Self-Care Activities
Ever not know what good coping mechanisms or self-care activities there are out there for teens that are actually helpful, fun, and beneficial? Below is a list of the 30 best destressing activities that work for me as a teen. Each one of these activities works to give you a little slice of joy and infuse relaxation into your everyday life.
BAKING
Baking is a great way to release stress, focus your mind on a fun creative task, and get a sweet reward out of it. Brainstorm what you want to make, look up recipes, make sure you have supplies, and get to work.
DRIVING OR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
If you are old enough to drive alone, or have a friend drive you this can be a great way to relax. Play your favorite tunes, sing along, and just focus on the road. If you don't have a car or cannot drive, another great option is public transportation. It's cheap, relaxing, and will give you a peaceful experience.
HOMEMADE HANGING PLANTS
Go pick some flowers outside or visit your local florist and grab your fav flower. Next get some string, and any old or new light bulb. Simply fill the lightbulb with water, place the flowers in, and time the string around the lightbulb to be able to support it hanging. Now you have a fresh, pretty plant hanging in your room.
PAINT OR DRAW
Are you good at art? Whether you answer yes or no, then this is a great activity for you. Grab some paints, paper, pens, and just draw how you feel. Does not need to be a work of art, just express your feelings.
JUICING
Feeling like you could use a health boost. Go in your kitchen or to the store and round up fruits that you think would taste good together in juice form. Then juice the fruits with either a juicer, hand held juicer, or even your hands. Mix desired juices and poor into a container. Now you have healthy fresh juice.
JOURNAL
Believe it or not journaling is a great way of self care. It might seem cliche, and I am not saying that you need to write dear diary or any of that, but simply spend a few minutes each day writing down your feelings, what you are thinking, and how you are doing. Expressing our feelings on paper can help us feel more stable.
WORKOUT
Get your body moving! Search up fun at home workouts, go on a walk/run, or go to your local gym. Show your body you appreciate it through movement.
MEDITATE/SET INTENTIONS
Taking 5-10 minutes out of your day every day to simply meditate or just set your daily intentions can be a great way to better connect with yourself and lower stress levels.
CLEAN YOUR ROOM/PERSONAL SPACE
Cleaning your room or spaces that belong to you can be a beneficial way to help you feel more grounded and in control of your life. Even just tidying it up/picking up some clothes could make a huge difference.
VISION BOARD
Get a piece of paper, carboard, canvas, or bulletin board. Find your favorite magazines and cut out or print images describing your goals and aspirations. Use markers to draw and write other goals you want to define you or things you want to accomplish. Hang this somewhere where it can stand as a reminder for you to stay motivated every day.
SHOWER
Take some time for yourself to take a relaxing shower or bath. Be in the moment, reflect on what's happening in your life, and let your mind wander.
MAKE A BUCKET LIST
Create a list using markers, colors, and pictures describing all the places that you want to see, and all the things you want to do in life.
TAKE YOURSELF ON A DATE
Spend some one on one time with just yourself. Pick your favorite restaurant or coffee shop and go order a meal. Learn that it is okay to do things by ourselves, and important to learn and grow to be independent.
HANG WITH A PET OR FAMILY MEMBER
We only get a limited amount of time with our pets and family members, so make sure you are able to maximize your spending's with them.
NAP
Napping can be a AMAZING way to rest our thoughts and help us think better. Not to mention, it helps you feel ALOT better.
DO SOME ONLINE SHOPPING
Get yourself a snack and a cup of tea and scroll the internet looking for clothing inspiration, clothes you need, and unique finds.
START THERAPY
Going to therapy can be a really amazing way to talk your feelings out, and feel validated. Its not embarrassing, and shows that as a person you want to become stronger. Additionally, therapy can help you discover new ways to cope with difficult situations in life.
BUY RANDOM CLOTHES AND WIGS AT A THRIFT SHOP
Put on clothes you would not normally wear, and change your identity for a day. Do you like being this new persona?
REACH OUT TO FRIENDS
Reach out to a old friend and re connect. Or reach out to your current friends or peers and connect.
START A NEW BOOK
Search up some of your favorite genres and pick a new book to get invested into. Not only does reading transform you into a different world, but it helps your mind focus on something out of your control.
LISTEN TO SOME MUSIC
Pop your headphones in and vibe out to your favorite music. Get up and dance!
GO FOR A HIKE
Research some hikes in your area, invite a friend if you want, pack lots of snacks, water, and hiking gear. Spend some time with yourself outside, getting exercise, fresh air, and getting to know yourself better.
WRITE A LETTER TO A FUTURE YOU
Grab a piece of paper, and a pen, sit down somewhere quiet and write a letter to yourself about what you hope to accomplish, where you currently are in life. Date the letter, and put it somewhere safe. Then eventually when you find it again you will be able to reflect back and see how much you have grown.
MAKE JEWELRY
Do some research about what type of jewelry you want to make, go to your local craft store and get some supplies. Get to work on making something meaningful to you and let is stand a reminder of you worth.
WRITE AFFIRMATIONS
Write down positive sayings or quotes that you want yourself to remember. Hang them somewhere you can see them everyday.
REPAINT YOUR ROOM
Need a change? Get invested in a long term project of changing up the vibe of your room.
HAVE A PICNIC
Invite a friend or go by yourself. Pack a nutritious filled meal and find a great location to spend time with yourself.
CLIMB A TREE
Channel your inner child and climb a tree. Get a good rush of adrenaline and observe the great views from above.
WATCH A MOVIE OR TV
Grab some snacks, get cozy, and watch a movie or TV show. It's a great way to distract yourself and destress.
FACE MASK
Look up face mask recipes and choose your favorite one. Make the mask and enjoy the relaxing sensation of cleansing your skin.