A rising number of adults are adopting activities usually associated with children, a phenomenon known as "kidulting" that is sweeping the globe. Due to this phenomenon, people now have a rare chance to take advantage of the psychology of nostalgia and participate in therapeutic activities that are good for their mental health.
The trend of kidulting is driven by nostalgia, the emotion of revisiting pleasant experiences. According to psychologists, partaking in these activities makes one happy and provides a creative outlet for unrestrained play. Interestingly, this idea is similar to current fashion trends, when what was previously deemed outmoded becomes new and hip.
Reconnecting with The Inner Child
Kidulting, according to clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, Ph.D., is a smooth, straightforward return to recognize, "feel-good childhood activities," per NDTV. The activity often provides the ideal atmosphere for relaxing.
During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was effortless to see how kidulting's popularity had increased. Since then, the majority of adults are embracing the trend. According to a 2021 Bloomberg study, 58% of US parents who bought toys also bought for themselves.
Companies and brands have adjusted appropriately in light of the attractiveness of kidulting. In order to capitalize on the tendency toward nostalgia, McDonald's launched Happy Meals geared for adults. Additionally, several entertainment locations, such as Dopamine Land in London, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Wondr, provide opportunities for adults to connect with their "inner child."
With influencers tweeting pictures of themselves dressed as they did in the early 2000s, even TikTok has evolved into a forum for embracing kidulting, according to Firstpost. Older generations also appreciate the thrill of kidulting, demonstrating that this trend is not limited to millennials.
What Are the Benefits of Kidulting?
The assumption that activities centered on nostalgia might have a good effect on mental health is supported by psychological investigations. Nostalgia fosters self-continuity by connecting past and present. People feel more connected too.
According to Dr. Sonal Anand, a Wockhardt Hospitals on Mira Road psychiatrist, kidulting is the practice of adults participating in childlike behaviors while having adult responsibilities, per The Indian Express. People may reclaim the excitement, curiosity, and fun they may have believed they had lost as a result of adult life thanks to this movement.
Dr. Anand noted that engaging in kidulting activities has various advantages for mental health. She said, reminiscing happy childhood experiences might help people relax and escape their worries, relieving stress. Kidulting also causes the "feel-good" chemicals endorphins to be released, which promotes happiness and satisfaction.
Moreover, the expert noted that kidulting helps in boosting creativity as taking part in creative pursuits encourages the development of innovative reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Dr. Anand also pointed out that kidulting encourages social relationships between people with similar interests, improving feelings of belonging and well-being.
Kidulting is essentially a mental health movement that exhorts grownups to enjoy childhood's basic pleasures, which may all significantly improve mental health. Ultimately, allowing oneself to enjoy kidulting demonstrates self-care and self-compassion, promoting a happier and healthier life.
