When was the last time you let your inner child out to play? Do you remember that child? The one who likes to get lost in activity and forget about the seriousness of life? (At least for a little while.) Or the one who acts out and causes all sorts of drama if they don’t get what they think they deserve?

An inner child is your original or true self. They hold emotions, memories, and beliefs from the past and hopes and dreams for the future. The inner child is a young part of your psyche that influences how you think and react as an adult.

Whether you still have young children or are now an empty nester, you can find some free time during your day or evening to help your inner child. When your children are at school or safely tucked in bed, take that time to connect with your inner child. It is healthy and, more importantly, rewarding

When you can tap into your inner child, you will be more productive.

It is essential to know what play is for you. What one person considers play, another person may find boring or routine. That is not to say we cannot play as couples, friends, or coworkers. We need to ensure everyone is interested in the activity. After all, all work and no play makes Jack or Jill a dull child.

I don’t know about you, but I need to let my hair down occasionally and play. Otherwise, all this hard work will undoubtedly burn me up pretty quickly. 

If you look up the definition of play, it is an activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, especially by children. Adults need to learn to tap back into that childhood playful mindset. 

When we were kids, we played like it was our job. It was our job! Being childlike, not childish, is a way to bring enjoyment to your play and your work. Be silly, get curious, and just enjoy the moment, being appropriate, of course.

When I think of play, I think of theme parks. My absolute favorite ways to play are going to the beach, dancing, cycling, movies, gardening, and hiking, just to name a few

How do you define play? You need to know that. Think back to your childhood; what were some of your favorite activities? Is there something you’d like to do again? 

Once you have a clear understanding, start brainstorming. Create a list of what you consider play without editing your thoughts. Just write down what comes to mind. You will be surprised what comes out if you allow the free flow of thoughts. 

You can also Google playful activities for your region and see what you can add to your list. Remember not to edit or evaluate your ideas; just write.

You can now use this list to list things you can do in your free time. If it feels too childish, call it a bucket list.

Rank your list by the time it will take to accomplish. When you find yourself with some extra time, you can refer to your list to see what you can do in the time you have available. Some adventures require more time and planning, so don’t forget about them.

Enjoying a playful decompression gives us some needed mental space and allows us to return to work refreshed and renewed, which is really important. When I return to my work activities after taking a playful or creative break, I’m usually ten times more productive and better understand what I need to do. 

You never know what may happen, and more importantly, you’ll never know if it works for you if you don’t try.

“See the world through the eyes of your inner child. The eyes that sparkle in awe and amazement as they see love, magic and mystery in the most ordinary things " - Hena Sohail

If you are looking for a coach to help you explore how to make your experiences more fun and playful, contact me, Stephen Burchard, The Bow Tie Coach, taking the (k)nots out of business. Click here to schedule a call; I promise there's no cost or obligation.