Let’s face it — adulting doesn’t always lend itself to stress-free moments. Staying on top of payments, laundry and meal-prep, all while trying to juggle academics, relationships and career planning, mean less time for the shenanigans we enjoyed as kids. How often do we really indulge that kid inside of us that yearns for moments of awe, wonder and adventure? To reconnect with your inner-child every now and then, try these 10 methods that will send you into a reminiscent bliss.
1. Incorporate arts and crafts into your life
While the days of stick-figure sketches sprawled across the fridge, that doesn’t mean that artistic expression should be neglected. Art, in all of its forms, gives us an outlet to slow down and be in the present. Rekindle the boundless imagination of your younger self by dedicating time to at least one art project each month — and remember that you need not be a da Vinci to have a good time. From crayons and acrylics to pastels and paper mache, there’s something for everyone. Recently, I’ve been hooked on a paint-by-number kit of a retro drive-in theater. For more craft-type activities, take the Rainbow Loom out of retirement or head to a local paint-and-pottery studio. Makers Hours and crochet classes are also available to students in the Art Room at the Student Health and Wellness Building.
2. Break out the board games
In an age of technology almost constantly surrounding us, it’s easy to unwind in front of a screen. To relax and reawaken a suppressed competitive spirit from your childhood days, might I suggest playing a game? It’s time to dust off your Sorry boards, shuffle those Uno decks and get your Life properties in order. Grab some friends for a game of Guess Who or yell over fake pink money with Monopoly. For a less traditional game night, whip out the Twister pad and get your right hand on yellow.
3. Refresh with with Gen Z oldies
Today’s mainstream music is good, but how about the bangers from back in the day? Those Y2K classics managed to permeate generations and make their way onto every iPod mixtape. There are some lyrics and melodies that are etched into our subconscious. The music at Newcomb often includes some throwbacks, but make the active choice to mix them into your next playlist. Whether you go to Natasha Bedingfield and Avril Lavigne for the feels, Usher and the Black Eyed Peas to get you pumped or One Direction or Justin Bieber for a generational anthem, the music of our childhood just hits differently.
4. Queue up a classic movie
After the flood of blockbuster movies at the end of 2024, kick back and revisit some of the most generation-defining films of our childhood. The made-for-television films, from the High School Musical trilogy to Spy Kids and The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl, are bursting with iconic moments. Cringe knows no limits with scenes like the Camp Rock stomp chant that will have you in stitches. Other — dare I say higher-quality — films are also callbacks to our childhood. I’m personally preferential to Pixar and the simple yet ingenious way they’ve managed to turn everyday commonalities on their head, creating worlds where monsters are afraid of children and toys come alive.
5. Get a throwback snacks haul
As we’ve grown older, we’ve come to enjoy new and sophisticated cuisines. However, there were some foods so good — with such fun-to-eat designs — that they can bring back fond memories today. Remember the days of Uncrustables, Capri Sun pouches and Little Bites? Whether they were served at camp or the cafeteria, I am pleased to tell you that as an adult, you have the autonomy to go buy these staples for your own freezer supply. Sprinkle up some fun with nostalgic eats, and when the occasion presents itself, go back to boardwalk basics like cotton candy and funnel cake.
6. Pack a picnic
I find myself inside most days for meals, whether it be at a dining hall, Pav, my apartment or local eateries. There’s not a ton of excitement when it comes to a meal indoors — get your plate, clean up your daily emails while you eat and then hurry back to reality. There’s something about a picnic, actively packing a couple good bites with a blanket and blue sky as your backdrop that makes meals much more adventurous. Whether you opt for the Lawn or someplace more scenic when the weather warms up, pack all the essentials, invite your friends and eat it up — kid-style.
7. Get outdoors — and not just on the walk to class
As college students, we’re outside quite a bit — walking to and from classes, chilling on the Lawn and strolling Grounds. But as kids, we did more than go outside — we truly explored the outdoors. There’s an important distinction here, as the outdoors whisks you away from the same infrastructure and built environment and takes you to places of natural beauty. Think local parks and trails, like those found in the O’Hill trails, Ragged Mountain Natural Area, Shenandoah National Park and Ivy Creek Natural Area, and playgrounds whose swings are calling your name. Making the hike out to and traversing these gems, unplugged and unweighted by your school bag, is just what “little you” loved to do.
8. Get yourself a fun flying object
Remember the absolute joy that holding a balloon brought you as a young kid? Instead of waiting until Final Exercises to get yourself a bundle of balloons, go out and buy one now. This inflatable object somehow has the magical power of lifting smiles on faces, whether while strolling with it or bopping it for it to only come back up — physics always prevails. Not a balloon person? Find a quiet, windy day for some kite flying or frisbee throwing. There’s just something about watching those beauties soar up above that feels freeing.
9. Go to a museum
I know we’re college students, but a lot of the time, learning is just more exciting outside of the confines of the classroom. To satisfy your inner child’s nerdish qualities, set foot in local museums and learn something new. Even if you don’t think you’ll be interested in what an exhibit has to offer, you never know what might spark your curiosity. The Leander McCormick Observatory Museum is one of the closest to us, offering views of celestial objects in the night sky, tours of the Observatory and — currently — the “Spectacular Saturn” exhibit. For something a little farther from Grounds, venture to the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond or one of Washington, D.C.'s Smithsonians.
10. Live a life of amusement
While there are many ways you can channel your inner child day-to-day, there is a certain kind of exhilaration that only amusement parks can bring to us. That childlike awe of taking in a seemingly limitless spread of joy rides — from merry-go-rounds for easy-going visitors to drop towers for the adrenaline junkies — is irreplicable. Though amusement parks require more substantial travel, carving out the time for occasional thrill sprees will prioritize fun — and what else could your inner-child need? However, for something more local, consider turning old birthday party venues into a fun afternoon activity — think bowling and mini golf.
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