Why are children always so happy?

Have you ever taken a moment to really notice just how genuinely joyful children can be? They radiate an infectious happiness that seems boundless and limitless, filled with a sense of wonder and endless possibilities just waiting to be discovered and explored. Their laughter and excitement are truly contagious, drawing you into their world of imaginative fun.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the adults in our lives. More often than not, there seems to be a noticeable absence of joy or even a spark of wonder in their daily routines. Instead, they are often weighed down by the pressures of life, consumed by one deadline after another, and tirelessly navigating through a never-ending checklist that perpetually looms over them. It’s as if the magic of joy has been replaced by the mundanity of obligations.

I have spent a considerable amount of time contemplating this phenomenon, and my conclusion is that children thrive primarily on play. For them, everything is fresh and exciting, and they can hardly contain their eagerness for the next exhilarating adventure awaiting them. Sadly, this infectious zest for life tends to be gradually "taught" out of them once they cross the threshold into the structured environment of school. We often prioritize academics and competition over creativity and enjoyment, pushing aside the exploration and joy of discovery that once fuelled our imaginations.

This observation brings me to a pressing question:

Have we collectively forgotten how to play, and why has physical exercise become a mundane chore for so many?

I notice numerous individuals converting movement into a tedious task rather than embracing it as a joyous way to connect with our bodies and our vitality.

Personally speaking, I have never found much satisfaction in traditional sports, and the mere thought of entering a gym fills me with a sense of dread. I, for one, can hardly imagine anything more monotonous than staring blankly at a wall while trudging along on a treadmill or confined to a stationary bike.

This is precisely where hula hooping has dramatically transformed my experience with physical activity. Simply getting outside, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine, all while playing with what is fundamentally a toy, has brought me more joy in my physical pursuits than anything else I have tried in the past.

However, when I excitedly share this newfound passion with others, they often look at me as if I have just arrived from another planet or am speaking in a foreign tongue. Why is it so difficult for us to embrace the concept of play as a legitimate means to get fit and maintain our physical health? Even more importantly, why hasn’t working out been redefined as playtime instead of a chore?

For many of us, our upbringing and schooling have conditioned us to strive relentlessly for high achievements and prioritize success above all else. While there is indeed a vital place for accomplishment in our lives, we must not lose sight of the essential role that fun and play hold in our well-being. We all need to allow our inner child to break free more frequently, especially in a world that often feels extraordinarily fast-paced and overwhelming.

So how can hula hooping help us rediscover our joy?

Research shows that spending quality time with friends and family significantly enhances our mental and physical health. So, why not weave hula hooping into our bonding activities, allowing the entire family to unplug from digital screens for a while?

Hula hooping is not just an activity reserved for children anymore. Adults can also rediscover the joy that comes from playing with a simple plastic circle, a toy that can inspire laughter and encouragement to set exciting goals. You’ll find yourself becoming fit, strong, and flexible without even realizing it—all while genuinely enjoying the process and having fun.

So, go ahead and grab your hula hoop, turn on some uplifting music, and immerse yourself in the moment. Enjoy every second of your movement, let your laughter flow freely, and dance as if no one is watching. Embrace the joy of play, and rediscover the happiness that is so instinctively natural to us.

Remember to play every day.

With all my love

Erin