The Power of Play: How Embracing Your Inner Child Can Lift Your Spirits

Depression often steals the joy from everyday life, leaving you feeling disconnected from the things you once loved. But here's a fun, low-pressure way to help restore a bit of that joy: Embrace your inner child! Yes, that’s right—sometimes, the best way to feel better is to let go of adult responsibilities for a moment and rediscover the simple pleasures that once brought you pure happiness.

Why It Works

When we’re children, we experience life without the heavy baggage of adult worries. Play, whether it's imaginative or physical, is a natural way for our brains to release tension, boost mood, and refresh our perspective on life. Revisiting those playful activities—whether they’re silly or nostalgic—can trigger those feel-good emotions that your adult self might have forgotten about.

How to Make It a Self-Care Ritual

1. Choose Your Playful Activity:

Think back to your childhood or things that made you giggle as a kid. Was it jumping in puddles? Building a fort with blankets and pillows? Playing with LEGO? Maybe it was blowing bubbles, coloring in a coloring book, or watching cartoons. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else—this is for you!

2. Turn Off the Adult Brain:

For a moment, give yourself permission to forget about deadlines, dishes, and work emails. Give yourself permission to *just be* and play for the sake of fun. You can even get your favorite stuffed animal or a toy from the back of the closet. No judgment—this is all about embracing joy in its purest form!

3. Physical Play or Movement:

If you're up for it, try something that gets you moving. Dance like nobody's watching to your favorite throwback songs or ride a bike around your neighborhood like you did as a kid. Jump on a trampoline, do cartwheels in the backyard, or maybe just swing at the park—anything that gets your body moving and your spirit lifting.

4. Nostalgic Escapes:

Another way to reconnect with your inner child is to indulge in something that reminds you of simpler times. Watch cartoons you loved as a kid (Disney movies, Saturday morning cartoons, or even those nostalgic 90s shows). Make a snack you enjoyed growing up—like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Dunkaroos, or fruit snacks—and enjoy it mindfully.

5. No Pressure, Just Play:

Don’t worry about doing it “right” or “being productive.” This time is all about releasing control and letting go of the rules. Play is messy, chaotic, and fun—and sometimes, it's the perfect antidote to a serious or overwhelming day.

Bonus Tip: If you’re not alone, invite a friend or family member to join you in your playful activity! Share the fun and laughter together—it can deepen your bond and remind you that life can still be lighthearted.

Why This Works for Depression

When we let ourselves indulge in simple, childlike activities, it’s like hitting a mental reset button. Play helps us feel more present, releases happy chemicals in our brains, and is a wonderful way to reconnect with what truly makes us feel alive—without the weight of adult responsibilities.

So, next time you feel the weight of depression creeping in, give yourself the gift of play. Whether it's jumping in puddles or watching cartoons, remember that taking time to nourish your inner child is a powerful (and fun) way to care for your mental health. Go ahead—play, laugh, and let your spirit soar!