Be Playful

Sometimes, when we get so caught up in the stresses of everyday life (especially with war and recession in the mix), it can be difficult to remain playful and lighthearted. But many of our best memories are made when we're playing and fooling around and being carefree. How do you put your worries aside and tap back into that playful state?

Steps

 * 1) [[Image:Playing_643.jpg|thumb]]Spend time with kids. They're the masters of playtime, and you were once, too. If you know a group of kids, ask them to show you a game they like to play, and play with them like you're a child yourself.
 * 2) [[Image:Silly 80.jpg|thumb]]Don't worry about looking silly. And the best way to push that worry out of your mind is to do something silly on purpose! Make funny faces, dance like a fool, and babble or bark or do whatever feels random and crazy.
 * 3)  Forget your problems or whatever kind of situation you maybe in. This is your moment, do not let anyone take it from you.
 * 4) [[Image:5-of-5-Mother-with-son-playing-in-the-water-at-Morro-Bay-beach-9218.jpg|thumb]]Take care of your body. It's hard to feel playful when you feel exhausted or sick or in pain. Even kids get bogged down when they feel physically unwell. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete, but just make sure you're getting enough sleep, and you're eating a balanced diet; one that doesn't make you feel so greasy and heavy that jumping or running feels uncomfortable. Part of being playful is racing around at playing tag pace without running out of breath!
 * 5) [[Image:Musicalchairs_86.jpg|thumb]]Play games. Play a board or card game with the people around you. Or try new games! There are millions, maybe billions. Have you tried big booty? What about musical chairs? Or drown the penny?
 * 6) [[Image:Thumbs_516.jpg|thumb|Thumb wrestling!]]Be a good sport. Don't be a sore loser! There's no reason to take anything personally. When you get too concerned about being proper and polite, you lose a great deal of playfulness and humor. If you accidentally say something inappropriate, be ready to genuinely apologize. But in playing there's a certain amount of competitiveness and teasing that creates an exciting tension.
 * 7) Don't let other people get you down. If you crack a joke or flirt with someone and they growl or roll their eyes or look at you like you have ten heads, stay positive! Think about what a child would do--shrug and bounce away, off to find another playmate.
 * 8) [[Image:Moment_155.jpg|thumb]]Live in the moment. Living in the moment is all about living like there's no tomorrow. It takes practice but in the end, you'll lead a fuller life. To do this you must realize beauty in every moment, and in everyday activities. The most playful people are the ones who are most "tuned in" to the present. They're so fascinated by the world at the moment that they're always finding ways to engage it!

Tips

 * While being playful has a lot to do with getting in touch with your inner child, remember that there's a difference between being childlike and childish. Playfulness doesn't have to include temper tantrums, ignorance, or bratty behavior.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Be Laid Back
 * How to Live a Simple and Peaceful Life
 * How to Live in the Moment