I often come across teenagers wrestling with stress, anxiety, and depression. Amid all the commotion of today’s life, we sometimes lose sight of a crucial part of ourselves – our playful nature. Tapping back into this trait can lead to experiencing more joy and happiness. So, let’s explore how to embrace your inner child and enhance your happiness.
Understanding Playfulness
First, it’s important to comprehend what being playful means. Essentially, playfulness is the quality of being lighthearted or filled with fun. It’s about participating in activities for the sheer joy they bring, not because they’re an obligation or a chore.
The Journey to Reclaiming Playfulness
1. Take Baby Steps
If you haven’t let your playful side out in a while, you may feel slightly uncomfortable initially. That’s perfectly fine. Start by doing small things you find fun and slowly incorporate more playful activities into your routine. It could be as straightforward as sharing a joke with a friend, dancing to your favorite song in your bedroom, or doodling in your notebook.
2. Embrace Play
Often, our biggest obstacle to being playful is our own resistance. We’ve conditioned ourselves into thinking that we’re ‘too old’ to play or that it’s ‘childish’. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Play is timeless. So, the next time a playful opportunity arises, embrace it. Say ‘yes’ to play.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness aids us in ‘unhooking’ from unhelpful thought patterns and emotions. It enables us to immerse ourselves fully in the present moment, a crucial aspect of reconnecting with our playful selves. Through mindfulness, we can better understand our emotions, connect with our senses, and embrace play more freely.
4. Let Go of Fear
Fear of judgment can often hold us back from being playful. It’s essential to understand that it’s perfectly okay to be silly, to laugh, and to mess up – these are all vital parts of play. Don’t let the fear of what others might think stop you from experiencing joy.
5. Surround Yourself with Playful Individuals
There’s a saying that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. If you’re around playful, joyous individuals, it’s likely you’ll start embodying these traits as well.
Ultimately, embracing your inner child isn’t about becoming a different person. It’s about removing the self-imposed constraints, allowing your natural joy and passion for life to radiate. It’s about realizing that you are allowed to enjoy life, to laugh, to play, and to be your true, vibrant self. So, give yourself that permission and watch as your world fills with more joy.
As you embark on this journey of self-discovery, remember that it’s not about perfection, but about progress. It’s about moving forward, one moment at a time, towards a more joyful, playful version of yourself.
Let’s Embrace Play!
So, are you ready to begin your journey towards a more joyful, playful you? It’s time to start playing!
