Nostalgia - Turns out it isn't just a cautionary tale.
The what -
Do something this week that you absolutely loved to do when you were a kid and don't really do anymore, now that you live in grown up land. Whatever comes to mind, do it! And why not ask a friend or loved one to join you in doing your favourite childhood things together? Share the fun!
The why -
Well frankly, why not?! Taking time for yourself matters and it's OK to take a mini break from the stress of 'grown-upping' sometimes. It's important to find joy in the little things and to make time for whatever makes you happy. Taking time for yourself will help you stay balanced and energized. Re-discovering those moments from your childhood that gave you that warm fuzzy feeling can bring you a real boost in your day.
There are numerous benefits to embracing your inner child. Not least is the ability it gives you to;
Get moving
If you really want to get moving more but nearly killing yourself in a PT class while someone yells 'keep pushing through the pain!' Isn't really your cup of tea. Then spending a day being a big kid can get you moving so much more, without the cringe fest.
I'm talking trampolines, pogo sticks, space hoppers, skipping ropes or those sticky pad things you wear on your hands to catch a tennis ball - you remember them right? Whatever floats your boat! If you loved it as a kid, why not keep enjoying it as an adult?
Boost your imagination and creativity
As children, we sought out excitement and fun but as adults with pressures and stresses and boring to do lists, all we really want most of the time is just to chillax! Seeking out new experiences can boost our creativity and fuel our imagination. So by interrupting our usual habits, we can trigger a whole bunch of little light bulbs flickering in our minds.
You don't need to abseil down a high rise to get the adrenaline pumping and the little mind light bulbs flickering. As a kid, just reading a book or making a friend was super exciting. Embrace the nostalgia in the activity but also allow yourself to feel it and respond to it like you did as a kid. Get excited, mix it up, run like your legs don't care what direction you are going in! Pause your grown-upping schedule for a minute and see the impact it can have on your creativity.
Discover a new perspective
If you're a parent you will be well aware of the 'Why' stage. Whatever you say, the kid just keeps asking 'But why?' It's so exhausting, you have to take a deep breath before you answer the little darling for the millionth time. All this asking 'why?' is something we stop as we get older (probably because it's just so damn annoying.) But what if you think like a kid today and keep asking why?
There are probably all sorts of things in your life that you just accept for what they are and maybe that isn't working for you. Maybe if you ask yourself why these things are so, you would choose another option? Maybe being a big kid for the day can allow you to find a new perspective on who you are, why you have made the choices you have and what you want to do next?
Lower your stress levels
I mean, why did we stop doing these things we loved as kids? Especially when they brought us so much joy! Aren't we all pretty stressed a lot of the time and in need of some bants and giggles? Well kids don't take things too seriously so just for a bit, how about we let go of that seriousness too? Give yourself a break, eat hula hoops off your fingers, watch a slinky go down the stairs, hop scotch your way to work. Allow yourself to romanticize, refresh and recharge.
And even better, why not share that joy with others? If you struggle with feeling a bit silly, make slightly more 'grown up' versions of activities, like adding some wine to the situation. Everything is better with wine ;) If you're a parent, you have the perfect excuse for being a big kid for the day - 'Because the kids want to do it'.
Achey thunder thighs
My husband and I recently borrowed our young niece and nephew for the day, basically because it was the ideal excuse to visit an indoor kids play park that we thought looked like loads of fun. My niece and I whizzed around on roller skates (ok we staggered, stumbled and fell over a lot but it was fun none the less!) Meanwhile, my husband and our nephew had the absolute time of their lives jumping about in a giant ball pit.
It was a truly brilliant day for us, as well as the little ones! (Although I have to be honest and confess that roller skating is pretty hard work these days on my 35 year old pair of thunder thighs!) But achey thunder thighs and bruised elbows aside, I highly recommend treating yourself to some nostalgia and enjoying being a big kid!
There are so many things we loved to do as children that you can easily fit in to your week. Play Monopoly, do some finger painting, bake a cake just to lick the spoon. Dig out your rusty old bicycle or spend a day at the beach eating sandy sandwiches. If you're short for time, have coco pops for breakfast, treat yourself to a never ending gobstopper from a sweet shop or watch an episode of Scooby Doo tonight instead of that true crime documentary.
Okay, that's the fun side of the why but is there actually any evidence that acting like a big kid adds any real benefit to our lives?
The 'sciencey' bit
Historically, 'Nostalgia' was considered a distraction or possibly even a weakness but more recent research at the University of Southampton indicates that nostalgia actually promotes psychological health and well-being. Their evidence indicates that nostalgia can also be used as a resource that individuals can activate, and use in times of stress and ill health.
The researchers also discovered three core benefits to embracing positive memories and feelings of nostalgia -
Nostalgia heightens a positive mood.
Your view of yourself becomes more positive.
It can strengthen your feelings of social connection.
So do something that makes you feel young and carefree. Take a trip to the park and swing on the swings, fly a kite, or make a sandcastle. Find a way to take a break from the daily grind and remember what it feels like to be a kid.
If you're not sure where to start - why not check out this nostalgic summer bucket list from Pop Sugar for ideas.
The Who -
This feather was inspired by a wonderful colleague, who spent an evening with her girl friends playing with plasticine. A bunch of ladies, some bottles of wine and some plasticine - I will leave it to your imagination as to what kind of 'sculptures' they made! They had a proper gigglefest over a few glasses of vino and when my colleague proudly displayed her plasticine creation on our Monday morning Zoom call, she spread the giggles even further!
Resources -
Do you have any funny stories of being a big kid and how this brought light to your week?
I would love to hear about them! Feel free to leave your comments :)
Lou @ Feathered Paths Xx
Comments