‘Childhoodmaxxing’ explained as psychologist breaks down how beneficial Gen Z lifestyle trend really is
We seem to be obsessed with 'maxxing' every single facet of our lives nowadays.
From 'vagina-maxxing' and 'boob-maxxing' all the way through to 'bum-maxxing', it's clear this relentless optimisation culture isn't going away anytime soon.
And 'childhoodmaxxing' is the latest 'maxxing' trend, and a psychologist has broken down exactly how beneficial it really is.
HCPC Registered Educational and Child Psychologist Dr Sasha Hall exclusively explained to Tyla all we need to know about the trend sweeping across social media right now.
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Gen Z have been rushing to TikTok sharing their experiences with 'childhoodmaxxing', with one sharing: "Recently I've been discovering how much better life feels when I fall back into childhood habits."
"Watch TV for an hour every morning before work. I'm childhoodmaxxing right now," penned a second as a third chimed in: "Getting up early just to goof around is so healing."
Another quipped: "I did it for 2.5 years and I was always early to work. I didn’t stress in traffic. And because I looked forward to it, I was diligent about going to bed early."
And a final TikToker added: "I have done this my whole life. A great start to the day."
What is 'childhoodmaxxing'?
Dr Hall tells Tyla that 'childhoodmaxxing' is not a clinical term but a cultural term that has emerged on social media.
"It generally refers to adults intentionally bringing elements of childhood into their everyday lives in an attempt to improve their wellbeing," she explained.
According to the expert, the term is 'slightly misleading' as it suggests people are trying to behave like children.
"In reality, I think it is less about childhood itself and more about reconnecting with psychological needs that do not disappear in adulthood, such as play, comfort, rest, routine and enjoyment," she added.
What are some examples of 'childhoodmaxxing'?
Now, 'childhoodmaxxing' habits can vary from person to person but often include:
- Watching nostalgic television
- Listening to music from your childhood
- Reading favourite books
- Doing arts and crafts
- Playing with toys such as Lego or making more time for hobbies that are enjoyable simply for the sake of enjoyment rather than productivity
"Many of these activities have something in common," Dr Hall points out. "They encourage people to slow down, step away from constant pressure and reconnect with activities that feel familiar, comforting and emotionally restorative."
What's the impact of 'childhoodmaxxing'?
"Many adults begin their mornings by checking emails, scrolling social media or reading the news, all of which can increase stress before the day has even started," Dr Hall outlined.
"If replacing that habit with a familiar television programme helps someone feel calmer, more emotionally regulated and better prepared for the day ahead, that could have a positive impact for some people."
The important question, the psychologist notes, is not whether watching TV is good or bad: it is whether 'that activity leaves you feeling emotionally replenished and ready to engage with the day or whether it simply delays dealing with it'.
She added: "Predictable routines can also help reduce stress.
"If watching a favourite programme creates a gentler start to the morning and helps someone transition into work or college feeling calmer, that is something that could be genuinely beneficial."
Why adults might be 'childhoodmaxxing'?
According to Dr Hall, this trend reflects something much bigger.
"Many adults are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life and are looking for simple ways to experience comfort, familiarity and emotional safety," she told Tyla.
"Nostalgic activities can provide a sense of predictability and remind people of a period in life that felt simpler, whether that memory is entirely accurate or not. They can also encourage play, creativity and rest, all of which remain important for our wellbeing throughout adulthood."
'Childhoodmaxxing' advice
The most important thing, Dr Hall says, is 'to reflect on why you are engaging in these activities'.
"There is nothing inherently unhealthy about watching nostalgic television or revisiting childhood hobbies," she assures. "These can become positive routines that help people manage everyday stress and regulate their emotions.
"However, it is also worth asking whether the activity is helping you recover or helping you avoid something."
For example, if someone regularly turns to childhood comforts because they feel burnt out, overwhelmed at work or unhappy in another area of their life, then the activity itself is not necessarily the problem.
It may simply be masking something that also needs attention.
"For me, childhoodmaxxing is healthiest when it is used intentionally as one tool to support wellbeing rather than as a way of escaping difficult emotions or situations," the psychologist concluded.
"Enjoying nostalgia is not the issue. The key is understanding why it is helping and making sure it is supporting your wellbeing rather than replacing the need to address what is causing you stress in the first place."
Topics: Parenting, Tyla Exclusive, Life, Social Media, Explained
Rhiannon Ingle