I’ve spent most of my young adult life with little kids, and despite the frequent whining and accidents of all sorts, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I spend my summers lifeguarding and volunteering at a nature day camp, and return home from college every couple of months overwhelming my neighbors with babysitting and nannying offers. One of the best parts about spending a significant amount of time with younger children is that I get the chance to observe their mindsets and reactions to certain situations. In exchange for taking care of these kids for many hours each week, I feel that they teach me a lot about how I can take care of myself and live a care-free lifestyle. Children undoubtedly exceed adults in terms of self-care, self-acceptance and making fun a priority. They don’t conceal their emotions, and are constantly engaged in the world around them. My friends call me the “child” of our friend group, because I have "Finding Nemo" cereal and a five-pound bag of gummy bears under my bed, often abandon tasks to color or do arts-and-crafts, and suggested that we turn one of the rooms in our apartment next year into a moon bounce. In reality, adopting aspects of a 5-year-old’s lifestyle has numerous benefits. By adopting the morals of your average kindergartener, you’re guaranteed to put yourself in a better mindset; and here’s why:
1.You’ll never fail to treat yourself
I’ve never met a child who refuses a cookie or the chance to eat dessert before dinner. Children don’t know what a calorie is, and that’s a wonderful thing. If you're craving ice cream, go for it. You deserve it and shouldn't feel guilty.
2. You’ll be more curious about the world around you
The average 4-year-old asks over 400 questions a day. Children observe everything and are always curious about the most random things. If you learn to be as open as a child, you'll be more spontaneous and open to exploration.
3. You'll do what makes you happy despite judgment.
When I was younger, I used to wear a tie-dye shirt with blinding neon shorts and glittery jelly sandals out in public. Looking back at old pictures, I wonder why my mom let me out of the house dressed like that, but I realize it's because that's what I wanted to wear and what made me happy at the time. I get a lot of sh*t when I wear my "ugly hippie sandals," but until you've worn Birkenstocks, you have no idea how comfortable they are. Essentially, do whatever you want and don't feel bad about it. You rock.
4. You'll relieve stress without even trying
I sometimes wonder if other college students engage in the same activities as my friends and I do. Probably not, but I wouldn't have it any other way. We're going to the zoo for my birthday next week, and we denote each other as different family members, such as "Mom," "crazy uncle" and the "kids." Essentially, we play "house" on a daily basis. Sometimes we'll take a break from homework and grab our coloring books, or watch "Inside Out" before getting ready to go out. I feel a lot less stressed when I pretend I'm a 5-year-old at recess, and this break from taking life so seriously puts me in a better mindset when I actually have to focus.
5. You'll let yourself feel and move on
Sometimes I wish I could still break down crying in public and it would be acceptable. Think of a 5-year-old’s response to an upsetting situation. Children will simply let themselves feel, and move on from the issue once they have dealt with it. I’ve had my share of observations from the lifeguard stand over the past few years; particularly when working at the kiddie pool. Last summer, a 6-year-old girl was occupying herself with a couple of dolls on the side of the pool, when an older boy came and snatched them away from her. She was devastated to say the least. She cried it out for about a minute and a half, then bounced back quickly and found a different toy to play with it. She didn’t give that situation or negative emotion the power to ruin the rest of her day at the pool, as children rarely do. She lost something important to her, but she moved on. In our adult lives, we often lose relationships or jobs rather than Disney Princess action figures, but we can move on to newer and better opportunities in that same way.
So, as finals week approaches us, I encourage you all to reconnect with your 5-year-old selves and let them lead the way.
