Children can help us learn to try new things, change the way we look at the world and get out of our slump. When we get older, we tend to feel like we have to act or think a certain way. Sometimes we need to just think like a child! Embracing the innocence and carefree attitude kids have can be refreshing and a great stress reliever.  Try humming while roaming around your house and see how that makes you feel.  Kids are famous for humming little tunes when they are doing something. Most of the time they don’t realize they are humming until you call it to their attention. I bet you will find it brings a smile to your face and makes whatever you are doing less burdensome.  Or, watch some cartoons instead of the morning news.

Mixing up your schedule with some spontaneity, changing your routine or order of things you do in a day is good to do every now and then. We all need structure most of the time, but moving things around sometimes is very healthy. My good friend was getting her young sons to help her plant their small garden.  She was all ready to show her boys where to start the rows for the lettuce seeds when her youngest son said, “Hey, why don’t we spell our names with the seeds?” Right away she exclaimed, “that’s a great idea!” So you see, sometimes we just need to plant outside the row and look at things from a fresh perspective.  You will be amazed how much better you will feel and how much more productive and enjoyable your day will be.