The Importance of Play: How to Reconnect with Your Inner Kid

One thing I admire about myself is that I’m still a kid at heart. I still enjoy watching old Disney movies, doing calming coloring books, and creating arts and crafts. It’s a part of me that still feels light-hearted, joyful, magical even. But as an adult, the harsh realities of the world make those feelings of happiness and freedom shrink immensely, at least from my personal experience.

Most of my days are rather mundane—wake up, work, eat, sleep. I rarely do anything fun or exciting. I stick to my routine, and even though it’s boring and predictable, it feels safe and comfortable.

For a long time I stayed in my bubble, but it ended up costing me a lot of depression, anxiety, guilt, and shame. It’s all because I don’t jump out of my comfort zone and try new things or go back to old hobbies that used to bring me pleasure. Exploring the emotional contrast between the mundane adult life and the joy of creative expression has shown me just how much I’ve missed out on when I stayed stuck in my routine.

I have a best friend I’ve known since preschool, and whenever I get together with her, it’s like we’re kids again. She’s neurodivergent as well and is constantly doing a lot of different crafts and projects all at once. I admire her creative brain.

Often, we’ll paint on canvases or ceramics, decorate cupcakes, or play old-school games like Scattergories. We’ll throw on a Disney flick or play some music for background noise, and chat while working on something.

I love getting together with her because of our shared interests and hobbies. If it weren’t for her, I highly doubt I’d do anything crafty on my own. She brings out that kid in me, and even though it’s a rarity for me to feel that kind of joy as an everyday adult, I’m glad that I can still find it.

So, the last fun thing I did was arts and crafts. Honestly, I’m not even good at it at all, but I always have a great time doing it. It might sound unexciting, but it’s the little things like painting or baking that bring me joy and ease my anxiety.

I suggest putting on some music, setting up a blank canvas, and letting your creative mind do the rest. Let your emotions spill out and express how you feel. I’m sure you’ll find it healing and profoundly therapeutic.

What’s one small, simple activity that used to bring you joy, and how might you invite it back into your life, even in a gentle way? Send me your responses!

“Sometimes healing looks like play, creativity, and letting yourself feel light again.” – Unknown