The “childlike” trait that makes us happier and more resilient

What if acting “like a child” was one of the best-kept secrets to leading a happier, more fulfilling, and more resilient adult life? Maintaining a playful attitude as we grow up is complicated, especially when the duties, obligations, and tasks of adult life pile up. However, that playful and curious spirit isn’t synonymous with immaturity but rather a personality trait that helps us better cope with stress and maintain a more positive mindset.

Playing is not just for children, resilience is like lemonade

During the pandemic, a group of psychologists at Oregon State University recruited more than 500 adults to analyze how they responded to lockdown and various challenging situations. They found that those with a playful personality:

• They were more positive about the future
• They saw obstacles as opportunities for growth
• They adapted more creatively to circumstances
• They maintained greater self-control

Researchers called this response “lemonade resilience” because it involves the ability to turn bitter into sweet, recalling the old saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

However, this isn’t the only study to delve into the positive ripple effects of this playful attitude toward life. Researchers at the University of Zurich worked with more than 250 adults and also found that those who maintained a playful spirit:

• They felt more satisfied with their lives
• They engaged in more pleasurable activities
• They led a more active lifestyle

This playful attitude and way of approaching life translated into greater happiness and well-being, even on a physical level.

What is a playful attitude? The 3 characteristics of playful people

A playful spirit is defined as the ability to interact with the world through curiosity, humor, and creativity, even in serious situations. In fact, it’s a complex personality trait that encompasses other essential characteristics:

1. Openness to wonder. The ability to marvel at everyday life, which is precisely what generates this level of happiness and life satisfaction. These people find pleasure in small things, from enjoying a cup of coffee to playing with their pet or watching a sunset.
2. Cognitive flexibility . This allows them to adapt to changes and view them as challenges rather than threats. These people avoid dwelling on unsolvable problems and instead try unconventional approaches.
3. Solution-oriented humor . Playful personalities also take things less seriously, although that doesn’t mean losing sight of their importance. The secret is knowing how to use humor to reduce tension and conflict.

“Playful people don’t avoid reality, but rather choose to transform it with a lighter, more exploratory mindset,” the researchers concluded.

3 psychological techniques to recover the playful spirit

Do you remember the last time you laughed carefree, like when you were a child? When was the last time you marveled at a simple detail? Or lost track of time enjoying something? In adulthood, responsibilities and stress often extinguish that spark of spontaneity, curiosity, and joy. But recovering the playful spirit isn’t just a whim, but a psychological tool for living better. 

1. Get into “explorer mode.” Spend 10 minutes a day doing something purposeless: doodle , dance to a silly song, or simply look for something interesting in everyday situations. It’s about letting go of the need to follow a predetermined order and pursue goals, returning to the essence of childhood play, whose sole purpose is to enjoy the here and now.
2. What if it were a game? Adult life can be stressful. No doubt about it. But adding more tension to problems doesn’t help much. So, when faced with a setback or difficulty, instead of panicking or making a mess of things, simply ask yourself, “How would I approach this if it were a game?” This way, you can reduce tension and unleash creativity to find less conventional solutions.
3. Micro-moments of wonder. As we grow up, we become accustomed to our surroundings and let haste prevent us from appreciating the things that amazed us as children. Therefore, it’s important to dedicate a few minutes each day to looking for something that amazes us: the shape of the clouds, a flower along the path… This curious and open attitude toward the world releases dopamine and oxytocin, two hormones that generate a feeling of well-being.

Søren Kierkegaard said that “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” We should engrave this in our minds. Cultivating a playful personality doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or minimizing problems, but rather facing them with a mindset that combines curiosity, humor, and creativity.

The antidote to adversity isn’t seriousness, but the ability to play with what life throws at us . In the long run, science confirms that this playful attitude will translate into greater satisfaction, happiness, and resilience.

References:

Shen, X. & Crwaley, Z. (2025) How does playfulness (re)frame the world? Evidence for selective cognitive and behavioral redirecting in times of adversity. Front. Psychol.; 15: 10.3389.

Proyer, R. T. (2019) The Well-Being of Playful Adults: Adult Playfulness, Subjective Well-Being, Physical Well-Being, and the Pursuit of Enjoyable Activities. European Journal of Humor Research; 1(1) 84-98.