Try positive self-talk.
Young children tend to coach themselves out loud, a practice known as private speech (such as this popular clip from a 4-year-old snowboarder).
Toddlers aren’t shy about self-talk, Dr. Merali said, and you shouldn’t be, either. Research suggests that for adults, positive self-talk can help with problem-solving, learning, confidence and managing your emotions.
Take any opportunity to move.
Two-year-olds are active for almost five hours a day, according to a review of 24 studies. They move joyfully and instinctively, Dr. Merali said.
Adults can look for ways to move more, even if it’s just for a minute.
That's one thing that's a drag about my current living situation. There's not much room for me to pace the floor, which I love to do.
Ask questions.
Young kids are not afraid to pose questions, Dr. Merali said. One study found that they asked an average of 107 questions an hour. (This will not surprise their parents.) [...]
Adults have been socialized to hold back our questions because we’re often worried about what other people think, Dr. Merali said. But asking questions not only helps us to gain information, it’s also an important way to build relationships, he said. [...]
Fix your sleep schedule.Toddlers thrive on routine, and having a schedule with consistent sleep and waking times will help you, too, said Alberto Ramos, a sleep neurologist and researcher with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
If your schedule permits, and if you have the urge, napping also has a host of benefits, including sharper thinking and reaction times and improved memory.
Yes, I love naps, always have. And then there's laugh when you can:
One study found that young children laugh six times as much as adults. But we can seek ways to build playfulness and humor into our day.
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