What is kidulting, the viral mental health trend among millennials?

The term, which emerged during the pandemic, is an amalgamation of two distinct words – ‘kid’ and ‘adulting’, capturing this rekindling of youthful exuberance amidst the responsibilities of adult life.

This trend gained momentum during the first few months of the pandemic with a 2021 Bloomberg survey revealing that 2,000 US parents had purchased toys for themselves. Several brands, too, hopped on the kidulting bandwagon with McDonald’s introducing an adult-oriented Happy Meals.

Opening up about the same, Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said that kidulting is a contemporary term that refers to the act of engaging in activities or behaviours typically associated with childhood or adolescence, despite being an adult.

“It’s about embracing the childlike joy, curiosity, and playfulness that many adults might feel disconnected from due to the responsibilities of grown-up life. Kidulting involves enjoying hobbies, games, and experiences that evoke a sense of nostalgia and carefree happiness,” she said.

An increasing number of people are now focusing on their mental health (Source: Getty Images)

Engaging in kidulting activities can have several positive effects on mental health and well-being, Dr Anand said. Here are some of these:

*Stress reduction: Participating in activities that bring back joyful memories from childhood can help reduce stress and anxiety. The simple pleasures of kidulting can serve as a form of relaxation and escapism.

*Improved mood: Kidulting can release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which can uplift your mood and create a sense of happiness and contentment.

*Creativity boost: Engaging in imaginative and creative activities, like colouring or playing with building blocks, can stimulate your creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

*Mindfulness: Kidulting activities often require you to be fully present at the moment, promoting mindfulness and helping you take a break from worries about the past or future.

*Social connection: Kidulting can be a social activity, allowing you to connect with others who share similar interests. Social interactions contribute to a sense of belonging and improved mental well-being.

*Balanced life: Integrating kidulting into your routine can help balance the seriousness and responsibilities of adult life, fostering a healthier work-life balance.

In essence, kidulting is a mental health trend that encourages adults to reconnect with the simple joys of childhood, Dr Anand said. “Engaging in playful activities, embracing nostalgia, and finding moments of carefree happiness can have numerous mental health benefits.”

“By practising kidulting mindfully and integrating these activities into your routine, you can foster improved mood, reduced stress, enhanced creativity, and a greater sense of well-being. Remember, allowing yourself to experience the joy of kidulting is a reflection of self-care and self-compassion, contributing to a healthier and happier you,” she concluded.

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