Playfulness isn’t only for children. It can be a cathartic and euphoric release for adults. Adulting can be time consuming and draining. When you are not focused on responsibilities, deadlines, bills and chores, it’s wise to have lighthearted things to refill your cup. Your inner child will thank you for it. Here are four ways to invite play into your daily life as an adult.
Revisit What You Enjoyed as Kid
Do you remember the days where you built sandcastles or played for hours in your backyard? Maybe you loved finger painting or building blocks. Think back to the whimsical days of your childhood and lean back into those past times.
Give Yourself Permission to Play
Laughter and joy shouldn’t be reserved for the weekends or PTO. Allow yourself regular breaks and times of reprieve to rest, recharge and have fun. Take regular breaks to engage in lighthearted activities. You can use your lunch break to go for a bike ride or you can take time to sketch or color during your morning break. Give yourself time to step back from adulting and not be so serious.
Try Something New
If you’ve been wanting to take vocal lessons or dance class, there is no time like the present. If there’s a new movie you want to see or a new ride at an amusement park you want to try, then you should go for it. A large part of injecting play into your life is about being whimsy and having the flexibility and willingness to try new things. Don’t be afraid of looking silly because that’s all part of the fun.
Schedule Play Dates
It might sound silly, but in order to make time for play, you might need to schedule it in. As a kid, your mom or caregiver might have scheduled play dates for you with other kids. Who says you cannot do the same thing as an adult? Plan for an adult snowball fight, a dance party or a carpool karaoke session with your besties, who probably all need a little fun in their life.