Here are some ways to stay in touch with your inner child — from supportive self-talk to simple behaviors that help in small ways every day.
Take a day trip to the beach, lake or river with someone you care for and who cares for you. Take time to watch the water; dream and breathe in the fresh air. Go fishing if you like. Swim in the lake. Feel the elements all around you — lap them up, take deep breaths. Nature is a great healing source for our pain and wounds.
Sit and play with water and sand. Build a castle, dig a deep hole, cover your legs with sand. Lie back and look at the sky.
Go to a playground. Swing on the swings. Play on the slide. Listen to the laughter of the children. Absorb.
Go on a picnic. Bring a friend. Sit in a park. Take a picnic basket and table cloth. Spread out delicious tidbits to eat and enjoy. Lie under a big tree. Look up the vast sky. Breathe deeply.
Play catch with a friend. Play baseball or basketball.
Exercise a little every day.
Engage in mindful walking. Notice the detail around you. Flowers, plants. Listen to the birds. Feel the wind.
Baths. Take a long one.
Get regular massages. Half an hour or an hour, whatever you can afford.
Change your eating habits. Three daily meals and healthful snacks. Take vitamins.
Plant seeds, veggies or flowers, in your garden or on your windowsill. See how they slowly begin to grow as you nurture them.
Carry mints or candy. Suck on them when you are starting a new project or job.
Listen to music. At night, listen to lullabies.
Buy a stuffed animal. Keep it with you. Sit it on your passenger seat as you go to work. If it’s little, keep it in your bag or your pocket. Stroke it every now and then.
Light candles. Buy different sizes. Light them day and night, sometimes.
Buy a water fountain. Listen to the running water with your eyes closed. Find beautiful stones to place around it.
Spend a weekend in a monastery or at a spiritual retreat.
Dance to loud music; sing at the top of your voice.
Say, “Good morning!” to people as you go to work or school.
Take naps.
Drink hot tea.
Smell flowers.
Go to the toy store. Buy yourself a toy. Play with it.
Keep a photograph of you and your children or other loved ones by your bed and in your wallet. View this photo often. A reminder to yourself that you are not alone. You are loved and are able to return that love.
Look in the mirror. Remind yourself that you’re special and you are loved.
Hum, whistle, shout and sing a tune.
Photo: Lonnie Bradley