Life is so serious when you’re an adult. Between relationships, working, and going to school it’s easy to get overwhelmed, lose track of the fun in life, and become the uptight adult that you promised your high school self you wouldn’t become when you grew up. Growing up is tough and responsibility gets in the way. Kick back and take some time to look at the world around you, grab a juice box, some snacks, and build yourself a blanket fort. Oh, and take some lessons from a child.

Laugh it off

Miss a step on the train and trip up the stairs? Laugh it off. Spill coffee all over yourself on your morning commute or get stuck in traffic for an hour? Laugh it off. Life is funny and there is humor to be found in everything. Plus, who doesn’t feel better when they’re laughing?

Keep an open mind.

It’s easy to have a closed mind about things as we get older. We learn what we like and dislike so much quicker than when we were children. Think of how much better the world would be if we all kept the open mind that we had as children? Racism and prejudice probably wouldn’t be nearly as prominent as it is today.

Love unconditionally.

There is no such thing as hate to a child. We aren’t born despising people, cultures, or ways of thinking. So why do we do it now? Children love with this unconditional way (sort of like puppies). Now, you don’t have to go telling everyone you love them or hugging everyone, but let a little bit of love into your life and you’ll feel a million times better every day.

Find the beauty in the ordinary.

Children are mesmerized and in awe of everything around them because it’s all new to them. Cherish the new experiences you make and take some time every day to appreciate the beauty that is the world around you. The world is full of hidden gems (like Central Park in the fall, which is something everyone takes for granted). Take some time to stop and smell the roses or take a stroll through a park with a cup of coffee on a chilly day.

Learn new things.

As we get older, learning new things gets tricky. Work, education, and other responsibilities get in the way. Take some time for yourself: take up a new hobby or learn a new language. Not only does it give you something to do in the free time (if you have any) but it also gives you a conversation starter when you’re at some family gathering and people are asking what you’re doing with your life.

Make experiences.

Hop on a plane and take an unexpected trip to a place you’ve never been before. Explore the world. Hop in the car and go somewhere local that you haven’t been before. Experiences don’t come every day and you’ll have something really cool to look back on when you’re biding your time at work!

And lastly,

Have fun!

We take life so seriously most of the time. Make some time to have fun. Curl up with a good book and some tea on a night off from work, school, etc. Go watch a sporting event or go to a concert. Just because you have responsibilities, doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun in your life.

So while we aren’t children anymore and coming to work with a juice box and animal crackers may get you some interesting looks from your co-workers, take some tips from a child and enjoy! (Blanket forts are totally acceptable, regardless of how old you are!)