Adulthood often comes with a sense of seriousness, responsibility, and the pressure to always have it together. But what if letting your inner child out to play actually holds the key to greater joy, creativity, and resilience? Embracing the playful, curious, and uninhibited spirit of childhood can offer surprising benefits that positively impact your well-being as an adult. Plus, it just makes life a lot more fun.
1. Embracing your inner child reduces stress and anxiety.
Playful activities like colouring building with blocks, or dancing to silly songs activate the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting stress responses, the Mayo Clinic explains. Doing things purely for fun, without pressure or goals, reminds us how to be present in the moment and let go of worries.
2. Playfulness sparks creativity and problem-solving.
Children approach the world with a sense of wonder and possibility, largely because they feel totally unburdened by preconceived notions or the fear of failure. Embracing this open-minded playfulness allows adults to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and approach problems from unique perspectives. You’d be surprised what you can come up with when you give yourself a bit more freedom.
3. Letting your inner child out helps you connect with people.
Playfulness breaks down barriers and encourages more meaningful and authentic connections. Imagine the difference between a rigid business meeting and one where you start with an icebreaker game. Laughter, shared enjoyment, and a sense of lightness open up communication channels and deepen relationships.
4. Embracing silliness enhances your sense of humour.
Letting yourself be silly, do goofy voices, and just have some light-hearted fun helps fight the urge to take yourself too seriously. This enhanced sense of humour makes it easier to laugh at your own mistakes, handle awkward situations with grace, and generally bring more joy to your life. It sounds a bit corny, I know, but it’s true!
5. Your inner child helps you tap into your intuition.
As adults, we often overthink, analysing situations to the point of paralysis. Reconnecting with your inner child allows you to tap into your intuitive gut feelings, and all those whispers that guide you towards choices truly aligned with who you are.
6. Play reignites a sense of wonder and appreciation for the simple things.
Children find delight in the tiniest things – a ladybug, a fluffy cloud, a puddle to splash in. Embracing that sense of wonder creates a renewed appreciation for the little joys that exist in our everyday lives, adding a little bit of happiness to even the most seemingly mundane moments.
7. Your inner child encourages you to try new things without fear of failure.
Once we grow up and have real adult responsibilities, we tend to hesitate before trying something new because we’re scared of judgment or failure. But children fearlessly throw themselves into activities just for the experience of it. Embracing that childlike spirit helps you overcome fear, try new things, and discover hidden talents and passions.
8. Reconnecting with your inner child encourages self-compassion.
Think about how you would speak to a child who was struggling or feeling sad. Now, try extending that same kindness and understanding towards yourself. Embracing your inner child instils more positive self-talk and supports, rather than criticizes, reminding you that you’re worthy of love and acceptance, just like any child.
9. Playfulness improves your physical health.
Playful activities often involve movement – dancing, jumping, chasing a Frisbee, building a snowman – all of which contribute to cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall fitness, per the NHS. And because play feels more like fun than exercise, it’s something you’re more likely to stick with.
10. Embracing your inner child boosts your imagination.
Children haven’t yet developed the internal filters that tell them “That’s impossible” or “Don’t be ridiculous.” Letting your inner child out encourages big thinking that’s not held prisoner by practicality. Unleashing your imagination opens up possibilities in your personal and professional life.
11. Playfulness enhances mindfulness and presence.
Play has a way of absorbing you completely in the moment. Whether you’re building a sandcastle or lost in a game of catch, when you’re truly playing, worries about the past or anxieties about the future fade away, at least temporarily. This focus on the present is a key component of mindfulness, further contributing to stress reduction.
12. Your playful side makes learning more fun and engaging.
Adults often approach learning new skills with a sense of pressure and seriousness. But incorporating playfulness into the learning process can make it more enjoyable and less intimidating. Whether it’s using silly mnemonics to remember vocabulary or turning a new skill into a game, playfulness makes you more receptive to knowledge.
13. Embracing spontaneity reignites a sense of adventure.
Adult life is often ruled by schedules, routines, and responsibilities. It’s… not all that fun sometimes. Reconnecting with your inner child cultivates an appetite for spontaneity. A willingness to take the scenic route, try a new restaurant on a whim, or dance in the rain adds a spark to life, breaking up the monotony.
14. Embracing childhood passions revitalises your spirit.
Did you love painting, playing soccer, or building Lego masterpieces as a child? Rekindling those passions, even if just for a short time each week, creates a sense of joy and purpose. These activities aren’t frivolous; they’re feeding your soul.
15. Seeing the world through your inner child’s eyes makes you more grateful.
Reconnecting with that childlike sense of wonder opens your eyes to the beauty and magic in the ordinary. Suddenly, a rainbow, the taste of ice cream, or the feel of grass on your bare feet become sources of pure joy, creating a deep sense of gratitude. Sure, there are tough things going on in your life, but you’ve got a lot of good stuff going on as well.
16. Embracing your inner child heals old wounds.
Source: Unsplash For some, connecting with their inner child can be a profoundly healing experience. Providing the loving care, nurturing, and unconditional acceptance that you may have lacked in childhood can go a long way in addressing unmet emotional needs.
17. Playing makes you more fun to be around!
People are drawn to those who radiate joy, light-heartedness, and a zest for life. Letting your inner child shine through makes you a more engaging friend, partner, parent, and coworker. This playful energy uplifts those around you, making the world a brighter place for everyone.
