A recent survey of 2,000 adults has unveiled that maintaining a youthful spirit involves laughing freely, not taking oneself too seriously, and dancing as if no one is watching. The study, conducted on behalf of Cheestrings, highlighted the top 10 behaviors that Brits engage in to stay young at heart, such as playing on swings and watching children’s TV shows.
The research found that seven out of ten participants attribute their children for helping them preserve their playful nature, with an overwhelming 83 percent emphasizing the importance of staying connected with their inner child. This connection is believed to promote positivity, enhance mental well-being, and reduce stress.
Furthermore, individuals who embrace their inner child reported that it allows them to derive more enjoyment from life (53 percent), stay physically active (40 percent), and increase motivation (35 percent).
The study, which was part of Cheestrings’ initiative to infuse more enjoyment into snacking, coincided with the release of their new track, “Fun Om Nom Nom.” Collaborating with behavioral psychologist Jo Hemmings, Cheestrings aimed to emphasize that being fun is not about denying one’s age but about adopting a playful and optimistic perspective.
Hemmings stated that activities like dancing without inhibition or using funny voices can bring families closer by creating moments of joy and awakening the inner child within. Maintaining a youthful mindset can act as a powerful shield against the stresses of contemporary life.
More than two-thirds of parents make an effort to tap into their youthful side at least once a week, with one in five doing so daily. Those who credit their children for reigniting their sense of fun mentioned activities like going to the beach, celebrating birthdays extravagantly, and cooking together as ways to embrace their inner child.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll, also explored the childhood activities that parents have passed down to their kids, including playing board games, building sandcastles at the beach, and engaging in games like hide and seek.
Aston Merrygold, a member of JLS who collaborated with Cheestrings to create a family-friendly dance routine to the catchy new song, emphasized the importance of being playful and how it comes alive when he is with his family. Merrygold highlighted that children remind adults of the fun in simple activities like dancing in the kitchen or sharing laughs over silly jokes, fostering positivity and connection.
Sarah Davies, a spokesperson for Cheestrings, stressed that playfulness is a trait that should be maintained throughout life, as it brings immense joy and positivity. The Fun Om Nom Nom campaign aims to revive the spirit of playfulness for both parents and children.
Engaging in activities like dancing and singing in the kitchen can be a liberating and enjoyable way to combat stress, promoting joy and self-expression as a regular part of life. Nostalgia can trigger the release of dopamine, the happiness hormone, transporting individuals back to more carefree and joyous times. Sharing these moments with children can nurture a sense of playfulness across generations.
Allowing children to witness adults being silly and carefree not only shows them the lighter side of adulthood but also reminds adults of the joy in not taking life too seriously. Swapping moments of negativity with activities cherished from childhood, such as swinging in the park or playing games, can inject a sense of fun and wonder into daily life.
Letting children take the lead in planning activities can serve as a reminder that wonder and playfulness are not limited to the young but are traits of those who are young at heart.