When it comes to happiness and living well, we can learn a lot from toddlers. Hasan Merali, an associate professor of pediatrics at McMaster University, believes that toddlers have an undeserved bad reputation, and we can actually take some valuable lessons from them.
Toddlers, despite their occasional tantrums, are models of well-being most of the time. Dr. Merali shares some good habits common among the under-5 crowd that can improve our mental and physical health.
One important lesson we can learn from toddlers is to engage in positive self-talk. Young children tend to coach themselves out loud, and research suggests that positive self-talk can help adults with problem-solving, learning, confidence, and managing emotions.
Another lesson is to move more. Two-year-olds are active for almost five hours a day, moving joyfully and instinctively. Adults can look for ways to move more, even if it's just for a minute. Brief bursts of activity have been shown to increase longevity and help control blood sugar.
Additionally, we can learn from toddlers to ask questions. Young kids ask an average of 107 questions an hour, and asking questions not only helps us gain information but also builds relationships.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, looking for opportunities to laugh, and finding ways to be around young kids can all contribute to our happiness and well-being.
So next time you see a toddler, take a moment to observe their behavior and see if you can incorporate some of their positive habits into your own life. You might just find that living more like a toddler can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.