Inside: 50 Self Care Ideas for Teens To Combat Stress.
Self-care refers to the deliberate activities we do in order to meet our physical, emotional and mental health needs. When we hear about self-care, it’s usually in reference to adults. However, let’s face it, teens are under a tremendous amount of pressure.
They can also benefit from practicing regular self-care!
Many teenagers are drowning in school assignments and extracurricular activities. They are preoccupied with getting good grades and joining enough clubs and teams to stand out when it comes time to submit college applications.
Teens are also trying to figure out who they are. They are trying to sort out who their friends are and where they fall on the social hierarchy. Many are also struggling to separate from their parents in order to gain more independence.
We put together a list of fun and relaxing self-care activities for teens.
Self Care Ideas for Teens
1. Get some sleep
Easier said than done, but sleep deprivation is detrimental to a person’s thinking, and their physical and emotional state. Most young people need eight to nine hours of restful sleep to function at their best. It’s not easy fitting this into a schedule filled with academic, social, and recreational activities, but it sure has a big payoff. Try to have as regular a sleep schedule as possible, and you’ll generally find that your “biological clock” will remember when to fall asleep and wake up.
2. Take a shower
3. Talk to a friend
4. Watch a movie
5. Read a book
6.Go for a walk
7. Ride your bike
8. Play with your pet
9. Stretch your muscles
10. Do yoga
Yoga and other types of Eastern methods of activity involve stretching, improving flexibility, connecting mind and body – all of which are helpful for stress reduction and wellness, and have been used extensively for thousands of years. The best way to learn Yoga is through a studio, but you can also do so from videos online.
11. Meditate or pray
12. Go for a walk with a friend
13. Go to the mall
14. Get a haircut
15. Take a nap
16. Go for a jog
17. Write in a journal
18. Invite a friend to your house
19. Go for a swim
Self Care Activities + Ideas for Teens
20. Go for a hike
Many studies have proven the beneficial effects of exercise on mental health and one’s outlook on life. Physical activity induces the release of endorphin (a powerful chemical in your brain) which energizes your spirit, making you feel happy.
21. Play a board game
22. Cook for your parent
23. Go to the library
24. Learn a new language
25. Sing your favorite song
26. Learn to play an instrument
27. Make a funny video
28. Write a song
29. Make a bucket list
30. Write a letter to your future self
I personally tried this several times in my life and wow, it is so amazing. It’s wild to read a letter of your past self’s thoughts and ideas. To see how much you can grow and layout your dreams and expectations. I think this is a GREAT idea for teens, it makes them sit and think of the life they want to be proud of.
31. Plant a garden
32. Make a scrapbook
33. Give yourself a manicure
34. Visit a museum
35. Play videogames
36. Eat your favorite dessert
37. Take photos
38. Do a puzzle
39. Go outside and watch the clouds
40. Go to the bookstore
We have a few favorite “self-help” books that are great for teaching self-care tips for teens.
41. make a playlist of your favorite songs
42. Do a fun craft
43. Watch your favorite movie
44. Volunteer in your community
45. Color in a coloring book
46. Go stargazing
47. Make jewelry
48. Fly a kite
49. Walk barefoot in the grass
50. Write a gratitude journal
Gratitude journaling is the habit of recording and reflecting on things (typically three) that you are grateful for on a regular basis. In essence, you are rewiring your brain to focus more on the positive aspects of your life and build up resilience against negative situations. Keeping a gratitude journal is a popular practice in positive psychology – the scientific study of happiness. It’s commonly also referred to as “counting your blessings” or “three good things.”
More Fun Ideas for Teens
If you like these Self Care Ideas for Teens, then check out one of our favorite hair trends for teenagers.
Feather Hair Extensions are Back – Let’s talk about Feather Hair Extensions… As quickly as the trend came into our lives, it was gone. But like low-rise jeans, Juicy Couture tracksuits, and chunky blonde highlights, feather hair extensions are back. They are all the rage this season! For the past two weeks, my daughter was having a fit for some of these colorful ways to jazz up her hair. So why put feathers in your hair? Putting feathers in your hair is a bold way to show that you have an amazing bohemian style. Feathers come in all different shapes and colors, so you can choose one that looks great with your hair color and texture. Plus with their growing popularity with kids’ favorite TikTok stars sporting the look, who wouldn’t want to join in on this trend?