5 Ways to Embrace Your Inner Child

When we are little, every day brings new challenges and we’re happy to try new things, thinking what’s the worst that could happen? If we get knocked down, we get back up again. If someone laughs at us, it’s because we are funny, right? But as we get older we start feeling self-conscious. We don’t want to look silly and we worry about what other people think about us. So we stop doing some of the things we once loved, but when you think about it, that's so sad! It's time to get back to thinking 'What’s the worst that could happen?'

We think it’s time to embrace our inner child again and have some fun. Here are some ideas to get you started.

 

 

1.  Run Like Phoebe

Does anyone run purely for pleasure? We run to keep fit, to burn calories or to catch a bus... but running just for fun? Even if someone tells you how much they enjoy it, you only have to look at them to see the agony on their face as they pound the pavements. It's called a workout for a reason. Unless of course, you are Phoebe from Friends. Remember the pure joy on her face as she runs “so fast you think your legs are gonna fall off”. We think that’s the way to go, so if there are any local running groups out there who endorse this approach, get in touch. And if you see someone galloping along the west coast this weekend, arms everywhere, don’t judge - it might be us!

 

2.  Sing Like No One Is Listening

Singing is good for the soul. It’s a fact - Gareth Malone says so. Whether you’re in the car singing along at the top of your voice to Island FM or singing as part of an organised group, belt it out and feel those endorphins cruise through your body. Did you know that singing releases the same feel-good chemicals as sex and chocolate? Well, it does. And the good news is that you don’t need to have the voice of an angel to join a local choir. The Hope Choir was set up by Guernsey Mind as an inclusive, supportive and safe space for locals to meet and enjoy their love of music and singing - no audition necessary!

 

3.  Dance Like Nobody's Watching

It’s a sad fact of life that as we grow up there are fewer opportunities to dance... never more so than now! Nights out (remember them?) tend to take place in restaurants rather than nightclubs. Weddings are great for a boogie, but they don’t come along very often, and less so at the moment. So you just end up not dancing so much anymore… But why? What's the worst that can happen? Maybe it's time to turn your kitchen floor into a dancefloor. Turn up the music and dance in your own home... you really can dance like nobody's watching and we guarantee you'll feel better for it. List-approved. And tell us when you do it too!

 

4.  Colour Outside The Lines

Colouring is not just for children, there are hundreds of colouring books for adults out there. It’s known to help reduce stress and ease symptoms of anxiety and it can keep you entertained for hours. But remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect - it’s ok to colour outside the lines! Even Albert Einstein agreed. He once said, “You have to colour outside the lines once in a while if you want to make your life a masterpiece." Don't you just love that?! This applies to so much more than colouring!

 

5.  Jump In A Puddle

Life's short. And jumping in puddles is fun. Get your wellies on and jump in a puddle... and while you're at it, why not raise some money for a great cause and help Jump In For Cancer reach their target of £1 million for Cancer Research UK.  How? It's easy, all you have to do is jump, donate and nominate. Read the story behind the campaign here