The Kat Life: 6 Ways To Keep In Touch With Your Inner Child As An Adult

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Do you know how when you're a child they tell you to never grow up; or not to grow up to fast? Well, I kind of listened to that, as best as I could as an adult anyway. I may not be playing on the playground anymore, then coming home and playing with Bratz or Barbie dolls until my childhood 9:00 PM bedtime, and I definitely have a few more responsibilities now than I did when I was 10; but I have still found ways to keep in touch with my inner child. As a matter of fact, I have found that I actually have a greater appreciation now for some things from my childhood than I did back then; whether it's through a greater understanding of the subtle adult humor in kids shows, or pure nostalgia of simpler times from my childhood or even my teen years.

Whatever the case, I like to regularly get in touch with my inner child; as for me personally, connecting with that side of myself is a form of self-care. And I'm going to be perfectly honest with you, I actually don't mind being a little "immature" or childish in some cases. I mean do I really have to grow up all the way, just because I'm in my 20s? I suppose that is definitely a matter of opinion, but personally, I want to hold on to that inner child as much as I can. And there are definitely some great ways to do it, whether you're in your 20s or even beyond.

Watch your favorite childhood TV shows and movies

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Nothing takes me back to my childhood and teen years quite like the TV shows that I watched when I was growing up; and being a 90s kid I grew up with some pretty awesome shows! I spent so much time in front of the TV (or listening to it while I played) watching shows like Rugrats, Hey Arnold, CatDog, Drake and Josh, Zoey 101, That's So Raven, and Lizzie McGuire; just to name a few. I also have a lot of memories of watching Full House on Nick at Nite as well (and I still love it, as well as Fuller House, despite recent events). I seriously have so many fond memories of watching these shows every day, and waiting for new episodes to come out!

Although these shows are no longer running, I actually find that a lot of my favorites are still shown on TV regularly, and are easy to find on streaming services if you don't have regular cable. TeenNick shows old cartoons from the 90s and early 2000s every night as a part of their nighttime line-up; they also show quite a few classics from my teens as well such as iCarly, Victorious, and Drake and Josh. I'm not sure if other networks do this (though I think Disney Channel does it occasionally), but it's very likely you'll be able to find your faves on a lot of streaming services for no additional cost.

Anyway, can I just say that I actually appreciate a lot of these shows so much more now?! So much stuff just goes over your head as a kid, whether it's a hidden adult joke or a more serious message. I find that this especially applies to old Nick shows, but it applies to a lot of children's TV shows and movies. Seriously, if you can, just give some of your old favorites a rewatch.

Listen to your old music and soundtracks

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Okay, who doesn't do this, at least every once in a while!? Music can really take you back, and it's truly amazing how many memories may come along with a single song; whether it's from 20 years ago, 10 years ago, or maybe even just a year or two ago. It's seriously such a simple way to reminisce, and can easily be done at pretty much any time, and while you're doing whatever adult thing you may need to do. I absolutely love jammin' to my old favorites while I'm working at my desk, cleaning up my room, and even sometimes adding them to my workout playlist.

Read your old childhood favorite books

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I still have the vast majority of the books I read I was a kid on my bookshelf! Okay, so maybe they are more... in my cabinet for storage; but the point is, I never got rid of my old favorites. Although I may not do it too often, I do occasionally like to pull some of my favorites from the cabinet and read them again. Most of these books don't take too long to read, maybe a day or two if it's a "chapter book" as I called them, so it's a pretty easy way to reminisce a little bit. Some may take a little longer depending on the book (especially if you're re-reading something like Harry Potter), or if you don't read too much during the day; but I honestly think it's great to read something you grew up with every once in a while.

I also think it's important to read something super light-hearted, silly, imaginative and not so serious every now and then too. I personally find that a lot of the books I read now often either have really heavy and serious plotlines; or just don't have that same innocent and cheerful vibe, where you just know everything is going to be okay, that I think we all need from time to time in this world.

You may also find that, just like with rewatching your childhood favorite TV shows and movies, you may also pick up on things that went over your head as a kid when you're re-reading some of your old favorites. Or pick up on something you missed entirely!

Treat yourself to your childhood favorite treats!

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Although I try to eat at least semi-healthy as an adult (though I don't follow any specific diet or diet-related lifestyle), I still love to eat a lot of my favorite childhood treats and snacks once in a while! They can actually make for a great (and often much needed) cheat meal for those days where you just feel like treating yourself a little bit. Remember that moderation is key when it comes to those super sugary, salty, and indulgent treats; but don't feel guilty about having them!

I do understand that this may be a little trickier if you're following a strict dietary lifestyle such as veganism; whether for ethical reasons or for health reasons, but there may still be some things you can have that you loved as a kid. You could always also look for alternatives as well. It also doesn't have to be something unhealthy! I actually have always loved salad for as long as I could remember, and I'd even ask for broccoli! (No wonder people thought I was weird...)

Relive some of the little things that you can

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While there are a lot of things you may not be able to do as an adult, whether because it's a bit inappropriate, physically impossible, or you just plain don't want to (I don't even know how I tolerated frying the backs of my legs on a hot slide); there are still quite a few little things you can enjoy at any age. Perhaps you can go to an arcade you used to go to a lot as a child and play some games, and maybe even throwing in a round of bowling, mini-golf, laser tag, or whatever they have to offer. Or maybe you can visit your local county fair or the community festival in the town you grew up in when it comes around. You can even go to a place like Build-A-Bear and make a stuffed animal if you'd like, or go to a place that allows you to build or make something yourself and get creative. Whatever you make can be a great little gift too; whether to a friend, a sibling, a partner, a parent (Mother's Day is coming up), or maybe even to yourself!

Seriously, don't be afraid to have a little bit of fun, and make new memories while reliving old ones.

Do something you have always wanted to do as a kid

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If there is anything you feel you may have missed out on, or just didn't get to do when you were a kid for whatever reason; why not do it now?! Some things you may need to save up quite a bit for and really plan for, especially if it's something big like going to Disney (I actually never got to do this), or any other major trip; but if it's relatively inexpensive (and especially if it would be free), and would just make a great weekend activity, then just go for it on a weekend when you have the time!

There are a lot of little ways that you can reconnect and keep in touch with your inner child as an adult, and even make new memories in the process. I will also say that although I don't have kids, just about everything on this list could make for a great family activity and great way to make memories while showing your child (or children) what you grew up with.

What are some of your favorite things from your childhood that you still like to enjoy as an adult? And what were some of your favorite TV shows, movies, songs, foods, stores, etc from your childhood?! Is there anything you didn't get to do as a child that you're planning on doing as an adult? And what are some of your other favorites ways to get in touch with your inner child? I'd love to hear your ideas!