Reconnect with your Inner Child: Rediscover the Power of Play
By Mette Theilmann
Life can become weighed down by expectations, driven by the need for everything to have a clear purpose and a tangible outcome. We’ve come to believe that if something doesn’t yield a result or contribute to our goals, it’s a waste of time. But in this relentless pursuit of success and perfection, we’ve lost touch with the beauty of life’s play — the simple joys of being present, curious, and free to explore without a plan. We forget that not everything needs to be serious or productive. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come when we allow ourselves to embrace spontaneity, to laugh, to dream, and to simply be. Life is a canvas, not a checklist. Reclaiming this sense of play can remind us that the journey itself, not just the destination, is where the true magic lies.
As children, playing was as natural as breathing. We didn’t need a reason to play; it simply happened. Whether it was drawing, singing, building with blocks, or running around outside, play was woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We did it effortlessly, without expectation or judgment. We didn’t worry about the end result—we were focused on the process, the joy of exploration, and the freedom of expression.
Think back to when you were a child. Did you ever pause before picking up a crayon and say, “I don’t know how to draw, so I won’t”? No, you simply drew. You didn’t care if the drawing was perfect or if someone would admire it—you just enjoyed the act of creating. The same went for singing, playing with clay, or running around in the rain. We didn’t need a lesson to learn how to play; we just did it. Play was effortless, fun, and spontaneous.
But as we grew older, something changed. Society, responsibilities, and pressures began to weigh on us. We became more aware of how we were perceived by others. What once felt natural now felt like a burden. We started to question our abilities, doubted our creativity, and lost the carefree spirit that came with childhood play. As adults, we tend to play less, and when we do, it often feels foreign or forced.
So, the question is: Can we rediscover that playful spirit as adults? The answer is yes. In fact, reconnecting with our inner child can have profound benefits, not just for our mental health but for our creativity, relationships, and overall well-being.
Why Play Matters for Adults too
When we were children, play wasn’t just about fun—it was a vital part of our development. Through play, we learned how to interact with the world. We developed physical coordination, emotional intelligence, and social skills. We figured out how to express ourselves, solve problems, and navigate our surroundings—all through play. Play was not just a leisure activity; it was our job.
As adults, we often forget how important play is. Instead of seeing it as an essential part of life, we view it as for kids or a waste of time. But research has shown that play has numerous benefits for adults. It can reduce stress, enhance creativity, boost mental clarity, and improve social connections. It allows us to step away from the pressures of everyday life and engage in something that brings joy without expectations or judgments.
How to Start Playing Again as an Adult
The first step to reconnecting with your inner child is to make space for play in your adult life. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Find Activities YOU Enjoy
Everyone has their own unique way of playing. Some might find joy in running or hiking, others in painting, cooking, or dancing. Find what makes you feel light, free, and happy. It could be as simple as doodling while you drink your morning coffee or trying a new recipe for dinner. I like to make candles. I like dancing when no one see my. I love singing in the shower and I really enjoy cooking and making a mess in the kitchen and listen to my favourite music.
2. Schedule Playtime
Just like you schedule meetings or work tasks, make time for play. Treat it as a priority, not a luxury. Whether it’s a 10-minute doodle break or an afternoon of exploring a new hobby, schedule it into your day to remind yourself that play is an important part of life.
Incorporate play into your daily life. Whether you enjoy playful workouts, spending time in nature, or simply engaging in activities that make you feel like a child again, embrace them regularly. Play doesn’t have to be extravagant—it just needs to be something you look forward to.
3. Let Go of Overthinking
One of the things we often do as adults is overthink everything. We wonder if we’re doing it right, if it’s good enough, or if others will like it. When you play, let go of these thoughts. Remember that play isn’t about performance or perfection. It’s about enjoying the moment. You don’t even have to show anybody what you are doing or tell them that you are playing. You do you my friend.
4. Build a Playful Mindset
Approach life with a mindset of curiosity and fun just as children do. See everything around you as something that need to be explored, played with. That might be running down a hill. Clim that tree. Swing on that swing.
Observe how children play—how they don’t worry about what others think, and how they take joy in the simplest of things. Try to bring that same sense of wonder into your daily life.
Allow yourself to be silly, to laugh at yourself, and to engage with the world with the same innocent joy you once had.
5. Learn from Children
Children are experts at play. They approach the world with excitement and a sense of wonder, without concern for the outcome. By observing them, we can learn to embrace spontaneity, creativity, and fun. Allow yourself to tap into that childlike curiosity, and let it fuel your own sense of play.
Embrace Mindfulness through Play
We’ve all seen children deeply engrossed in an activity, completely losing themselves in the moment. They are so absorbed that they forget about the world around them. This is what we call mindfulness—but in the most natural, joyful form. Children are experts at being fully present. They don’t overthink, they don’t worry about judgment, they just are. They live in the moment.
As adults, we need to embrace this more. Whatever you are doing, do it with your mind fully present. Do it mindfully. Allow yourself to give it your full attention, and let go of everything else. This is your play moment. Whether you’re painting, cooking, running, or simply relaxing, focus on the process, not the result. Let go of distractions and be fully immersed in the activity.
By practicing mindfulness in your play, you are not only reawakening your inner child but also boosting your well-being. It allows you to break free from stress, reconnect with your creativity, and find joy in the simplest of tasks.
What do you need Right Now…
When life starts to feel a bit too serious, I pause and ask myself, What does Mette needs right now? The answer is often simple: I need to dance a little, be silly, and laugh out loud. I need to sing like no one’s listening (yes, I have a playlist called Mette can sing and one called Mette can dance ). I need to let go and create something that soothes my soul, something that absorbs me and makes time stand still. Or maybe, I just need a mindful walk, swinging my arms wildly like a madwoman, letting go of all the tension. Life doesn’t always have to be about achievement; sometimes it’s about joy, freedom, and the little moments that remind us to play.
The Power of Play
Incorporating play into your life isn’t just about having fun—it’s about reclaiming a part of yourself that may have been lost in the shuffle of adulthood. Play helps reduce stress, boosts creativity, and enhances social connections. It keeps you mentally and emotionally agile, and it brings joy back into your daily routine.
We Like to Play Together
As adults, playing together can be just as enriching as it was in childhood—it’s an opportunity to bond, laugh, and connect on a deeper level. Whether it’s through games, outdoor activities, creative projects, or even shared hobbies, play allows us to let go of adult responsibilities and enjoy the moment with others.
Playing together fosters teamwork, communication, and trust, while also reducing stress and promoting a sense of joy and shared experience.
It’s not about competition or performance; it’s about reconnecting with the lightheartedness and spontaneity we often lose as we grow older. In those moments of play, we remind ourselves that, despite our busy lives, we are still capable of embracing fun, creativity, and the magic of simply being present with each other. to stop playing.
So, let’s take a step back and ask yourself: When was the last time you truly played? It’s never too late to reconnect with your inner child. Play is a gateway to greater happiness, creativity, and freedom. So go ahead—play like no one’s watching. Let go of the need for perfection, and simply enjoy the process. After all, life’s too short..
