100 Fun Self-Care Activities For Teens

A teenager’s schedule is rarely empty. Between school, extracurricular activities, and social engagements, most teens have a never-ending to-do list. Unfortunately, rejuvenating self-care activities for teens rarely make it into their busy schedules.

However, self-care is essential for their physical and mental health. Self-care gives them the energy and enthusiasm they need to tackle their tasks and handle the stressors of everyday life.

While bubble baths and massages may come to mind when thinking about self-care, many other activities can be just as beneficial.

Teaching teens and children to practice a variety of self-care activities that nourish their minds, bodies, and souls can help them live a more balanced life.

Let’s dig a little deeper into…

• Why self-care is so important for teens
• How to create a self-care plan
• 100 self-care activities for teens – easy to add to your daily routine

The Importance Of Self-Care For Teens And Youth

Self-care isn’t just for adults. Teens and youth need self-care just as much, if not more. That’s because they’re still developing physically and emotionally.

During the teenage years, their bodies get flooded with new hormones, and their minds may struggle to understand the constantly changing world around them.

That’s why teens and youth must take time for themselves. Regular self-care activities can make the transition from childhood to adulthood much smoother, helping them stay focused, healthy, and happy.

Self-care activities help young people:

• Manage stress and anxiety
• Improve physical health
• Enhance their emotional well-being
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Increase concentration levels
• Develop healthy coping strategies

Now that you understand why self-care is so important for the younger generation, let’s look at how teens can develop their own self-care plan.

How To Make Your Own Self-Care Plan As A Teen

Self-care means taking care of yourself. It’s a personal journey, so there are no hard and fast rules for “good” self-care. Different people need different things to feel refreshed.

Focus on what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Start by asking yourself some important questions:

• What activities make me feel good?
• What energizes me?
• What do I need to stay healthy and balanced?
• Am I getting enough time to do things that I love?
• How can I take better care of my mental health?

Once you have some answers, it’s time to create a self-care plan that works for you.

Here are some tips for your self-care plan:

• Make it personal: Focus on your own needs instead of trying to do what works for other people
• Start small and build up from there: Begin with one or two activities that are easy to incorporate into your existing routine. As they become habits, add more activities over time.
• Make it a priority: Set aside specific times for self-care, and commit to them. A few minutes of deliberate activities each day can have a positive impact on your life.
• Be flexible: Self-care looks different on different days. That’s OK! Give yourself room to adjust when needed.
• Keep it simple in the school year: When classes are in session and your days are full of school activities, making time for self-care can be harder. So keep it simple! 
• Use your summers well: Summer break is a great time to catch up on rest and recharge. Take the opportunity to plan some different activities that make you feel good.
• Talk to your parents or other caregivers: They know you well and could have valuable insight into ways you can prioritize self-care.

👉 Check out my Self-Care Planner Worksheets to help you build a happy balanced week.

100 Self-Care Activities And Ideas For Teens

Now that you know why self-care for teens is so important, it’s time to look at different activities to use in your own self-care plan.

You’ll find the 100 self-care ideas broken down into five categories to make it easier to read.

Each covers a different type of self-care:

• Emotional
• Spiritual
• Physical
• Social
• Intellectual

As you review the list, note any activities you want to try. Aim for a mix from all the lists to develop a well-rounded self-care routine. 

The activities below can help improve a teen’s emotional health and mental well-being:

1. Create a mood board

2. Practice mindful breathing

3. Talk to a supportive adult or therapist

4. Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal

5. Listen to your favorite music

6. Try aromatherapy

7. Meditate

8. Take a few deep breaths in stressful situations

9. Try some yoga poses

10. Say positive affirmations

11. Schedule some alone time

12. Practice positive self-talk

13. Strike a power pose

14. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them

15. Write down what you’re grateful for in a journal each day

16. Paint, draw, doodle or create something expressing your feelings

17. Spend quality time with people who make you feel good about yourself

18. List all the things that make you unique and special

19. Write a letter to your future or past self

20. Acknowledge your strengths, qualities, and accomplishments each day

Try the following activities to make your heart and soul flourish:

21. Pray or meditate

22. Explore different faith traditions

23. Attend religious services regularly

24. Learn about world religions and different philosophical perspectives

25. Read spiritual books and sermons

26. Volunteer for a cause that aligns with your values

27. Find a spiritual mentor you respect and spend time together 

28. Write down meaningful quotes or mantras to reflect on when needed

29. Work through any negative beliefs about yourself and your spirituality

30. Sip a cup of hot tea and relax

31. Schedule an acupuncture appointment 

32. Write down your dreams

33. Read a book about astrology

34. Enjoy a few moments of silence first thing each morning or at the end of the day

35. Listen to spiritual music

36. Explore different ways to give back to others

37. Spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty around you

38. Journal to help yourself document your spiritual growth

39. Unplug from social media for one day each week to clear your mind

40. Learn to play hymns or other spiritual songs on an instrument of your choice 

41. Eat a healthy diet

42. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated

43. Exercise regularly

44. Get enough sleep each night

45. Practice good hygiene by taking regular showers and brushing your teeth twice a day

46. Walk barefoot in the grass 

47. Limit your screen time

48. Do a favorite physical activity like going for a bike ride or roller skating

49. Try to do a mix of anaerobic and aerobic activities each week

50. Stretch for a few minutes each day

51. Get regular check-ups with your doctor, dentist, and other care providers

52. Schedule a massage

53. Listen to your body when it needs rest

54. Learn to cook healthy food

55. Play movement games like tag, hopscotch, or Simon Says with your younger siblings or kids from the neighborhood

56. Practice good posture throughout the day

57. Try a new recreational activity with friends or family members, like golf or bowling

58. Take a long walk with your dog

59. Monitor your physical needs and adjust your schedule accordingly

60. Soak your feet in water with Epsom salts added

61. Begin identifying your own boundaries 

62. Practice communication skills and learn how to express yourself clearly

63. Choose friends who bring out the best in you

64. Work on a puzzle with your family or friends 

65. Recognize unhealthy relationship dynamics, such as codependency, disrespect, or intimidation 

66. Call or text a friend to check in 

67. Join a support group for high school students

68. Practice active listening so others feel heard and validated

69. Send silly cat videos to a friend 

70. Read a favorite book aloud to a younger sibling 

71. Remind yourself that you’re worthy of respect – positive affirmations can help with this one

72. Be mindful of how you’re interacting with others

73. Use your lunch break to connect with others 

74. Start or join a book club 

75. Say no when it’s right for you to do so

76. Volunteer in your local community and meet new people

77. Job shadow someone in the field you’re interested in 

78. Talk to your parents or another trusted adult about your dreams and goals 

79. Participate in teen activities at your local library 

80. Write a snail-mail letter to a loved one

Related: 57 Engaging Self-Care Activities For Groups

81. Read and explore books from different genres

82. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks

83, Journal your way through a good book 

84. Play brain-stimulating games like chess, crosswords, or sudoku

85. Create a budget and learn more about financial topics 

86. Learn about the birds and plants in your area 

87. Explore different hobbies that interest you

88. Find a creative outlet like painting, macrame, or gardening

89. Watch a movie with the captions on and the volume off 

90. Use a variety of resources to explore different topics that interest you

91. Learn a new language or skill

92. Take a personality test

93. Listen to TED Talks online

94. Take a free online course to learn something new

96. Sign up for a library card and borrow books to read

97. Try some creative writing exercises

98. Start a blog or website and share your thoughts with the world

99. Try out different philosophical ideas and see how they apply to your life

100. Try playing video games in different ways, such as going for a speed run or aiming for 100% completion 

Final Thoughts

Self-care is a critical part of being healthy and happy as a teen.

Taking time to care for yourself emotionally, spiritually, physically, socially, and intellectually can help you develop into an independent adult who can handle life’s challenges with resilience. 

While teens can do many self-care activities on their own, it can be beneficial for you to reach out to a parent or trusted adult for help.

They can help you find resources, hold you accountable for your self-care goals, and provide emotional support when needed.

What self-care activities for teens are your favorite?

Do you have any to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

More Self-Care Resources We Think You’ll Love!

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