14 Ways to Nurture Your Inner Child as an Adult

Growing up doesn’t mean leaving our inner child behind. In fact, keeping that youthful spark alive can bring joy, creativity, and a fresh perspective to our adult lives. Many people forget about their playful side as they get older, focusing only on work and responsibilities. But nurturing your inner child isn’t just fun – it’s actually good for your mental health and overall well-being.

In this blog post, I’ll share 14 easy ways to connect with your inner child as an adult. These simple activities can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and remind you of the simple pleasures in life.

Play like a kid again

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Take time to play games you enjoyed as a child. Build with blocks, color in a coloring book, or have a tea party with stuffed animals. These simple activities can bring back happy memories and help you relax. Playing like a kid can also spark creativity and reduce stress.

Rediscover your favorite childhood snacks

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Treat yourself to foods you loved when you were young. Maybe it’s a bowl of sugary cereal or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Eating these familiar treats can bring comfort and joy. It’s a fun way to connect with your past and indulge in some nostalgia.

Watch cartoons or kids’ movies

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Spend an afternoon watching cartoons or family-friendly movies from your childhood. These shows often have hidden jokes for adults that you might not have noticed as a kid. Watching them can be both fun and relaxing, giving you a break from adult worries.

Start a fun hobby

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Pick up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, like painting, knitting, or playing an instrument. Learning something new can be exciting and rewarding. It’s a great way to express yourself and have fun without worrying about being perfect.

Have a dance party in your living room

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Put on your favorite music and dance like nobody’s watching. Dancing freely can boost your mood and energy. It’s a great way to express yourself and let go of stress. You might even find yourself smiling and laughing as you move to the beat.

Build a blanket fort

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Gather blankets, pillows, and chairs to create a cozy fort in your living room. Once it’s built, curl up inside with a good book or watch a movie. This simple activity can make you feel safe and comfortable. It’s a fun way to create your own little world for a while.

Write a letter to your younger self

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Take some time to write a kind, supportive letter to your childhood self. Tell your younger self about the good things in your life now. This can help you heal old hurts and appreciate how far you’ve come. It’s a powerful way to show yourself love and compassion.

Create art without judging it

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Grab some art supplies and create something without worrying if it’s “good” or not. Draw, paint, or sculpt whatever comes to mind. The goal is to enjoy the process, not make a masterpiece. This can help you let go of perfectionism and rediscover the joy of creating.

Read your favorite childhood books

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Revisit books you loved as a kid or try new children’s books. These stories often have important life lessons wrapped in fun adventures. Reading them can help you see the world with fresh eyes. It’s a cozy way to spend an afternoon and spark your imagination.

Have a pajama day

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Spend an entire day in your comfiest pajamas, even if you’re not sleeping. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy simple pleasures without the pressure of getting dressed up. This can be a great way to practice self-care and give yourself permission to slow down. It’s like giving yourself a mini-vacation at home.

Make paper airplanes

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Fold a piece of paper into different airplane designs and have a flying contest. Experiment with various folding techniques to see which planes fly the farthest or do the best tricks. This activity combines creativity with a bit of physics, making it both fun and educational. It’s also a great way to use up scrap paper and reduce stress.

Have a bubble-blowing session

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Get a bottle of bubble solution and spend time blowing bubbles outdoors. Try to make bubbles of different sizes or catch them without popping them. Watching bubbles float away can be surprisingly meditative and joyful. It’s a simple activity that can bring a sense of wonder and lightheartedness to your day.

Learn a magic trick

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Pick a simple magic trick and practice until you can perform it smoothly. Once you’ve mastered it, amaze your friends or family with your new skill. Learning magic can boost confidence and improve hand-eye coordination. It’s also a great conversation starter and can bring more fun and mystery into your social interactions.

Make shadow puppets

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Turn off the lights and use a flashlight to create shadow puppets on the wall. Experiment with different hand shapes to make animals or tell stories. This activity sparks creativity and can be a fun way to wind down before bed. It’s also a great opportunity to practice storytelling and improvisation skills.

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Diana Tablan

Diana Tablan is a seasoned writer who loves to explore fun lifestyle topics and various human interest stories. During her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and cooking. Diana’s writings can be found in several popular online magazines in Canada and the US.