Mental health is a vital aspect of our well-being, especially during the challenging phase of adolescence. Teens face many physical, emotional, and psychological changes that can affect their mood, self-esteem, and coping skills. Unfortunately, many teens struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and suicidal thoughts. According to a national poll conducted by Effective School Solutions, nearly 90% of school administrators and almost 60% of parents reported that the youth mental health crisis is growing.

That’s why it’s important to support teens’ mental health and help them develop healthy habits and skills that can boost their resilience, happiness, and success. In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits of mental health activities for teens, and share some examples of how to do them at home, at school, or in the community.

What are mental health activities for teens?

Mental health activities for teens are any activities that promote mental wellness, such as:

• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Increasing positive emotions and self-confidence
• Enhancing social skills and relationships
• Improving cognitive abilities and academic performance
• Preventing or coping with mental health problems

Mental health activities for teens can be done individually or in groups, and can involve various methods such as:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Art and creativity
• Physical exercise and sports
• Music and dance
• Games and puzzles
• Reading and writing
• Volunteering and service

Mental health activities for teens are not meant to replace professional help or medication, but rather to complement them and provide additional support and resources. If you or someone you know is experiencing serious mental health issues, please seek help from a qualified mental health professional or call a crisis hotline.

Why are mental health activities for teens important?

Mental health activities for teens are important because they can have many positive effects on teens’ well-being and development, such as:

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety are common among teens and can interfere with their daily functioning and happiness. Mental health activities for teens can help them relax, calm their nervous system, and cope with challenging situations. For example, one study found that mindfulness training reduced stress and anxiety among high school students.
• Increasing positive emotions and self-confidence: Positive emotions and self-confidence are essential for teens’ happiness and self-esteem. Mental health activities for teens can help them experience joy, gratitude, hope, and other positive feelings, and also improve their self-image and self-acceptance. For example, one study found that art therapy increased positive emotions and self-confidence among adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems.
• Enhancing social skills and relationships: Social skills and relationships are crucial for teens’ mental health and social development. Mental health activities for teens can help them communicate, cooperate, empathize, and bond with others, and also reduce loneliness and isolation. For example, one study found that group music therapy improved social skills and relationships among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
• Improving cognitive abilities and academic performance: Cognitive abilities and academic performance are important for teens’ intellectual and career development. Mental health activities for teens can help them enhance their memory, attention, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and also boost their motivation and achievement. For example, one study found that physical exercise improved cognitive abilities and academic performance among adolescents.
• Preventing or coping with mental health problems: Mental health problems are serious and can have negative consequences on teens’ well-being and future. Mental health activities for teens can help them prevent or cope with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior, and also increase their access to help and support. For example, one study found that mental health games reduced depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among adolescents.

How to do mental health activities for teens?

There are many ways to do mental health activities for teens, depending on their preferences, needs, and availability. Here are some examples of how to do mental health activities for teens at home, at school, or in the community:

• At home: You can do mental health activities for teens at home by creating a comfortable and supportive environment, and encouraging them to engage in activities that they enjoy and that make them feel good. For example, you can:
  • Set up a cozy corner where they can relax, meditate, or read
  • Provide them with art supplies, musical instruments, or games that they can use to express themselves and have fun
  • Encourage them to exercise, dance, or play sports in the backyard or at a nearby park
  • Cook healthy meals with them and have family dinners where you can talk and listen to them
  • Help them with their homework and praise their efforts and achievements
  • Watch a movie or a show with them and discuss the themes and messages
  • Show them that you love and care for them, and that you are there for them if they need help
• At school: You can do mental health activities for teens at school by creating a positive and safe learning environment, and providing them with opportunities and resources to enhance their mental wellness. For example, you can:
  • Incorporate mental health topics and activities into the curriculum, such as teaching them about mental health awareness, coping skills, and positive psychology
  • Organize mental health clubs, groups, or events where they can learn, share, and support each other
  • Invite mental health professionals, speakers, or peers to talk to them about mental health issues and services
  • Offer mental health counseling, guidance, or referrals to them if they need help
  • Create a mental health bulletin board, newsletter, or website where they can find information and tips on mental health
  • Recognize and celebrate their strengths, talents, and achievements
  • Foster a culture of respect, kindness, and inclusion among students and staff
• In the community: You can do mental health activities for teens in the community by connecting them with local organizations, programs, or initiatives that promote mental health and well-being. For example, you can:
  • Enroll them in a mental health workshop, course, or camp where they can learn new skills and meet new friends
  • Encourage them to volunteer for a mental health charity, cause, or project where they can make a difference and feel good
  • Take them to a mental health museum, exhibition, or festival where they can explore and enjoy mental health art and culture
  • Introduce them to a mental health mentor, role model, or hero who can inspire and guide them
  • Help them find a mental health support group, network, or community where they can belong and feel understood
  • Support them to pursue their passions, hobbies, or interests that make them happy and fulfilled
  • Accompany them to a mental health clinic, center, or facility where they can get help and treatment if they need it

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about mental health activities for teens:

• Q: How often should teens do mental health activities?
• A: There is no fixed rule on how often teens should do mental health activities, but generally, the more they do them, the better they will feel. However, it is also important to respect their preferences and choices, and not to force them to do something they don’t want to do. A good idea is to help them create a mental health routine or plan that suits their schedule and needs, and to encourage them to stick to it as much as possible.
• Q: What are some signs that a teen needs mental health help?
• A: Some signs that a teen needs mental health help are:
  • Persistent or severe changes in their mood, behavior, or personality.
• Q: What are some examples of mental health activities for teens?
• A: There are many examples of mental health activities for teens, depending on their interests and preferences. Some of them are:
  • Mindfulness and meditation: These are practices that involve paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. They can help teens calm their mind, reduce stress, and improve their focus and mood. Some examples of mindfulness and meditation activities are:
    • Breathing exercises: These are simple techniques that involve inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly, while focusing on the breath. They can help teens relax their body and mind, and regulate their emotions. Some examples of breathing exercises are:
      • Belly breathing: This is a technique that involves placing one hand on the chest and the other on the belly, and breathing in such a way that the belly rises and falls, while the chest stays still. This can help teens activate their parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery.
      • 4-7-8 breathing: This is a technique that involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and breathing out for 8 seconds. This can help teens slow down their heart rate and lower their blood pressure, which can reduce anxiety and stress.
      • Alternate nostril breathing: This is a technique that involves using the thumb and the index finger to close one nostril at a time, and breathing in and out through the other nostril. This can help teens balance their left and right brain hemispheres, which can enhance their creativity and cognition.
    • Body scan: This is a technique that involves paying attention to each part of the body, from the toes to the head, and noticing any sensations, feelings, or thoughts that arise. This can help teens become more aware of their body, release any tension or pain, and cultivate gratitude and appreciation for their body.
    • Guided imagery: This is a technique that involves imagining a peaceful and pleasant scene, such as a beach, a forest, or a mountain, and using all the senses to experience it. This can help teens create a positive mental state, evoke positive emotions, and cope with negative situations.
    • Mindful eating: This is a technique that involves eating slowly and deliberately, while paying attention to the taste, texture, smell, and appearance of the food. This can help teens enjoy their food more, improve their digestion, and prevent overeating or binge eating.
  • Art and creativity: These are activities that involve expressing oneself through various forms of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, photography, or video. They can help teens explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, and communicate them in a creative and meaningful way. Some examples of art and creativity activities are:
    • Art journaling: This is a technique that involves creating a personal journal that combines words and images, such as sketches, doodles, stickers, stamps, or cut-outs. This can help teens document their feelings, thoughts, and memories, and reflect on them in a visual and expressive way.
    • Art therapy: This is a technique that involves working with a trained art therapist, who can guide teens through various art activities and help them interpret and understand their artwork. This can help teens cope with trauma, stress, or mental health issues, and improve their self-esteem and well-being.
    • Art projects: These are activities that involve creating a specific piece of art, such as a painting, a sculpture, a collage, or a video, based on a theme, a prompt, or a challenge. This can help teens unleash their imagination, develop their artistic skills, and have fun.
  • Physical exercise and sports: These are activities that involve moving the body and engaging in physical activity, such as running, biking, swimming, dancing, yoga, or playing sports. They can help teens improve their physical health, fitness, and appearance, and also boost their mental health, mood, and energy. Some examples of physical exercise and sports activities are:
    • Aerobic exercise: This is a type of exercise that involves increasing the heart rate and breathing rate, and using large muscle groups, such as the legs, arms, or chest. This can help teens burn calories, lose weight, and improve their cardiovascular health. Some examples of aerobic exercise are:
      • Running: This is a type of exercise that involves moving the body at a fast pace, using the legs and feet. This can help teens improve their endurance, speed, and strength, and also release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that can reduce pain and stress, and increase happiness and pleasure.
      • Biking: This is a type of exercise that involves riding a bicycle, using the legs and feet. This can help teens improve their balance, coordination, and flexibility, and also enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.
      • Swimming: This is a type of exercise that involves moving the body in water, using the arms and legs. This can help teens improve their breathing, circulation, and muscle tone, and also relax their mind and body, and reduce inflammation and swelling.
    • Anaerobic exercise: This is a type of exercise that involves using short bursts of intense energy, and using small muscle groups, such as the biceps, triceps, or abs. This can help teens build muscle, strength, and power, and also improve their metabolism and bone density. Some examples of anaerobic exercise are:
      • Weight lifting: This is a type of exercise that involves lifting heavy objects, such as dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells, using the arms and hands. This can help teens increase their muscle mass, strength, and definition, and also boost their confidence and self-esteem.
      • Sprinting: This is a type of exercise that involves running at a very fast speed, using the legs and feet. This can help teens improve their agility, speed, and explosiveness, and also enhance their cognitive and motor skills.
      • Jumping: This is a type of exercise that involves jumping up and down, using the legs and feet. This can help teens improve their vertical leap, power, and coordination, and also stimulate their lymphatic system, which can help them detoxify and cleanse their body.
    • Sports: These are activities that involve playing a game or a competition, with rules and objectives, and often with other people, such as teammates or opponents. They can help teens improve their physical skills, such as speed, agility, or accuracy, and also their social skills, such as communication, cooperation, or leadership. Some examples of sports are:
      • Soccer: This is a type of sport that involves kicking a ball into a goal, using the feet and legs, and sometimes the head or the chest. This can help teens improve their endurance, coordination, and teamwork, and also have fun and make friends.
      • Basketball: This is a type of sport that involves shooting a ball into a hoop, using the hands and arms, and sometimes the feet or the legs. This can help teens improve their hand-eye coordination, speed, and strategy, and also challenge themselves and compete with others.
      • Tennis: This is a type of sport that involves hitting a ball with a racket, using the hands and arms, and sometimes the feet or the legs. This can help teens improve their reflexes, accuracy, and concentration, and also enjoy the outdoors and the sun.
  • Music and dance: These are activities that involve listening to or creating sounds and rhythms, such as singing, playing an instrument, or composing a song, or moving the body to the sounds and rhythms, such as dancing, choreographing, or performing. They can help teens express their emotions, thoughts, and personality, and communicate them in a musical and artistic way. Some examples of music and dance activities are:
    • Singing: This is a technique that involves producing sounds with the voice, using the mouth, the throat, and the lungs. This can help teens improve their breathing, vocal range, and tone, and also release stress, emotions, and tension.
    • Playing an instrument: This is a technique that involves producing sounds with an object, such as a guitar, a piano, or a drum, using the hands, the fingers, or the feet. This can help teens improve their fine motor skills, memory, and creativity, and also learn new skills, languages, and cultures.
    • Composing a song: This is a technique that involves creating a piece of music, with lyrics, melody, and harmony, using the voice, an instrument, or a software. This can help teens improve their writing, musical, and analytical skills, and also express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
    • Dancing: This is a technique that involves moving the body in a rhythmic and graceful way, using the legs, the arms, the hips, or the head. This can help teens improve their posture, balance, and flexibility, and also burn calories, release endorphins, and have fun.
    • Choreographing: This is a technique that involves creating a sequence of movements, with steps, patterns, and formations, using the body, music, or props. This can help teens improve their spatial, temporal, and kinesthetic awareness, and also showcase their talent, style, and originality.
    • Performing: This is a technique that involves presenting a piece of music or dance, with expression, emotion, and confidence, using the voice, the body, or an instrument. This can help teens improve their stage presence, communication, and feedback, and also entertain, inspire, and connect with others.
  • Games and puzzles: These are activities that involve solving problems, finding answers, or completing tasks, with logic, strategy, or intuition, and often with rules, objectives, or rewards.
• Q: How to choose the best mental health activities for teens?
• A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different teens may have different preferences, needs, and goals when it comes to mental health activities. However, some general tips to choose the best mental health activities for teens are:
  • Ask them what they like and what they want to do, and respect their choices and opinions
  • Consider their personality, strengths, and interests, and find activities that match them
  • Experiment with different types of activities, and see what works best for them
  • Balance the amount and intensity of activities, and avoid overdoing or underdoing them
  • Seek professional advice or guidance if needed, and consult with their doctor, therapist, or counselor
• Q: How to motivate teens to do mental health activities?
• A: Motivating teens to do mental health activities can be challenging, as they may not see the value or the benefit of them, or they may face barriers or obstacles that prevent them from doing them. However, some strategies to motivate teens to do mental health activities are:
  • Explain to them why mental health activities are important, and how they can help them improve their well-being and development
  • Show them examples or evidence of how mental health activities can have positive effects on their mood, self-esteem, and performance
  • Involve them in the planning and decision-making process, and let them choose the activities that they want to do
  • Make the activities fun, enjoyable, and rewarding, and use positive reinforcement, praise, and feedback
  • Do the activities with them, or encourage them to do them with their friends, family, or peers
  • Set realistic and achievable goals, and help them track their progress and celebrate their achievements
  • Be supportive, understanding, and empathetic, and address any challenges or difficulties that they may face
• Q: How to measure the impact of mental health activities for teens?
• A: Measuring the impact of mental health activities for teens can be useful, as it can help them evaluate their effectiveness and outcomes, and also identify any areas for improvement or change. However, measuring the impact of mental health activities for teens can also be difficult, as it may involve subjective and qualitative factors, such as feelings, thoughts, or perceptions, that are hard to quantify or compare. Therefore, some methods to measure the impact of mental health activities for teens are:
  • Use standardized and validated tools, such as questionnaires, scales, or tests, that can assess their mental health status, symptoms, or functioning, before and after doing the activities
  • Use self-report and self-monitoring techniques, such as journals, logs, or diaries, that can record their experiences, reflections, or feedback, during and after doing the activities
  • Use observation and observation techniques, such as interviews, focus groups, or surveys, that can collect their opinions, views, or suggestions, about the activities and their impact
  • Use multiple and mixed methods, and triangulate the data from different sources, to get a comprehensive and holistic picture of the impact of the activities
  • Use the results and the findings to inform and improve the design and delivery of the activities, and to adjust them according to their needs and goals.

Conclusion

Mental health activities for teens are beneficial and important for their well-being and development. They can help them reduce stress and anxiety, increase positive emotions and self-confidence, enhance social skills and relationships, improve cognitive abilities and academic performance, and prevent or cope with mental health problems. There are many types of mental health activities for teens, such as mindfulness and meditation, art and creativity, physical exercise and sports, music and dance, games and puzzles, and volunteering and service. Teens can do mental health activities at home, at school, or in the community, depending on their preferences, needs, and availability. To choose the best mental health activities for teens, it is advisable to ask them what they like and what they want to do, consider their personality, strengths, and interests, experiment with different activities, balance the amount and intensity of activities, and seek professional advice or guidance if needed. To motivate teens to do mental health activities, it is helpful to explain to them why mental health activities are important, show them examples or evidence of how mental health activities can have positive effects, involve them in the planning and decision-making process, make the activities fun, enjoyable, and rewarding, do the activities with them or encourage them to do them with their friends, family, or peers, set realistic and achievable goals, and be supportive, understanding, and empathetic. To measure the impact of mental health activities for teens, it is useful to use standardized and validated tools, such as questionnaires, scales, or tests, use self-report and self-monitoring techniques, such as journals, logs, or diaries, use observation and observation techniques, such as interviews, focus groups, or surveys, use multiple and mixed methods, and triangulate the data from different sources, and use the results and the findings to inform and improve the design and delivery of the activities, and to adjust them according to their needs and goals.