Typically, kids can't wait to grow up. And being able to relive childhood a little through my daughter's eyes reminds me of why. There are so many things that kids can't control in life, from the things they wear to the food they eat.
While adults are allowed to have a bit more freedom, a lot of the "dreams" they had as kids were later dashed by reality. For example, sure — you can eat candy for breakfast if you want, but you'll feel like garbage throughout the day if you do. You're also dealing with finances, living arrangements, and work. As adults, our time seems less like our own.
While school might not have been an ideal environment for many kids, at least it was a place where several interests could be explored. Many adults, on the other hand, work in fields where they're not mentally stimulated. If only we could go back and take a science lab again, or have a field trip to the museum with our friends. Those were special times that are harder to recreate as time goes on, and perhaps we didn't appreciate them for what they were back then.
That said, there are still plenty of good ways to tap into your childhood. Regardless of your age, sometimes acting like a kid again is the best way to stay positive. Here are some activities to try.
1. Make a Mix CD or Mix Tape
I used to make mixes for all of my friends, and as the years have gone on, I've realized that many people have held onto them. It's kind of a high honor for a few reasons. For one, it's nice to know they always have something to remember me by. Secondly, it's good to know they enjoyed my selections.
These days, cassette tapes aren't a thing — and CDs are also on the way out. But you can still make playlists for people. And if you still have a CD burner, a friend might be able to play it in their car or on their laptop. It's not the same as it used to be, but it's a great way to tap into the person you were a decade or so ago. And it's also a great reason to explore music the way you used to. It's a good idea to open your ears to new artists and see what lyrics you still find to be relatable.
2. Get in the Car and Drive
When I got my license, so much time was spent in the car. I had no destination — I just went. In the summertime, windows were rolled down and the stereo was blasting. It sounds a little strange, but when I think about pure happiness, I often think about moments like this.
These days, each car ride is for a reason — and usually, it's not much fun. Turn things around. Plan a drive just for the sake of it, and make sure you have good music with you. Enjoy the drive. Maybe you'll wind up finding a hidden gem in town (or a few towns over) that you never would have discovered otherwise.
3. Watch Cartoons
They don't even have to be cartoons that appeal to adults. Rewatch cartoons you enjoyed back when you were a kid. Even if you memorized old episodes, it's possible there are a bunch of jokes you'll understand much better as an adult, as plenty of kids shows had multiple layers. That's likely why they're often considered to be classics — since they tried hard to appeal to multiple levels.
If you're a parent, you don't even need to rope your kids in. They might not enjoy series like Rugrats, Doug, and Animaniacs the way you used to, and that's OK. The main focus is for you to relive the carefree times when you watched episodes in the living room after school.
4. Play a Game of MASH With Your Friends
Mansion, Apartment, Shack, or Home … which one will you live in? Not only is MASH a great way to kill time, but it's a game that everyone will be willing to play — whether through text or at a party. There are plenty of fun online emulators to try, or you can simply whip out a pen and some paper.
Is MASH not your thing? Then maybe you can write a note to someone you're friends with. It'll take you back. By mailing it, you'll also likely make their day. Another fun thing about being a kid? The mail was fun — it wasn't just bills and ads. You can change that around by mailing letters and cards.
5. Really Enjoy Dessert
When was the last time you ordered an extravagant dessert while out? It's probably been some time. Obviously, kids are big fans of dessert, and it was often a pretty tasty reward for a good report card or parent-teacher conference.
You've done a lot these last few years. Right now, your days may be extra pressing. You might have more on your shoulders than you're able to carry. That deserves a nice dessert.
Order something like a banana split and savor every bite of it, the way you did as a kid. Remind yourself that you're doing a good job.
6. Color
Adult coloring books are becoming more normalized, and it makes sense as to why. Coloring can be a really soothing activity.
And that's why you shouldn't feel ashamed to color the same way young kids do. Instead of dainty patterns and details, why not color in a bunch of baby animals? What's stopping you from coloring in Mickey and Minnie?
Standard coloring books are for all ages. And sometimes, running a crayon through big images is a good way to relieve a little bit of stress. The best part is that coloring books are relatively inexpensive. You can even print out a few coloring pages at home if you're looking to save some money.
7. Look Through an Old Yearbook
One of the best ways to relive the past is to look at old photographs. If you've kept albums, now might be a good time to look back at them. You can also peruse a yearbook. Some might even be online if you didn't buy a physical copy back in high school.
Even if you didn't love school, looking back might bring up some funny memories and stories. Think about your hardest class and what you might still remember from it today. If you had your yearbook signed, peruse the signatures. See if you can recall any funny private jokes from back then that you've forgotten about since.
8. Watch Your Old Favorite Comedy Movies and Laugh Until You Cry
Certain movies hold a place in our hearts because we watched them at pivotal times in our lives. Think back to some of your favorite films in middle school and high school. They might not hold up — in fact, it's likely they won't — but they'll still bring up good memories of your childhood.
You can have your own personal movie festival on a weekend, or make a point to watch one old favorite each month this year. Make popcorn and make a big deal out of watching it, the same way you did when you were growing up. It's a good way to both celebrate your childhood and keep yourself entertained.
9. Visit a Trampoline Park
One of the best things about childhood is that you never really worried about breaking a bone or spraining a finger. You just focused on having fun.
Of course, we're all a little bit more fragile these days. But if you feel up to it, a visit to a trampoline park might be the best way to relive your childhood. Not only is it a place that's built around fun, but you can really let loose and challenge yourself.
Trampolining is also a great activity to stay active. You might find out that you enjoy it more than you think. And even if you don't, at least you can leave with some fun memories and cool photos for Instagram.
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