How to be Playful as an Adult

Who said we had to stop?

by GIANNA DAVIS ★ OCTOBER 11, 2022

We all grew up playing something. That something could be anything in the realm of imagination, from jumping in piles of leaves to coloring with chalk on the sidewalk to building sand castles on the beach. We found the utmost happiness and excitement in the simplest of things. We didn’t care what we did or didn’t have; we made the most out of what was right in front of us. 

When we played, it was euphoric. Creativity. Curiosity. Freedom. They ran wild. There were no regulations, no one kept score, and we never lost. 

Many of us enjoyed our play so much that as we aged, we translated our play into sport. Sport formalized our play. Now we had codified rules, fixed dimensions, and distinct winners and losers. 

These same formalities have permeated other areas of our lives, such as academics, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs. In these commitments, it's easy to let our responsibilities overtake our happiness. Yet, who said growing up has taken away that innocent joy? Who said we couldn't still incorporate play?

Here are some ways we can be more playful as young adults:

Be Present.

Focus on the moment—where you are and what you are doing. Don't be so caught up on the past, and don't depend so much on the future, or else, as cliche as this sounds, you'll miss what's happening right in front of you.

Practice Acceptance.

Accept things as they are: As children, we did not wish for what we didn't have and we didn't compare ourselves to others. So instead, give gratitude for everything you have and everything you are. 

Don’t Overthink.

You know that TikTok stitch where the screen zooms out to a picture of the entire universe? That holds true in real life— what you are constantly overthinking does not mean as much as you think it does. 

Be Positive.

Tell yourself positive affirmations. Stand up, look in the mirror, and tell yourself you’re beautiful, you’re worthy, and you’re unstoppable. Because you are. Treat yourself like you deserve the world. Because you do.

Live Spontaneously.

Find excitement in new ways. Implement a little change into your day, no matter how big or small it may be. And while you’re at it, do something that scares you. You never know what that something could lead to.

Movement.

Homework and chores don't mean you can't dance in the mirror. So go on a hot girl walk, do a handstand, jump off the diving board… embrace your ability to move and the freedom that comes along with it. 

Keep Imagining.

Never. Stop. Dreaming. 

From one girl to another, do the things that make you smile. Play a little more and think a little less. After all, what would your younger self do? Do it for her.

We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. — George Bernard Shaw

Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest