KIDULTING IS THE NEW ADULTING

"Don't grow up," they said. “Adulting isn't easy”.?

Hands up if you still remember how much fun children’s parties used to be! All those party bags, ice cream, cake, and jelly- who doesn't love that? ?

Imagine if you could just kick off your shoes and jump on a bouncy bag again without a care in the world. Well, it turns out, you can!?

As we matured, we realized it's not all the freedom we imagined earlier. Remember longing for independence in your teens, only to find adulthood hitting hard at you? Sure, being a grown-up has its perks, but where are those carefree moments? The fun of weekend cartoons, playing with friends in the local park, or simply losing yourself in childhood fantasies without worry? While we can't use Doraemon's Anywhere Door, there's another path to rediscover and revisit your inner child: 'kidulting'. This trending mental health approach offers today’s millennials a nostalgic escape.?

Why should kids have all the fun? If you are an adult who craves all the activities that you engaged in during your childhood, then why not go for it? Step out and revisit the nostalgia.

Kidulting has become a new cultural trend in which millennials engage in activities that are traditionally considered more appropriate for children, such as collecting things or playing with stuffed toys. If experts are to be believed, such activities can truly benefit the mental health of individuals. ?

Let’s take a closer look at what this is all about and how does it impact your mental health. ?

As has been noted by a Well+Good article, the term “kidult” has been around for quite some time now. However, it rapidly rose to popularity during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. ?

Even after the pandemic subsided, adults have continued to ‘kidult’. As noted by clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, “In practice, kidulting is a natural, simple return to known, feel-good childhood activities”. ?

The Economist shows how modern-day gadgets like smartphones are acting like a spoilsport by reducing these places to selfie backdrops. Therefore, some people are constantly glued to their phones. ?

A major reason behind this sudden appeal for distraction and the urge to go back to one’s childhood stems largely from stress and anger. A Gallup poll highlights how negative emotions like stress, sadness and anger have reached record highs. ?

Kidulting has a fundamental risk, in the sense that, when you participate in it, you might be seen as immature or irresponsible. As a result, people might not trust you with big decisions or opportunities. However, kidulting is not merely the rejection of responsibility. It is rather a healthy way of seeking joy. ?

In today’s bustling environment, the chance to fully enjoy oneself and feel happy is often sidelined and made secondary. Kidulting is trending not because people don't understand or wish to meet expectations, but because they don't want their lives to be only expectations. They also desire some freedom. They find a counterweight to the overwhelming demands in fun, childhood activities. Whether it's about picking up your crayons or swinging in the park, that balance provides a precious link to good mental health. ?

How 'Kidulting' Enhances Mental Well-being?

Nostalgia brings joy. Activities like building, cycling, drawing, or playing board games provide relaxation and escapism and promote mental stimulation by triggering 'feel-good' hormones like dopamine and endorphins, significantly increasing happiness and spontaneity.?

Interactive spaces cater to adults who seek nostalgic escapism, enhancing creativity and perspective.?

Activities like coloring and building blocks boost creativity and foster innovative thinking and spark an appreciation for the ordinary.?

Heals your inner child by offering peace and comfort and healing for those who may have previously experienced childhood trauma, helping them reconnect with lost identities through mindful activities.?

Builds social connections by making 'kidulting' a shared experience, thereby fostering intimacy, trust, and a sense of belonging among peers and family.?

Engaging in 'kidulting' activities with your children also enhances familial bonds and creates opportunities for relaxation and creativity.?

As children, we felt alive without many restrictions, feeling truly alive. Reconnecting with your authentic self and rediscovering what brings you joy can prevent losing yourself in others' expectations. This balance fosters creativity, productivity, and a genuine enthusiasm for each day. Stay focused on tasks yet remember to nurture your inner child—it's essential for both work and waking up with excitement each morning.?