Having fun is an essential component of wellness. But if you’re an adult, you can probably count on one finger the number of times you’ve really done something fun in the last month.
Unfortunately, as people get older, their ability to have fun seems to diminish. They no longer see the purpose of just messing around because there’s always some goal they could be working toward instead.
The trick here is to use strategies that help you break out of this adult mentality and go back to the attitude you had as a child. It’s not about regressing or letting go of adult responsibilities. It’s more about reframing adulthood and thinking about it differently.
Reflect On What Gave You Joy As A Child
The first step is to think about what gave you joy as a child. Knowing what felt like fun before can provide you with pointers for what might hit the spot today.
For many of us, it was things like water fights or traveling. And these are still things you can do as an adult. We also remember shindigs on our friend’s party bus rental or spending time on our father’s motorbike.
Once you know what it was that was fun for you, it helps you think more creatively. How could you incorporate these activities into your adult approach to life?
Spend Time Outdoors
Another approach is to simply spend more time outdoors. Getting into nature and interacting with the environment is one of the best ways to feel alive and connected again. For example, you might go for a splash in the sea (enjoying the water) or climb a tree. You could even ride your bicycle again if you haven’t done that for a while and experience the joy of the air rushing through your hair.
Physical play outdoors is another way to recreate the fun of being a child. For example, you could jump rope or fly a kite with your kids at the park. It’s up to you.
Do Something That Engages Your Senses
Being stuck in a stuffy office all day isn’t a lot of fun. After a while, everything starts to feel a little sterile.
However, you can prevent this by doing things that engage your senses. For example, you could cook something you used to love to eat as a child or try listening to some retro music from when you were growing up. These experiences can transport your mind and body back in time, reminding you of what life was like before and how magical it felt.
Talk To Old Friends
Talking to old friends is another thing you could try. Reaching out to people you knew when you were younger could help you form new bonds and make connections. You could also get up to the same mischief as you did before, reminding you of better times.
If you can’t get in touch with friends, play with your kids. Talking to children is often one of the best ways to put adulthood in context.
