You’re stressed out. It has just been “one of those days” and you’re sad, annoyed and overwhelmed. You long for the carefree days of childhood, back before college, when homework consisted of coloring worksheets and your bedtime was at 8 pm. While you can’t rewind time (sorry about that) you can still reconnect with your inner child sometimes. Try some of these fun activities to relax and unwind when you’re feeling frazzled.
1. Arts and crafts
Doing something hands-on is a nice way to wind down and get your mind off of your endless to-do list. Buy a coloring book with your favorite characters on it and impress yourself with how well you stay in the lines. Or get out the clay and work out your frustration with it; then make some cute farm animals! Or see if they still make moonsand… that stuff was AWESOME!
2. Play pretend
You don’t have to dress up as a pirate or princess to pretend (though if you want to, go for it!). Try building a comfy blanket fort and sitting around with some friends or a significant other, dreaming up the perfect house.
3. Play games
Board games, video games, party games…Whether you break out the console or try to find the pieces to Candy Land, games are a great way to connect with friends! Plus, you get to avoid all the adult talk about apartment hunting and internships.
4. Read and write
If you’re at Emerson, you probably are a creative sort. Do what you love, child style; write the script to a film about dragons or pick up your favorite YA novel. Even if it’s not your normal subject matter, it’s a great way to have fun while challenging your artistic range.
5. Be frivolous
Treat yourself to something you would’ve begged for as a 7-year-old. Pick up some candy after class or if you want to go big, find a toy store and grab something fun.
6. Watch a movie
Invite some friends over for a memorable movie night. Re-watch some of your childhood favorites, or see what the “kids are into these days.” Or even better, find your favorite shows from middle school and have a good laugh.
7. Be carefree
Grab your partner or best friend, hold tight to their hand, and skip around the Common. Dance in the street. Sing Disney songs in the shower or let yourself cry over nothing. Kids don’t have to keep their feelings in check, so allow yourself some moments where you can express your emotions judgment free.
8. Reminisce
Call up your family and talk about growing up, or Skype them and go through family photos together. You’ll feel comforted to hear their voices and they’ll be happy to know the little kid they raised, though all grown-up, is still in there.
It’s tough accepting that you’re about to enter the “real world,” but cut yourself a little slack; you were a kid just a few years ago after all! Remember to take some time to have fun.