Ten Ideas for Feeling Young Again

In our grown-up, bill-filled, sometimes sardonic lives, we can forget how cool it was to be a kid. Was it because we didn't have schedules and conference calls, or could it have been something much simpler? I urge you to consider that the latter is the case.

Reminisce with me for a moment, as I suggest that every once in a while you try one or two of these experiences. Hopefully you can call on these fond memories and will let the kid in you play with them every once in a while.

"Jump" on an Elevator

Especially when riding an elevator down, just go ahead and jump! Right after the doors close and just before it starts descending, jump up in the air as high as you can. When you come back down, the floor will be lower than where you started. Its quite fun and depending on the speed of the lift the sensation can be exciting.

Spin Around until You Fall

It's a classic game you played as a kid, and it's time to do it again. Simply put your arms out to your sides and just, you know, spin. Spin until the world is a blur. Then stop and see if you can walk or even just stand still. Sure, this is a goofy thing for a grown-up to do. But then, isn't that the point.

Burp as Loudly as You Can

Not in the car, or alone in the living room. No, no --- this activity is best shared with others (especially children). Buy a can of soda or some other favorite carbonated beverage, and chug it on down. Then wait for the action. You'll feel it well from deep inside, and the final belch will bring a smile to your face. I dare you not to.

Blow Bubbles in Your Chocolate Milk

Come on; you know you want to. The best is to wait until the cup is half-full, and then blow for all it's worth. Fill that thing right up with bubbles, then drink it on down. Added Bonus: Slurp the last of the chocolate milk out of that glass --- as loudly as you can.

Scream Your Head Off

Admittedly, in the wrong place, this one can be alarming. But if you live near the woods, or near an open field in a big city, or are even on a ride at a carnival or fair, you can make this work. Scream just as loudly as your big ole lungs will let you. The release is quite invigorating. Tip: If all else fails, screaming into a pillow is just as relieving. But be forewarned: the Thrill of the Shrill is missing.

Throw Pennies in a Fountain

Or a well, or a stream, or any body of water built for that purpose. You get to do something a little childish, and usually there's a good cause behind it.

Make Silly Faces in the Mirror

C'mon, nobody's looking. Start by twisting your nose. Maybe a wink with each eye. Try stretching your neck, or scrunching your chin down so you don't have a neck. Stick your tongue out and then make silly grins. Furrow your brow and try to wiggle your ears or nose. There is probably some latent exercise benefit in there somewhere, too.

Color with Crayons

This can be therapeutic as well as relaxing. And who knows? Maybe you'll tap into creativity you didn't know you had.

Watch Cartoons

Were you a Flintstones, Thunder Cats or Scooby Doo fan? Maybe you enjoyed Looney Toons over Popeye. Or maybe you had a little thing for Josie and the Pussycats or GI Joe. Well, don't be afraid to relive those golden moments when Saturday mornings were filled with soggy bowls of cereal and splashes of neon colors.

Talk into a Fan

When you were six, few things made you giggle like talking or singing into a high-speed box fan. Don't be afraid to relive those or any of the other moments. We could all use them.