Is it too early to feel burned out in the first month of the new year? Unfortunately, no—it’s very possible. Even with a fresh calendar, the emotional weight of today’s political and economic climate can leave anyone feeling exhausted. It seems like chaos is always just a scroll away: your favorite social media couple breaks up, viral scandals erupt, or political unrest dominates the headlines. The world already feels like it’s shouting, “New year, same drama.” With economic tensions, federal funding cuts, and rising violence making the news, many of us are in desperate need of an emotional reset.
As we grow older, it’s easy to lose touch with the joy and curiosity of childhood. Many of society’s most popular hobbies have become expensive or out of reach—but that doesn’t mean you can’t reclaim that sense of wonder. When life gives you lemons, why not make a lemonade stand? Take this as a call to action: find affordable, meaningful ways to reconnect with your inner child. Doing so isn’t just a personal gift—it’s essential for emotional health. By nurturing your own playfulness, you prevent the spread of negativity and keep your interactions with others lighter and more positive.
Unlocking your inner child means staying open to the impossible, embracing curiosity, and exploring new experiences. But where should you start? Girls United has you covered with a list of hobbies that can help you reconnect with joy, break your routine, and embrace imperfection.
Coloring and Drawing
Tap into your imagination by visualizing and creating art. Repetitive coloring calms the amygdala—the brain’s fear center—providing a screen-free outlet for processing emotions. It’s a simple, meditative way to relax and boost your mental wellness.
Toy Building
Whether it’s Lego, Gundam, Play-Doh, or vintage dolls, building encourages problem-solving, cognitive growth, and persistence. Learning from small failures in a playful environment helps cultivate resilience.
Gaming
When approached in moderation, gaming can enhance memory, increase gray matter in the brain, and sharpen cognitive skills. It also connects you with a global community of like-minded players.
Skating
From Atlanta cross-steps to the Cali Slide, skating offers both physical activity and community. Local skating cultures are welcoming and can create small, joyful spaces to connect with others.
Revisiting Childhood Joys
Rewatch nostalgic movies, play simple games, or revisit favorite cartoons. Returning to activities that once made you happy keeps your heart light.
Touch Grass
Step outside. Watch sunsets, breathe fresh air, meditate, or simply soak in nature. These moments of mindfulness help calm the mind and restore balance.
Volunteer with Kids
Observing and engaging with children can naturally awaken curiosity and playfulness, reminding you of the joy in discovery.
Journaling
Capture your thoughts and feelings on paper before reacting to emotional situations. Journaling encourages reflection and prevents rash decisions.
Musical Creative Expressions
Sing, dance, or learn an instrument. Creative expression strengthens your openness to learning and keeps the playful spirit alive.
Reading More Books
Even a little reading each week has benefits: it boosts vocabulary, sparks imagination, and fosters empathy. Books are a timeless way to engage the mind while finding comfort and inspiration.
This year, make it your mission to prioritize activities that nurture your inner child. Whether through art, music, play, or reflection, embracing these hobbies is a step toward emotional resilience, joy, and balance in a world that often feels overwhelming.