4 Ways To Heal Your Inner Child Using Nostalgia Therapy!

Remember the days when you were playing in the sandbox, thinking about wanting to be a grown-up? Time flies, and now those days are here. If you’re like me, you probably want to go back to that sandbox and freeze time. Nostalgia hits differently as an adult; unlocking core memories feels like collecting Mario coins. How nice it would be to go back to the "good old days". Although impossible, I have some good news for you. Many activities will remind you of your childhood. Creating a form of therapy and nostalgia at the same time, it will make you think to yourself, "Maybe adulting isn’t so bad..."

1. COLORING

Coloring books are often associated with kids' activities, but these days, pass me the coloring book. Once you hear the benefits, you will be grabbing your markers, crayons, colored pencils, snacks, and your favorite tunes. Whether you’re coloring in a picture of SpongeBob like you used to do as a kid, or whether you are coloring something more advanced from an adult coloring book, it is nostalgic and has its advantages. According to the Mayo Health Clinic, it is a stress reliever and a cure for anxiety. Coloring can also improve feelings of depression, body aches, and an increased heart rate. Whose childhood self would’ve ever thought that coloring as an adult would be therapy?

2. LEGO

It’s hard to imagine how we used to play with LEGO as kids, when now we dread stepping on one. But those annoying little pieces are actually building up your mental health and peace of mind. LEGO has sets that are dedicated to adults, and they have so many different themes. From entertainment to vehicle LEGO sets, they have something tailored to the liking of everyone. Not only do you finish with a work of art but building LEGO sets is great for the brain and emotional state. The activity can help you become mentally sharp, especially because it requires so much attention and focus. Building with LEGO can also encourage creativity. According to the LEGO website, using LEGO also develops emotional resilience. When our creations don’t come out as expected, it allows adults to find new strategies and become better problem solvers. The LEGO creativity has even made its way to TikTok, as many adults participated in a trend showing off their extensive LEGO collection. 

3. SLIME

The smell of glue may be nostalgic to many, but not for gluing down a school project. I’m talking about the unique smell of Slime. The gooey, stretchy ball of fun is something kids love but is also enjoyable and beneficial for adults. Connecting with your inner child as you stretch and squeeze slime, you may be so happy you won’t even realize that you are reducing stress and anxiety. The feeling of slime provides a relaxing and calming effect. Similar to a stress ball, slime can help release built-up tension. Slime also allows you to express your creativity. You can choose your own color and even change the texture or smell. If you loved slime as a kid, it’s time to utilize your glue in two ways: for fun and to hold your mental state together. 

4. STUFFED ANIMALS

Visiting Build-A-Bear as a kid felt like walking into heaven. The various choices of stuffed animals are every kid’s dream. Many advertisements for stuffed animals are geared toward kids, so now you may walk past Build-A-Bear and think about how entering as an adult will feel childish. But, Plot Twist! It’s actually not. Buying stuffed animals has many well-being benefits. Whether you still have a stuffed animal that is near and dear to your heart or whether you were thinking about purchasing one, the upside to it is emotional and mental regulation. The touch of a stuffed animal brings comfort. You can cuddle, hold, or hug a stuffed animal and instantly feel safe and secure. According to an article published by Bunnies By The Bay, having a stuffed animal can also stop the feeling of being alone. Although your stuffed animal can’t physically carry on a conversation with you, they are still present and surround you to help you feel interconnected. Stuffed animals are great for grief. I know we’ve all seen the videos of people getting gifted stuffed animals with their loved one's voice as they press on the animal. Stuffed animals help with grief and make people feel closer to their loved ones. When you may feel like you don’t know how you're holding on, hold your stuffed animal tight. 

The little you who wanted to grow up and never look back will thank you for deciding to revisit some of their favorite nostalgic childhood activities and use them as therapy and self-care as an adult. The mental and emotional connection we didn’t realize we needed as kids is everything that we crave now. The next time you come across a coloring book, a LEGO set, stuffed animals, or slime, think therapy and nostalgia simultaneously!