A recent survey of 2,000 adults has uncovered the top indicators of staying youthful at heart, which include 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 help individuals in the UK maintain a youthful spirit, such as engaging in activities like playing on swings and watching children’s TV shows.
The research revealed that seven out of ten respondents attribute their ability to stay playful to their children, with a significant 83% emphasizing the importance of staying connected with their inner child. This connection is believed to promote positivity, enhance mental well-being, and reduce stress.
Many participants also expressed that embracing their inner child contributes to their overall enjoyment of life (53%), helps them stay physically active (40%), and boosts their motivation levels (35%).
The study, part of Cheestrings’ initiative to infuse more fun into snacking, coincides with the launch of its new track, “Fun Om Nom Nom.” Collaborating with behavioral psychologist Jo Hemmings, Cheestrings aims to promote a playful and optimistic outlook on life, emphasizing that being fun is about embracing a youthful mindset rather than denying one’s age.
Hemmings noted that simple actions like dancing without inhibition or using funny voices can bring families closer by creating moments of joy and awakening their inner child. By maintaining a youthful perspective, individuals can better cope with the stresses of modern life.
The survey also found that over 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. Activities such as going to the beach, celebrating birthdays extravagantly, and cooking together were cited as ways parents reconnect with their playful selves, often inspired by their children.
Furthermore, the survey explored the childhood activities that parents pass down to their kids, with popular choices including playing board games, building sandcastles, and playing hide and seek.
Aston Merrygold, a member of JLS collaborating with Cheestrings to create a family-friendly dance routine for the new track, emphasized the importance of playfulness in maintaining a positive attitude, especially when spending time with family. Merrygold highlighted how children can remind adults of the joy found in simple activities like dancing and sharing laughter.
Sarah Davies, a spokesperson for Cheestrings, emphasized that playfulness is a quality worth preserving throughout life, promoting happiness and connection among families. The brand’s “Fun Om Nom Nom” campaign aims to revive the spirit of play for both parents and children, encouraging them to find joy in everyday moments.
Engaging in activities like dancing and singing, especially with family, can help combat stress and promote joy and self-expression as a regular part of daily life. Nostalgic experiences can trigger the release of dopamine, the happiness hormone, taking individuals back to carefree moments and fostering intergenerational playfulness.
By showing their playful side to their children, adults can demonstrate that adulthood doesn’t have to be devoid of fun, fostering a sense of lightheartedness and reminding themselves of the importance of not always taking life too seriously.
Instead of spending time on negative activities, individuals are encouraged to revisit childhood pastimes like swinging in the park, blowing bubbles, or playing games with their kids to rekindle a sense of wonder and stay young at heart.