“Don’t lose yourself in the process.” At that time, thrilled to have entered my dream university, I ignored this little piece of advice one of the seniors shared with me. Months later, after feeling disconnected from myself, I was back to reflecting on this little phrase. University can be an overwhelming period. With so much going on in so little time, you can’t help but start to feel that you are losing yourself. That is when you should restore balance and try to reconnect with your inner child.
In its mental health drive, The IBA Psychology Society (TIPS) emphasized the importance of embracing your inner child and suggested some ways through which we could do that.
1. Read a book.
If you are a bookworm like me, then reading must have been a big part of your childhood. Nowadays we are burdened with reading confusing and bland textbooks so let’s go back a little. Nothing sparks a person’s imagination like a Roald Dahl book so pick up “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “Matilda” or maybe some underrated gems like “The Witches” or even “The BFG” and relive your childhood days of crazy stories and hilarious illustrations.
2. Watch a cartoon.
Many of us grew up watching Tom and Jerry, Doraemon, or some other cartoon that we never got bored of, despite watching the same episode again and again. So, choose a cartoon that you loved as a child and reminisce about the lazy Sunday mornings when you had no due assignments to worry about. Or, if you do not have time to binge a whole cartoon season, then just watch a relaxing movie. TIPS screened “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” at their mental health drive. You can watch that or here is a list of calming movies that will help you unwind.
3. Be creative.
Go back to the carefree days of childhood and play with Legos or Play-Doh. Remember when our creativity was at its peak, and we’d make amazing stuff? Try to tap into that creativity again. It is still there, trust me. Those who attended the TIPS mental health drive got a chance to return to memory lane with fun-filled modules such as painting, chalk drawing, and molding. You can unleash your creative potential too by doing these activities.
4. Spend time with your family.
Family is forever but it is a much bigger part of your life when you are a kid. However, as you grow up and get busy you don’t get to spend enough time with your parents. No matter how old you are, your parents will always see you as that little child. Try to spend time with them, talk with them, and tell them about your day like you used to after coming back from school. Cherish all the moments with your family.
5. Relax.
And finally, relax. A voice must have popped up in your head, “Relax? I have finals in a few weeks, and I have barely prepared!” I know because those same words echoed across my mind, but try to mute that inner voice for a few hours and take some time out for yourself. Relax like you are still seven, without a single worry in life. It will make you feel even more refreshed and energized for the upcoming finals.
As the wheel of time turns and childhood becomes adulthood, you realize that growing up is not as fun as you imagined it would be, but you must encounter all the problems that life throws at you. That is, after all, what life is about. However, there is nothing wrong with taking time out for yourself and seeking comfort from that inner child.
Slow down a little, try to reconnect with your inner child, and improve your mental health – it is just as important as your physical health. Follow The IBA Psychology Society on Instagram for more tips (pun intended) about taking care of your mental health.
