Play Time

Remember the good old days when you didn't have a care in the world and played on the swing set in the backyard every afternoon? Homework consisted of coloring and creating fun art projects instead of reading financial reports and analyzing budgets. As adults, we get very wrapped up in our social calendars, work schedules, bill paying and the like. We lose our childlike instincts and forget how to enjoy ourselves. Are you in touch with your inner child?

Think about the things you enjoyed as a child. Did you enjoy coloring in a coloring book? Finger painting? Roller skating? Bike riding? It's important to make time for the things you love because that is what keeps us happy and healthy. "Play time" can help you relieve stress, sharpen your skills, become more creative and brings a smile to your face (and who doesn't want to smile more??).

Here are some ideas to help you get started on revisiting your childhood (even if you do it for just an hour a week!):

• Read a book that you loved as a child (Dr. Seuss books do it for me!)
• Color in a coloring book
• Blow bubbles
• Play with a hula hoop
• Fly a kite
• Jump in puddles
• Swing on a swing set
• Watch a few episodes of Sesame Street
• Wear mismatched socks on PURPOSE
• Pack yourself a "kids" lunch to take to work (PB&J, juice box, pudding cup, etc.)
• Have a Saturday morning cartoon party complete with bowls of cereal and pj's
  

Those are just a few ideas to get ya started. Remember, do something you enjoy this week and make it FUN!
Until next time, keep it clean (or NOT if you decide to make mud pies for fun!).