When was the last time you paused mid-step, looked up at the night sky, and just let yourself wonder about it all? How long has it been since you noticed the constellations shifting, realizing that you’re on a planet spinning and flying through space?
If that moment feels like a distant memory, you’re not alone — adulthood tends to bury such simple pleasures under schedules, bills, and responsibilities. But here’s the thing: people who hold on to a few childlike habits often report feeling significantly happier than those who don’t. In fact, studies suggest they could be nearly twice as happy.
It’s not about acting immature — it’s about preserving that sense of wonder, play, and openness that children naturally have. Kids tend to live in the present, explore without fear of judgment, and find joy in the smallest details. Adults who can tap into even a fraction of that mindset may find life a lot more colorful, peaceful, and fulfilling.
Here are eight “childish” things that might just be the secret to a happier you.
1. Staying Endlessly Curious
Children are natural detectives. They poke at bugs, stare at clouds, and ask questions about everything from “Why is the sky blue?” to “What happens if I mix these two things together?”
Curiosity isn’t just cute — it’s a powerful mental tool. It keeps your brain active, opens your mind to new perspectives, and makes life feel more vibrant. As one cognitive scientist put it, curiosity is like a mental spotlight, helping you notice things that others overlook.
Try treating your day like an adventure. Pay attention to details you usually ignore, and don’t be afraid to wonder aloud. Ask yourself: What new thing could I learn today?
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2. Seeking a Sense of Adventure
Adventure doesn’t always mean climbing mountains or traveling to distant countries. For kids, it might be exploring a backyard, building a fort, or racing down a hill on a bike.
For adults, it could be as simple as trying a new recipe, walking a different route home, or saying “yes” to something you’d normally avoid. Stepping outside your comfort zone sparks excitement, builds confidence, and often leads to great memories.
Adventure teaches you how to face uncertainty with curiosity instead of fear — a skill that’s useful no matter your age.
3. Taking Risks (Within Reason)
Kids jump into things without overthinking. They climb trees, tell wild stories, and sometimes make a mess just to see what happens. Adults, on the other hand, often hesitate, calculating every possible outcome.
While caution has its place, calculated risks can breathe new life into your routine. That could mean launching a side project, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or booking a spontaneous weekend trip.
The key isn’t recklessness — it’s openness to possibility. Every so often, try making a choice based on excitement rather than fear.
4. Living Fully in the Moment
Children are masters of “now.” They can be playing with blocks one moment and laughing at a silly face the next, with no concern about tomorrow’s to-do list.
This presence is powerful. When you’re fully engaged in the moment, worries about the past or future fade. Even in challenging situations, choosing to focus on what’s in front of you can bring a surprising sense of peace.
You don’t need to abandon responsibility — just give yourself permission to fully enjoy the cup of coffee you’re drinking, the conversation you’re having, or the sunset you’re watching.
5. Playing for the Sake of Playing
For children, play isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. It fuels creativity, teaches problem-solving, and builds social skills. Adults still need those benefits, yet many treat play as something frivolous or reserved for vacations.
Play can be anything that makes you lose track of time — gardening, drawing, board games, dancing in your kitchen. The activity itself matters less than the joy it brings.
Think of play as a mental reset button. Even five minutes of lighthearted fun can shift your mood and spark fresh ideas.
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6. Napping Without Guilt
Afternoon naps aren’t just for toddlers. Many cultures — from Spain’s siesta tradition to midday rests in the Philippines and Greece — recognize that short breaks can boost both mood and health.
Studies have linked napping to lower stress, improved focus, and even better heart health. And if a nap isn’t possible, stepping away for a short walk or simply closing your eyes for ten minutes can have similar benefits.
In short: rest isn’t laziness; it’s maintenance for your mind and body.
7. Letting Creativity Run Free
Children approach art without self-criticism. They draw with bold colors, make up stories on the spot, and build castles out of whatever they can find.
Creative expression — whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or designing — isn’t just about making something pretty. It’s about exploring ideas, solving problems, and seeing the world differently.
You don’t need to be “good” at it. You just need to start. Creativity is less about talent and more about allowing yourself to experiment without pressure.
8. Asking Lots (and Lots) of Questions
A typical child can fire off over a hundred questions in an hour. “Why?” “How?” “What if?” Adults often stop asking because they feel they should already know.
But questions are the backbone of learning, growth, and connection. The next time you’re reading, talking, or observing something new, try asking: “Why is it like this?” or “What would happen if…?”
Curiosity paired with questions keeps your mind agile and your conversations interesting — plus, it can lead to delightful discoveries you’d never stumble on otherwise.
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Final Thought: Growing Up Without Growing Dull
Being an adult doesn’t mean shutting the door on the parts of you that once found joy in puddles, playgrounds, and late-night questions about the stars.
Happiness often hides in the spaces where we allow ourselves to be playful, curious, and a little bit fearless. You don’t need to relive your childhood — you just need to carry its best parts with you.
So, go ahead: ask more questions, doodle in the margins, take that nap, or try something new just because it sounds fun. The grown-up world will still be here when you get back — but you might return to it a little lighter, a little brighter, and a whole lot happier.
