If You Grew Up in the 1960s or 70s, You May Remember Being Told to “Go Outside and Find Something to Do.” Here Are 7 Mental Strengths Worth Bringing Back! Before smartphones, video games, and endless entertainment, many children spent long afternoons outdoors, inventing games, climbing trees, riding bikes, settling arguments, and finding ways to entertain themselves. Roman philosopher Seneca believed that deliberately experiencing small discomforts could prepare people for life’s bigger challenges. His advice still offers valuable lessons today.

1. Sitting with boredom: Learning to enjoy your own thoughts instead of immediately reaching for a screen. 2. Making do with what you have: Turning cardboard boxes, sticks, and ordinary objects into games instead of always needing something new. 3. Learning to wait: Becoming comfortable with delayed rewards rather than expecting everything instantly. 4. Accepting “no”: Understanding that disappointment is part of life and learning not to let every rejection upset you.

5. Resolving disagreements: Learning to negotiate, compromise, and settle arguments with other children without always needing an adult to intervene. 6. Living without constant comfort: Discovering that a little rain, heat, inconvenience, or frustration doesn’t have to become a crisis. 7. Making time for play: Enjoying activities simply because they’re fun, whether playing cards, exploring outdoors, or spending time with friends.

A British study found that 80% of surveyed seven- and eight-year-olds could travel to school without an adult in 1971, compared with just 9% in 1990. That doesn’t prove older generations were mentally stronger, and the past wasn’t perfect for every child. But Seneca’s message remains relevant: patience, independence, adaptability, and resilience are skills we can develop at any age. Maybe it’s time to put the phone away for an afternoon and rediscover the simple pleasure of finding something to do!