Fun things grown-ass women should always enjoy in life.

Everywhere I turn, someone’s written a new article on things you should stop doing by the time you turn 25, 30, or 40—and still others that basically say “if you haven’t done these things/worn these things/experienced these things by 25, 30, or 40… well, you’re a loser.”

I don’t read these articles for three reasons: One, they’re depressing; two, my family would be out of a job; and three, after you stop doing the things they tell you to stop doing, then what? Watch wrinkles form? I’m not about to carry around some random checklist to make sure I’m doing my 30s right.

It’s because of these so-called “rules” that so many of us have forgotten the little things that make being a woman great—the things we were shitting-our-pants-excited about as girls, but then when we finally became women, we let our responsibilities ruin everything like a red sock in a load of whites.

Here are 9 fun things that should totally make a comeback on your calendar:

1. Do jump in puddles

Contrary to popular belief, jumping in puddles never stopped being fun. We did that all on our own. Besides, I’ve got two words for you: Designer rubber boots… wait, that’s three.

2. Do have sleepovers

Didn’t Jenna Rink teach us anything?

3. Do doodle his name on your homework

You might not necessarily have any scented glitter gel pens on hand, but the fact is this is one of the key reasons guys exist.

4. Do eat what you want

Back in the day, you didn’t know what a calorie was—your only mission in life was to annihilate the entire box of Dunkaroos like a mini-girl boss.

5. Do play dress-up

We’re way better at picking out our clothes and putting on our makeup, yet many of us have lost our appreciation for it. It’s supposed to be fun, not a necessity. Go for that bold red lip or lime green shoes. You know you want to.

6. Do get excited

Remember how crazy-exciting it was to have a new outfit to wear to school or go on a road trip, so much so that sleep the night before just wasn’t in the cards? Now, we buy new outfits and it’s weeks before we take the tags off and the only road trips we go on are to the grocery store. Get your spark back by making sure something awesome is going to happen tomorrow. Like, right now.

7. Do get dirty

Okay, so the context of getting dirty changes when you’re a grown-up, but still. Grrr, baby.

8. Do say what’s on your mind

You turning down a guy at age 10: “Ew, gross!” You turning down a guy at age 30: “Um, well, you see, I’m just so busy… and a lesbian.” In some areas, we don’t get smarter with age.

9. Do put yourself first

I’m not saying become a selfie stick-wielding narcissist, but start prioritizing yourself as much as you do the people you care about. Become the “you” your 10-year-old self always wanted you to be.

What fun things would you add to this list?

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Today is Stay At Home Because You’re Well Day, which means you’re going to need fun things to do. You’re welcome.

As far as I’m concerned, Stay At Home Because You’re Well Day should become as sacred a day as Thanksgiving. Too many of us only take time off when we’re sick, or because someone else is sick, or because we’re faking sick. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to say, “I feel so fabulous that I’m not coming in to work today,” and you know, not get fired?

Since it falls on a Sunday this year, you basically have no excuses holding you back from finding fun things to do and making your dream day off a reality. Do things today because you want to, not because you have to.

Need some inspiration? Here are 13 fun things to do on your well day:

1. Start your day off right

You know those 2,412 corners you cut in the morning just to get out the door on time? Take the morning and spend it exactly how you’ve always wanted to.

2. Read a book

None of this read-a-sentence-then-get-up-and-do-something-more-responsible nonsense. I’m talking sit and read chapters at a time here, people.

3. Do as your cat does

The fact is, cats know what life’s all about. He’ll definitely be able to teach you a thing or seven about how fabulous me time really is.

4. Finish something that’s been bothering you

Whether your closet’s in disarray or you haven’t done a digital detox in a while, organize something in your home or finish a project that’s been hanging over your head – you’ll feel amazing afterward.

5. Catch up on your favorite television shows

That is, if Twitter hasn’t already ruined the suspense for you.

6. Play video games

I mean, shouldn’t you find out once and for all what all the fuss is about?

7. Find a Pinterest project

You know those Martha Stewart-esque Pinterest projects we all want to try but never get around to? Now’s your chance! And who knows? It might turn out exactly like the picture! (And a unicorn might gallop through your living room!)

8. Have a nap

Seriously, take one for the team.

9. Update your playlist

When was the last time you downloaded new tunes to jam out to? (In my case, I’m pretty sure CDs were still popular.)

10. Try a new workout

If your exercise routine’s feeling a little stale, look into new workouts at your local gym (or on your local YouTube) and go to town.

11. Road trip it up

If you’re dying to hit up a store or two, go on a road trip to the next town over for a change of scenery – and since you won’t be rushing around, you’ll actually get to notice it.

12. Reconnect

Check in with yourself and how your life’s going. It’s the perfect opportunity to tap into those emotions we tend to ignore for the sake of our to-do lists… or rather, our to-do scrolls.

13. Do nothing

That’s the beauty of today: It’s one of the few opportunities you get all year to not only do nothing, but not feel guilty about it afterward. Indulge. Enjoy. Or not. Whatev. (That was my lame attempt at being casual.)

What fun things to do are you planning to indulge in?

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Image: Viviana Calderon

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