Somewhere between your late 20s and your first “Oh no, my back” moment, society tries to convince you you’re officially old. People throw around clichés like “age is just a number” — and let’s be real, when you’re 21, that sounds like something only your nan would say after buying a new pair of leopard-print leggings.
But here’s the twist: it’s actually true. (Sorry, past-you.)
Youth isn’t about how many candles are on your birthday cake. It’s about curiosity. Energy. That little fizz of excitement when you’re doing something you’ve never done before. And if you’re rolling your eyes thinking, yeah right, it’s probably because you haven’t flexed those “fun” muscles in a while.
Step one: Get out and do something that makes you feel alive
Remember when seeing a live band felt like a full personality trait? Well, it still can be. Whether it’s your teenage-favourite group reuniting or some indie artist you just discovered on Spotify, going to a gig is like time travel for your spirit.
Dress up. Go heavy on the glitter. Wear that outfit you “might be too old for” (spoiler: you’re not). Dance like your ex is watching and you’re thriving.
And for the love of all things spontaneous, buy your tickets from a legit seller (looking at you, dodgy resale sites) — because nothing kills the vibe faster than realising your “great deal” was just a fancy-looking scam.
Step two: Try something that scares you (in a good way)
Here’s the truth: comfort zones are great for naps, but they’re also where your inner spark goes to snooze. Want to feel young? Do something you’ve never done before.
Sign up for that yoga class, even if the thought of bending into a pretzel shape in front of strangers makes you sweat. Go indoor climbing and pretend you’re scaling a mountain in a movie montage, go to a festival or concert. Join a pottery workshop and make something gloriously lopsided.
The point isn’t to be good at it. It’s to remind yourself that you’re still capable of surprises — even if that surprise is “Wow, I’m terrible at this, but I had fun.”
Step three: Channel your inner kid (without looking like you’re in a costume)
Remember when your biggest stress was which colour marker to use? Tap into that carefree energy again. Pick up an art hobby. Ride your bike with zero destination in mind. Spend an afternoon making pancakes just because you can.
Youth is all about play. If you can find small moments to be silly, curious, and open to joy, you’ll feel lighter — and that’s better than any anti-ageing serum on the market.
Step four: Stop counting years, start counting experiences
Here’s the thing: no one remembers you for your age. They remember the stories you tell, the adventures you’ve had, and the energy you bring into a room.
Some people are 25 and already acting like they’ve retired from fun. Others are 80 and still crowd-surfing at festivals. The difference? Not the number of birthdays. The mindset.
So say yes to more of the things that make your heart race — whether that’s travelling solo, learning to skateboard, or just ordering dessert and an extra cocktail on a Tuesday night.
The takeaway? Your “youth” is yours to keep
You don’t need to buy into the idea that fun has an expiry date. You don’t need to fit your joy into a socially approved age bracket. You just need to stay curious, keep trying new things, and never let that inner sparkle dim.
Because at the end of the day, youth isn’t in your skin — it’s in your spirit. And that’s something you get to protect, nurture, and flaunt at any age.
