When you're a kid, you don't really realize how easy life is. Sure you had to follow rules and always listen to your parents (most of the time), but the days always went by so quickly because they were filled with tons of fun activities. Before you know it, you're an adult. You have to deal with school, work, maintaining friendships, keeping contact with relatives, and other important responsibilities. There's often less free time to do things we really enjoy, and we find that a lot of the things we did as children aren't meant for adults... or are they? We may not play tag, dress up dolls, race toy cars, or have bedtime stories read to us, but there are many other kid-like things that we can add into our busy adult lives.
Naps
Throughout high school, I was the kid that stayed up super late no matter how early I had to wake up. I didn't need a whole lot of sleep to function properly, or so I thought at the time. I feel that once people reach college age, naps once again become widely accepted, and almost recommended. Have a break in between classes? Take a nap. Stuck reading a really boring homework assignment? Take a nap. Just watching TV? Take a nap! There isn't a wrong time to take one, and many people feel they need that extra 30 minutes or so to give them a boost of energy. I sure did, except my naps often turn into a couple hours. No matter what the preference, naps are good for children, and adults.
Coloring/painting
Recently I started painting to add some wall art to my room, and I also started to color. It may sound weird to some, but coloring is actually super relaxing and fun. I find that it helps relieve built up stress. Plenty of craft stores have more "adult" type coloring books with more intricate patterns rather than movie or TV characters. Whatever you choose to work on doesn't have to be a masterpiece, but it's fun to get creative and make something of your own that you can be proud of.
Snacks
This one can apply to literally anyone. As an adult, your schedule can become very hectic, and there might not always be time to sit down and have lunch, or make a good breakfast in the morning. The solution? Snacks! Just like how we got snacks during school as kids, they now can tie you over in between meals, or give you some extra fuel for that test coming up in your next class. We all try to have balanced and organized lives, but we're only human, and things can come up unexpectedly. So keep that snack with you just in case!
Watching Kids Movies/Cartoon
I don't know about you, but for some reason watching movies like "Shrek," "Mulan," or even watching shows like "Spongebob Sqaurepants" are much more enjoyable when you watch them as adults. It brings back memories of your childhood, but the movies are still just as good. A lot of the humor they put in those movies is often overlooked when we're younger because we just don't get it. Now, it can be better understood, and more appreciated. Singing along to Disney songs isn't frowned upon, so go ahead and belt it out!
Sugary Cereal For Breakfast
No one is too old for some cereal and cartoons in the morning. Forget the healthy options once in a while, and grab some Froot Loops, Cap'n Crunch, or Lucky Charms. It my not be the best thing you can have, but those cereals are so sweet and delicious. I usually keep a box around the house, just in case I get a craving once in a while.
Board Games
Board games are always fun to do with a group of people, no matter what your age. You can always tell whose the most competitive in those types of situations, and that makes it even more fun. The only difference is that as adults, we are able to play more "mature" games like Cards Against Humanity instead of Chutes and Ladders. Yet some still may lean towards Chutes and Ladders just because it's fun. Regardless of what game you choose, a game night is always an option for families and friends.
Sleepovers
This is another one that slightly differs between the ages. When you're a kid, sleepovers meant staying up as late as you possibly could, telling scary stories, and watching movies. Some of these things can happen at adult sleepovers, but in other cases sleepovers may result from a few too many drinks at the bar, a girl's night, or just because. No matter the reason, sleepovers can happen at any age.
We can all enjoy these types of things as children and adults, but I think a main thing that children do far better than adults is just enjoy life. They live in the moment and are excited for what each day might bring them. I think many of us get wrapped up in our jobs and school and other responsibilities so much that we forget to take some time for ourselves, slow things down, and relax once in a while. I think it makes a world of difference, and could make a lot of difference to other's lives if we all had that kid-like positive mindset.
