Why Embracing Your Inner Child is Great for Your Health

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Remember when the toughest decision of the day was choosing between crayons or markers? Or when your biggest concern was whether you’d have enough time to play tag before dinner? Yep, those were the good ol’ days of being a kid—carefree, full of wonder, and endlessly imaginative. But who says only kids can have all the fun?

Embracing your inner child is something you can choose to do at any time, and you know what, doing so could be the best thing you ever do for your physical and mental health. Here’s why:

A mom being silly with her kids.

Stress? What Stress?

Adulting is hard. Bills, responsibilities, deadlines—it’s a lot. But remember how you dealt with stress as a kid? You didn’t stew on a problem; you played it away! Channeling your inner child through play can be an incredible stress reliever. Grab a puzzle, challenge yourself with a game of Minesweeper, or get lost in a video game. These aren’t childish distractions; they’re your brain’s way of taking a much-needed breather.

Laugh More, Worry Less

Kids laugh—a lot. Ever noticed that? It’s because they find joy in the little things. As adults, we tend to overanalyze and suck the fun out of potentially joyful moments. By allowing yourself to giggle over silly jokes, watch cartoons, or even play pranks, you’re not being immature.

You’re giving your brain a joy workout, releasing those endorphins, and lowering cortisol levels. Science says laughter is the best medicine, so it’s time to get that prescription filled!

Creativity on the Loose

Kids are naturally creative. They can turn a box into a fortress or make up elaborate fantasy worlds. As we grow up, we often box up this creativity in favor of logic and seriousness.

However, engaging in creative play like drawing, building with Legos, or even gardening can reignite those imaginative fires. This isn’t just good for your brain’s health; it can inspire solutions in your work and personal life that you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

A family of four running.

Physical Fitness—Tag, You’re It!

Remember running around the playground, climbing, and jumping with boundless energy? Channel that same energy as an adult by embracing fun, physical activities. Join a local sports league, go dancing, or play interactive video games that require movement. Exercise doesn’t always have to be structured.

Sometimes, just playing tag with your kids or a game of frisbee in the park can be the best workout.

Boost Your Social Life

Children are incredibly social creatures. They make friends easily, not worrying about judgments or boundaries. Rekindle this trait by reaching out to make new connections or strengthen existing relationships through playful social activities.

Organize a game night, start a trivia team, or join a book club. Social interaction can decrease feelings of loneliness and depression and is a vital part of maintaining mental health.

The Learning Never Stops

One of the best traits of children is their openness to learning. Embrace this by engaging in educational games and puzzles. Whether it’s learning a new language through an app or solving complex puzzles, keeping your mind active with playful learning challenges can help fend off cognitive decline and keep your brain sharp.

An image of a woman sleeping peacefully.

Sleep Like a Baby

Remember how you used to fight naps? Turns out, the kids were onto something when they finally hit the hay after a full day of play. When you engage in fun, stress-reducing activities, you naturally improve your ability to sleep. Good sleep is crucial for everything from weight management to mood regulation—so play hard and sleep well.

Emotional Resilience

Kids are remarkably resilient. They fall, they cry, and they get right back up. As adults, we often hold onto our failures and stress. By embracing your inner child and allowing yourself the freedom to fail and try again—whether it’s learning a new skill or just attempting a new game—you build emotional resilience that can transform your approach to challenges.

Explore Nature

Children are naturally drawn to the outdoors, and fascinated by its wonders. As an adult, reignite this sense of wonder by going on nature walks, bird watching, or even star gazing. Being in nature not only relieves stress but also enhances physical well-being and stimulates curiosity about the world around you.

Rediscover Old Hobbies

Think back to the hobbies you enjoyed as a child—perhaps collecting stamps, building model cars, or writing in a diary. Revisiting these pastimes can bring nostalgic joy and reconnect you with parts of yourself that you may have forgotten.

An image of a mom and her son doing silly faces with the text - Why Embracing Your Inner Child is Great for Your Health. The site's link is also included in the image.

So, go ahead, schedule some playtime. Laugh loudly, run freely, and learn constantly. Embracing your inner child is not about shirking adult responsibilities, but enriching your adult life with the joy, wonder, and health that comes from play. Let’s face it, if anyone deserves to feel like a kid again, it’s us adults!

Thank you for sharing!

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