiness of your inner child. You want to proudly say that the life you’re living is one that little you is excited about.
If you aren’t sure if you’re in a healthy place with your inner child, here are some signs to look out for.
6 Signs Your Inner Child Is Happy
You’re Creative
Whether it’s through your work or a side hobby, keeping your inner child content means allowing them to be creatively expressive. From drawing to DIY projects, the art of making something out of nothing is the key.
You’re Having Fun Being Active
Most people implemented fitness routines for the sake of getting their bodies snatched. However, those with the healthiest inner children may get active through other stimulating activities. Dance classes, rock climbing or hiking, not simply to burn calories, can be truly enjoyable for your inner child.
You’re Secure
As a child, you weren’t paralyzed with the concern of body image or social acceptance. You were simply the loudest expression of your true self and whatever didn’t align or uplift wasn’t of your concern. A healthy inner child has a healthy inner dialogue. It’s one that offers unconditional support and grace, and chooses to be their authentic self in any room they enter.
You Take Care of Your Friendships
In adulthood, romantic relationships tend to take center stage. However, no one knows the value or importance of friendships quite like a kid does. Your inner child is happy when you’re spending time tending to your platonic relationships.
You’re Getting Rest
There’s a reason why nap time was so critical in childhood. While in adulthood people believe they have to earn the right to rest. However, as children, it’s prioritized without question nor convincing. A healthy inner child is one getting in their proper naps and spending quality time self-regulating through rest.
You’re Laughing
While this may seem frivolous, laughter is the best medicine. It strengthens your immune system, releases endorphins, diminishes pain and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Finding humor in life is crucial when surviving such unprecedented times. A happy inner child is one who searches for the silly.
6 Signs Your Inner Child Needs Some Love
You’re Burnt Out
A challenge is healthy and can evolve you into a wise version of yourself. However, there’s a fine line you can cross and potentially enter a state of burnout. Defined as an ongoing state of overwhelm, fatigue and emotional drainage due to consistent stress, it’s easy to fall victim to in a society that glorifies working up the ladder and deprioritizes rest.
You’re Uninspired
Whether or not your profession is artistic, a healthy inner child needs creativity. If you’re finding yourself out of ideas or unwilling to try new things, your inner child could be yearning for some play.
You’re in Survival Mode
When it comes to living life, there’s a big difference between thriving and surviving. While people certainly get to define their own means of luxury, being in survival mode is an elongated state of desperation. It leaves no room for finding magic in the mundane.
You’re Repeating in Patterns
Whether the trauma is generational or stems from a childhood experience, you may find yourself repeating patterns in your relationships or overall life choices that can be indicative of some necessary healing. You owe it to your inner child to set the boundaries and let go of the habits that may keep you trapped in outdated circumstances or relationships that don’t serve you.
You’re Trapped in Routine
The monotony of doing the same routine every single day can drain the life out of anyone, especially your inner children. If you find that you’re moving through the gym-work-sleep cycle in a zombie-like fashion, your inner child may need a break in the routine or a healthy dose of adventure.
You Value Yourself Through Productivity
Western idealogy centers life around work, which can very easily churn out humans who value themselves solely through the lens of productivity. If you find that you’re only proud of yourself when you excel or punish yourself when you “slack off,” it’s important to check in and make sure your inner child knows you don’t have to prove your worth.