When I think back to my childhood, almost all of my great memories are outdoors. I remember spending countless hours outside after school, only to go inside for dinner and to get ready for bed! We lived, breathed and even ate outdoors sometimes. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Now with our busy schedules and "adult lives," it's hard to make time for ourselves. But here are a few things that probably brought you joy as a child, and that you should make some time for and still be doing!
1. Get some fresh air!
Whether it's going for a brisk walk or taking a bike ride, the sunshine and fresh air will do your body and mind some good!
2. Among the many things you could do outside, why not draw with sidewalk chalk?
You could simply write your name or you favorite quote down, and snap a pic! The colors and nostalgia will most likely brighten your mood.
3.Go to the local park and swing on the swings!
This was always my favorite thing to do at the park... and I still enjoy it! Why not pop in some headphones, blast your favorite song and swing through the fresh air? It's such a rush, and so good for the soul!
4. For the more adventurous, how about climbing a tree?
I was never too great at this as a child, but hey everyone has their own talents. It's great exercise as it exercises all muscles in the body AND it's a super fun challenge to see how high you're capable of getting!
Have a picnic! Pack up some sandwiches, and snacks, and a nice big ole' blanket and eat lunch out in nature! Even if it's in your own backyard or front yard, it's a nice change of scenery.
5. Not a fan of the outdoors? I've got you covered!
Coloring! No, not one of those kids coloring books (unless you like those!). With the new fad of adult coloring books, it's now commonplace to sit around and color in an ornate, unique drawing. It's actually a form of meditation as it helps you relax and takes you away from your reality for a bit! ...Why did we ever stop coloring?
6. Pick up a book and read it!
Doesn't have to be a novel, it could even be your favorite children's book. (I can only imagine having great memories as I sat down to re-read these stories!) Or any book for that matter.. there are so many out there of all different genres... whatever you're in the mood for - there's a book for it.
7. Remember those things called.. board games?!
Stimulate your brain and get engrossed in the task at hand while spending quality time with friends and/or family! I remember spending hours playing board games; it's almost like you forget about the world around you for a little bit!
8. Lastly, write some Snail Mail!
I was always a lover of writing, and I would send letters to my friends and family by mail (...yes, ACTUAL, PAPER mail!) all the time. Decorate the paper with crayons or any other fun decorations you may have or even write with your favorite gel pen like you did back in the day! I guarantee you'll be astonished by what you see. With technology, it's very rare to receive a handwritten letter in the mail... no less write one! It's so exciting when you get a letter back; finally, not a bill for once!
Let me know what brought you joy as a child! Be sure to share this with your friends and try something new, or old. Bring some of the (not only for) childhood fun back to your busy "adult" life and trust me you'll be glad you did! You don't know what kind of mood it will put you in or what memories will come to surface :)
