Rediscovering JOY Through Childlike Living

Remember when your day wasn’t complete without a little playtime? Simple childhood pleasures – like teaming up for a game of kickball, constructing forts out of bedsheets or even making up silly songs – eventually get crowded out by the responsibilities and constant demands of adulthood. 

But the science is clear: Playtime and other “childish” behaviors that we tend to outgrow in adulthood help us feel grounded, connected and alive. Rediscovering them later in life can help mitigate stress, infuse our days with joy and even improve our mental and physical well-being.

Embrace playfulness

“Play” can mean a variety of things. For some, it might be holding an impromptu kitchen dance party, hiking or making dinner with friends. Others find fulfillment in solo pursuit like reading a book, tending to a coin collection or painting.

Different types of play nurture different aspects of well-being. Creative play like making pottery or learning an instrument stimulates neuroplasticity, which supports memory and healthy brain function. Play that pushes you slightly outside your comfort zone can help you build confidence as you master new skills. Social forms of play, like card games or trivia, can help boost social connections, while physical play – whether it’s golf, pickleball or just walking around the neighborhood – can boost cardiovascular health and improve sleep quality.

Cultivate curiosity and wonder 

Children are naturally wired for curiosity. Research shows that young kids ask an astonishing number of questions – as many as 25 to 50 per hour. 

That inclination fades in adulthood. In professional or social settings especially, the fear of seeming uninformed can curtail our impulse to ask questions. 

Over time, we learn to stay quiet, relying on what we already know and prioritizing efficiency over exploration. But curiosity promotes openness and resilience, which can shift our response to stress so we’re less afraid of discomfort and more willing to ask, “What can I learn from this?” 

Lean into curiosity and wonder. Follow the topics that fascinate you. Make an effort to try new things. Ask more questions, even of yourself – like “Why do I do things this way?” or “What if I did X instead of Y?”

Find magic in mundane moments

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that more than 60% of Americans feel overwhelmed by constant digital input. Our brains crave analog experiences and mental space, which we can achieve by simply noticing the small, ordinary things that are right in front of us. 

Cloud watching offers a counterbalance to the overstimulation so many of us experience daily. By pausing to watch changes in the sky, you’re experiencing true mindfulness - being fully present without trying to be productive, which gives your brain a much-needed reset. Similarly, coloring or doodling can help quiet your mind and induce relaxation.

Contrary to the old assumption that doodling signals distraction, research shows it can actually improve focus and memory. In one study, participants who doodled while listening to a dull, rambling voicemail remembered 29% more information than those who didn’t. Other studies reinforce this: doodling and coloring activate the brain’s reward pathway, which can reduce anxiety, spark creativity and improve our ability to solve problems. 

Rest and recharge

As kids, some of us may have viewed naptime as cruel and unusual punishment, convinced we were missing out on far more exciting things. In adulthood, 20 minutes of midday slumber can feel downright decadent – a luxurious form of self care. 

Studies show that naps offer measurable benefits for healthy adults. A brief snooze can reduce feelings of fatigue and boost alertness, helping you return to your afternoon with more mental clarity. Naps can also improve mood and support cognitive performance, including quicker reaction times and better recall.

Napping can also be a strategic element of healthy sleep habits, which are essential for cardiovascular health, according to the American Heart Association. But beyond the physical benefits, naps offer practical perks throughout the day. A short rest can make it easier to manage frustration and even enhance creativity by giving your brain space to process information. And unlike coffee or energy drinks, naps are free. 

Bringing childlike practices back into our adult routines isn’t frivolous – it’s a proven way to support emotional, mental and physical well-being. When we make room for play, curiosity, and small moments of wonder and rest, we reconnect with the happier, more resilient parts of ourselves.

Sources: Harvard Health, Mayo Clinic, National Institute for Play, Psychology Today, Science Daily, Sense Hub