Top 10 signs you're young at heart, from laughing at everything to playing on swings

A study of 2,000 adults has revealed that laughing at everything, not taking oneself too seriously and dancing like no one's watching are the top signs of being young at heart. The research, commissioned by Cheestrings, identified the top 10 habits that keep Brits youthful in spirit, including playing on swings and watching children's TV shows.

Seven out of ten participants credit their little ones for helping them maintain their playful side, with a whopping 83 per cent believing it's crucial to stay connected with their inner child. This connection is said to foster positivity, support mental health andreduce stress.

Others also believe that embracing their inner child helps them enjoy life more (53 per cent), stay physically active (40 per cent) and boosts motivation (35 per cent).

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The study was part of Cheestrings' campaign to inject more fun into snacking, coinciding with the release of its new track, The popular lunchbox snack teamed up with behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings, who said: "Being fun isn't about denying age - it's about embracing a playful, optimistic outlook."

She added: "It might feel silly, but dancing like no one's watching or speaking in funny voices can bring families closer through moments of joy, reawakening our inner child. By having a youthful mindset, it can provide a powerful buffer against the pressures of modern life."

Over two thirds of parents try to tap into their youthful side at least once a week, while one in five do so daily.

Those who credit their children for reigniting their sense of fun listed going to the beach (37 per cent), going all out on birthdays (32 per cent) and cooking together (29 per cent) as activities that help them embrace their inner child.

The survey, carried out by OnePoll, also delved into which childhood activities parents have passed on to their kids. These included playing board games (41 per cent), building sandcastles at the beach (35 per cent) and a game of hide and seek (31 per cent).

JLS star Aston Merrygold, who has collaborated with the brand to create a family-friendly dance to the catchy new song, said: "Being playful – it's about attitude, and to me that comes alive most when I am with my family.

"Children remind you how fun the little things can be – whether it's dancing in the kitchen or laughing at silly joke. Those moments of joy keep us all feeling positive and connected."

Sarah Davies, a spokesperson for Cheestrings, commented: "Playfulness is something we never grow out of – and nor should we. "Sometimes it's the simplest things that bring the biggest smiles – and that joy is infectious.

"That's exactly the spirit we're celebrating with our Fun Om Nom Nom campaign. We want to reignite that spirit of play for parents and kids alike."

THE TOP 10 INDICATORS YOU’RE YOUNG AT HEART:

Not taking yourself too seriously

Laughing easily

Dancing without caring what you look like

Being spontaneous

Going down a slide or swinging on a swing

Enjoying amusement parks or funfairs

Still celebrating birthdays enthusiastically

Singing along to songs

Enjoying children’s TV or films

Dressing in bright or playful colours

JO HEMMING'S TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR INNER CHILD ALIVE: 1. Dance and sing like no one's watching

There's something wonderfully freeing about letting loose and dancing, especially in the comfort of your own kitchen. Dancing and singing release endorphins and reignite our youthful spirit.

It's a fun way to combat stress, promoting joy and self-expression as a standard mood, not just for special occasions.

2. Indulge in foods/drinks typically associated with childhood

Nostalgia sparks dopamine - the happiness hormone- and takes us back to simpler, more joyful times. Sharing these meals with your kids fosters cross-generational playfulness.

3. Embrace silliness - even if it's just donning a silly hat

Allowing your children to see you being goofy shows them that adulthood isn't all seriousness - and reminds you of the joy in not taking life too seriously.

4. Trade one scroll for one swing

Swap five minutes of doom-scrolling for an activity you loved as a child - perhaps swinging in the park, blowing bubbles, or playing a quick game of tag.

5. Let your children lead the way

Allowing your kids to guide the day's activities reminds you that wonder isn't reserved for the young - it's for the young at heart.