10 WAYS TO FEEL YOUNG AGAIN

Once you get out of high school and into the "real world," life gets a bit harder. Suddenly you have bills and rent to pay, cars to fill, jobs to commit to, exams to pass, not to mention the horror of having to cook for yourself. Your parents aren't there to make your bed or fix your clothes. You have to think, and plan and it's pretty easy to get a bit overwhelmed with it all (I know I do). I've come up with a list of ten things that you can do (at a pretty cheap cost) to feel young again and forget your responsiblities, even if it's just for a day. 

1. PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE, GRAB A BALL, AND GO OUTSIDE.

Honestly, technology is the worst (I say as a type this on a computer while simultaneously checking my IPhone.) It can drain so much of your time and energy, and really isn't productive at all. There's nothing like getting out in the fresh air and just enjoying time outdoors. Plus, playing ball kind of needs a second player so it's a good way to socialise as well. 

2. BAKE SOMETHING, PREFERABLY COOKIES.

I feel like cookies are pretty easy to make. To be honest, I suck at baking (and I don't even like doing it) but there is something about taking a bite out of a freshly baked cookie that gets me every time. Plus, baking can be fun. Some people even find it therapeutic! Anything that results in delicious baked goods is fine by me.

3. TWO WORDS. WATER FIGHT.

This is a kid's summer dream. This is my summer dream. Yes, there is a bit of cleaning up to do afterwards. Yes, you get soaked. But it's so much fun! Get into two teams (you definitely can't have a water fight by yourself), split up the water balloons, grab some containers and go crazy!

4. HAVE A DRESS UP PARTY. 

Okay, this one might not be the cheapest, but it's guaranteed to be a good time. I LOVE dressing up. Like, seriously love it. And luckily, I have a great bunch of friends who also love dressing up. Our parties are generally themed and everyone gets pretty creative. If you come up with a great theme that has a bit of freedom, it's not too hard to come up with a costume that won't cost too much. Then, all you need to do is grab some chips, dip and a couple of drinks and you're off!

5. GO FOR A BIKE RIDE.

If you were lucky enough to have a bike when you were kid, this was probably your main form of transport. I honestly don't know how I had the energy to cycle everywhere, but I wish I had it now. This is another activity that can be done socially, and there are so many places where you can hire bikes for the hour! You'll also be outdoors and get some exercise as well! 

6. CHUCK ON SOME MUSIC AND GRAB A HAIR BRUSH.

This one might make you feel a little silly, but it's guaranteed to work. I'm pretty sure of all us, at one point, danced in front of our mirror with a hair brush. If you haven't, you missed out. Luckily, you can make up for it now! It's crazy how you can go without hearing a song for so long, but when it comes on, you remember all the words! STOP RIGHT NOW, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I NEED SOMEBODY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH! Oh. So very good.

7. WATCH THE LION KING. OR MULAN. OR ANY DISNEY MOVIE.

Guys, Disney movies are my weakness. Seriously. The stories. The music. The memories! Sitting down in front of any disney movie (or any cartoon movie from when you were younger) will definitely have you forgetting about all your worries and in a very happy place. Timon and Pumbaa know the truth. Hakuna Matata. 

8. EAT SOME TNTS. 

I'm not sure if you guys got into these crazy sour lollies, you actually might have your own sweets that you used to eat when you were little. I think you should eat some. It's a lot of sugar to consume, but hey! Sometimes it's what you need. Go to your local dairy, grab a couple of $1 bags, go somewhere nice and eat them all. All of them! Sure, you might have a sugar high, but maybe it will help you get through the day! Or put you to sleep. It's a win win in my eyes.

9. GO ON A LION HUNT.

Alright, maybe not a lion hunt. But if you feel like you need a break, instead of sitting down and watching tv, why don't you go and explore? I bet a lot of us don't venture out from our local spots.. Work, malls, favourite bars/cafes. When you were a kid, I bet you loved discovering a new place and creating games to match the surroundings. I'm not saying this has to turn into a "rescue the princess" type situation, but sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. 

10. PLAY MONOPOLY.

This suggestion may not be the best way to "relax" but it will definitely have you focused on other things.. Like the fact that you have an IOU of $10,000 and there is no way you're gonna win. I think we all know those ones! Board games are awesome though. And they are free. There are also SO many and I have no doubt that you've got one hiding away somewhere. Instead of sitting in front of your computer all night, why not get out a game, turn on some music, and play! 

And there is my list! Some of them might seem a little silly, but I honestly feel like each and every one of these ideas will get you to relax and have fun (even if it's just for a little while.) Feel free to share your tips for feeling young again in the comments below. I'd love to hear your suggestions!