99 Wellbeing Activities for children and young people

🌟 Activities to Do on Your Own

  1. Keep a gratitude journal and write down three good things each day – Take a few minutes each day to reflect on three positive things that happened. These can be big or small, like a kind word from a friend, a delicious meal, or a moment of laughter. Writing them down helps shift focus to the good in life, boosting overall happiness and resilience.
  2. Try deep breathing exercises to relax and refocus – Practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique (inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for eight) or box breathing (inhale, hold, exhale, and hold for four seconds each). These techniques help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve concentration.
  3. Listen to your favourite music and have a mini dance party – Create a playlist of uplifting songs and dance around your room. Moving your body to music releases endorphins, boosts energy levels, and provides an instant mood lift.
  4. Spend time outside in nature and observe the sounds around you – Go for a walk in a park, sit under a tree, or simply stand outside and close your eyes to listen to the sounds of birds, rustling leaves, or distant laughter. Spending time in nature improves mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances emotional well-being.
  5. Draw, paint, or colour to express your feelings creatively – Use colours and shapes to represent emotions, whether through free drawing, painting, or colouring in a mindfulness book. Art is a powerful tool for self-expression and relaxation, helping to process thoughts and feelings in a healthy way.
  6. Try yoga or gentle stretching exercises – Follow an online yoga session or do simple stretches like touching your toes, rolling your shoulders, and twisting your torso. Yoga and stretching relieve tension, improve flexibility, and promote a sense of calmness.
  7. Read a book or listen to an audiobook – Choose a book that interests you, whether fiction for escapism or non-fiction for learning something new. Audiobooks are a great alternative if you prefer to listen while relaxing, and both options improve focus and reduce stress.
  8. Write a letter to your future self about your dreams and goals – Describe where you are in life, what makes you happy, and your hopes for the future. Seal the letter and decide on a future date to open it. This activity promotes self-reflection and goal-setting while serving as a time capsule of personal growth.
  9. Practice positive self-talk in the mirror – Stand in front of a mirror and say affirmations like “I am capable,” “I am kind,” or “I believe in myself.” Speaking kindly to yourself builds confidence and fosters self-compassion.
  10. Try a new hobby like knitting, origami, or photography – Explore a creative or skill-based hobby to engage your mind and hands. Knitting enhances patience and coordination, origami improves focus and dexterity, and photography encourages appreciation for details in the world around you.
  11. Make a vision board of things that make you happy – Cut out pictures, quotes, and words from magazines or print images that represent your dreams and joys. Arrange them on a board as a visual reminder of what inspires and motivates you.
  12. Meditate for five minutes using a guided meditation app or video – Use apps like Headspace or Calm, or find a YouTube video to guide you through a short meditation. Focusing on your breath and being present reduces stress, enhances concentration, and increases emotional awareness.
  13. Cook or bake a simple recipe and enjoy your creation – Try making a smoothie, baking cookies, or preparing a simple meal. Cooking engages the senses, builds independence, and provides a sense of accomplishment.
  14. Do a puzzle, crossword, or Sudoku to relax your mind – Choose a puzzle that challenges you without causing frustration. These brain games improve problem-solving skills, enhance memory, and provide a sense of achievement.
  15. Keep a “positivity jar” where you write happy moments and read them later – Each day, write a positive experience on a small piece of paper and place it in a jar. Whenever you need a boost, pull out a note to remind yourself of joyful moments. This practice reinforces gratitude and mindfulness.

👨‍👩‍👧 Activities with Parents

  1. Go on a nature walk – Take a walk in a park, forest, or by a lake with your parent(s). Collect interesting leaves, stones, or flowers along the way, and talk about what you discover. Nature walks help reduce stress, encourage curiosity, and promote physical activity while allowing for quality bonding time.
  2. Cook a meal together – Pick a recipe, gather the ingredients, and cook a meal as a team. Whether it’s a simple pasta dish or homemade pizza, cooking together teaches teamwork, responsibility, and essential life skills. It also allows for creative expression and strengthens family connections.
  3. Have a ‘tech-free’ family night – Set aside an evening where all screens (phones, tablets, and TVs) are turned off. Instead, play board games, tell stories, do crafts, or engage in a fun DIY project. This activity promotes deeper family interactions, improves communication, and encourages creativity.
  4. Plan a picnic – Pack a basket with homemade sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, then head to a park or even your backyard for an outdoor meal. Bring a blanket, play a game, or just enjoy nature. A picnic creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere while fostering family togetherness and mindfulness.
  5. Create a family time capsule – Collect small items, letters, photos, and notes about your current lives, then place them in a container to be opened in the future. Discuss hopes and predictions for the coming years. This activity is a fun way to preserve memories and reflect on personal growth over time.
  6. Start a weekly ‘check-in’ – Set aside time each week for a family check-in. Each person shares highlights, challenges, and feelings from their week. This practice builds emotional awareness, strengthens family bonds, and provides a safe space for open discussions and support.
  7. Learn a new skill together – Choose a new hobby or skill to explore as a family, such as gardening, learning a musical instrument, trying a new language, or baking. Learning together fosters a sense of teamwork, encourages lifelong learning, and provides fun shared experiences.
  8. Have a movie night – Pick a feel-good or inspiring film, make popcorn, and create a cosy movie-watching setup with blankets and pillows. After the movie, discuss your favourite scenes and messages. Movie nights provide entertainment while offering opportunities for meaningful conversations.
  9. Make a scrapbook – Print out family photos, collect ticket stubs or souvenirs, and arrange them in a scrapbook with captions and decorations. Reflecting on shared memories through scrapbooking enhances gratitude and preserves meaningful moments for years to come.
  10. Go stargazing – Lay out a blanket in the backyard or visit a quiet spot away from city lights to observe the night sky. Use a stargazing app to identify constellations or simply enjoy the beauty of the stars. This activity encourages relaxation, curiosity about the universe, and meaningful family discussions.
  11. Practice mindfulness together through a guided meditation – Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and follow a guided meditation video or audio. Practicing mindfulness as a family can reduce stress, improve focus, and create a sense of calm. Encourage deep breathing and reflection after the session.
  12. Do a random act of kindness as a family, like baking for a neighbour – Choose a kind action, such as baking cookies for a neighbour, writing a kind note, or delivering a small gift. Doing acts of kindness together strengthens family bonds and teaches the value of generosity.
  13. Share old family photos and tell stories about your childhood – Gather as a family and look through old photo albums. Share funny, happy, or meaningful memories from your childhood. This activity promotes connection, storytelling, and appreciation of family history.
  14. Volunteer together at a local charity or community event – Find a local charity, food bank, or community event where you can contribute as a family. Volunteering fosters empathy, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility toward others.
  15. Write and send letters to family members who live far away – Take time to write heartfelt letters to relatives who live in different cities or countries. Sharing updates, drawings, and kind words helps maintain connections and brings joy to both the sender and the recipient.

👫 Activities with Friends

  1. Plan a themed dress-up day and take fun pictures – Choose a fun theme, such as superheroes, 80s retro, or favourite book characters. Dress up, take creative pictures, and even create a mini photoshoot. This activity encourages self-expression, creativity, and shared laughter with friends.
  2. Create a “kindness challenge” and see who can complete the most acts of kindness – Make a list of kind actions, such as complimenting someone, helping a neighbour, or writing a thank-you note. Compete in a friendly way to see who can complete the most. This encourages empathy, teamwork, and a culture of giving.
  3. Have a DIY spa day with face masks and relaxation music – Set up a relaxing environment with soothing music, homemade face masks (like yogurt and honey), and warm towels. Take turns giving each other mini hand massages or painting nails. This activity promotes relaxation, self-care, and friendship bonding.
  4. Make friendship bracelets and exchange them – Use colourful threads, beads, or charms to make bracelets for each other. This activity enhances creativity, fine motor skills, and strengthens friendships through meaningful handmade gifts.
  5. Try a fun physical activity like trampoline jumping or bike riding – Head to a trampoline park, skate park, or just ride bikes around the neighbourhood. Physical activities boost endorphins, improve coordination, and promote an active lifestyle while having fun with friends.
  6. Have a picnic and bring homemade snacks – Each friend can bring a homemade snack, like sandwiches, fruit, or cookies. Set up a blanket in a park or backyard and enjoy the food together. This activity promotes social bonding and appreciation for homemade meals.
  7. Create a group playlist of uplifting songs and have a mini dance party – Each friend adds their favourite happy songs to a shared playlist. Play the music and have a dance party, either indoors or outside. Dancing reduces stress, improves mood, and strengthens social bonds.
  8. Set up a small play or talent show and perform for each other – Plan a short skit, comedy act, or showcase talents like singing or juggling. Encourage each other and celebrate everyone’s performances. This builds confidence, teamwork, and creativity.
  9. Try a collaborative art project, like a large painting or mural – Work together on a big piece of artwork using different techniques, colours, and styles. Hang the final product in a shared space. This encourages cooperation, creative thinking, and a sense of achievement.
  10. Write and send positive notes to each other for motivation – Each friend writes an encouraging message or compliment for the others. Exchange the notes and keep them as a reminder of friendship and support. This activity boosts self-esteem and deepens friendships.
  11. Have a “no-tech” day and spend time outside – Challenge each other to put away phones and screens for a full day. Go for a hike, play outdoor games, or just relax in nature. This promotes mindfulness, face-to-face communication, and an appreciation for the outdoors.
  12. Work on a puzzle together and see how fast you can complete it – Pick a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, or brain teaser and solve it as a team. Puzzles improve problem-solving skills, patience, and teamwork while offering a sense of accomplishment.
  13. Organise a scavenger hunt in your neighbourhood or a park – Create a list of items to find, such as a pinecone, a red flower, or a heart-shaped rock. Split into teams and race to find everything. This activity fosters problem-solving, teamwork, and outdoor exploration.
  14. Bake cookies together and share them with others – Choose a cookie recipe, bake together, and then share with neighbours, teachers, or family members. Baking teaches cooperation, measurement skills, and the joy of giving.
  15. Learn a new sport or game together, like badminton or frisbee – Pick an easy-to-learn game and practice together. Whether it’s frisbee, badminton, or an old-school game like hopscotch, playing sports together builds coordination, teamwork, and friendly competition.

📚 Activities with Teachers

  1. Start a class gratitude wall where students can post positive messages – Dedicate a section of the classroom wall or a bulletin board to gratitude. Provide sticky notes or index cards where students can write something they’re grateful for or a positive message for a classmate. Reading and sharing these notes fosters a culture of appreciation, positivity, and connection in the classroom.
  2. Learn a relaxation technique, like progressive muscle relaxation – Guide students through a simple relaxation technique where they tense and then release different muscle groups, starting from the feet and moving up to the head. This practice helps reduce stress, increase body awareness, and improve overall emotional regulation.
  3. Create a classroom playlist with everyone’s favourite feel-good songs – Ask each student to contribute a song that makes them feel happy or motivated. Play the playlist during creative work time or breaks. Music enhances mood, promotes relaxation, and builds a sense of shared community in the classroom.
  4. Practice mindful breathing exercises as a group – Teach students simple breathing techniques, such as belly breathing or the 4-7-8 method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8). Practicing together can create a calm and focused environment while helping students manage stress and anxiety.
  5. Organize a “random acts of kindness” day in school – Encourage students to perform small acts of kindness throughout the day, such as helping a classmate, giving a compliment, or leaving a kind note for someone. Keep a record of all the acts performed to show how small actions can make a big difference.
  6. Read and discuss inspiring stories about resilience and courage – Choose books or articles that highlight stories of people overcoming challenges. Discuss key takeaways with students and encourage them to reflect on their own strengths and resilience. This fosters empathy, perspective-taking, and personal growth.
  7. Set up a “calm corner” in the classroom where students can relax when needed – Create a quiet, comfortable space with cushions, soft lighting, and calming materials like colouring books or stress balls. Teach students to use this space when they need a break, helping them develop self-regulation and emotional awareness.
  8. Have a weekly “positive shoutout” session to recognize kindness and achievements – Dedicate time each week for students to recognize and celebrate each other’s efforts, whether academic, social, or emotional. This helps build a supportive and encouraging classroom environment.
  9. Try an outdoor learning session to change the environment – Take a lesson outside, whether it’s reading under a tree, conducting a science experiment, or journaling in nature. A change of scenery can boost engagement, creativity, and well-being.
  10. Start a classroom journaling project where students write about their emotions – Provide journals and set aside time for students to write about their thoughts and feelings. Writing helps with emotional processing, self-awareness, and stress management.
  11. Do a creative storytelling session where everyone adds a part to the story – Begin with a single sentence and have each student contribute a new part to the story. This activity encourages creativity, active listening, and collaboration while creating a fun and imaginative group experience.
  12. Encourage students to write letters of appreciation to someone in school – Have students write letters to a teacher, friend, or staff member to express gratitude. Delivering these letters can create a positive atmosphere and strengthen school relationships.
  13. Teach students how to set small, achievable goals for their wellbeing – Guide students in setting simple goals related to their mental or physical health, such as drinking more water, getting enough sleep, or practicing mindfulness. Setting and achieving goals helps build confidence and self-motivation.
  14. Have a group discussion about emotions and healthy coping strategies – Create a safe space for students to talk about emotions, stress, and coping techniques. Discuss strategies such as talking to someone, taking deep breaths, or engaging in a hobby to manage difficult feelings.
  15. Play teamwork-based games that promote connection and fun – Organize group activities such as trust falls, escape room challenges, or cooperative games. These experiences help build trust, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.

💡 Mindfulness & Relaxation Activities

  1. Try guided visualization exercises to imagine a peaceful place – Close your eyes and picture a calm and happy place, like a beach or a forest. Imagine the sounds, smells, and feelings of being there. This exercise helps reduce stress and improve focus by engaging the senses in a positive way.
  2. Use a stress ball or fidget toy when feeling overwhelmed – Keep a small stress ball, putty, or fidget spinner nearby to squeeze or play with when feeling anxious. This can help release nervous energy and provide a calming distraction.
  3. Watch the clouds and find shapes in them – Lie down outside and look at the sky, letting your imagination turn the clouds into different shapes or animals. This simple activity encourages relaxation and creative thinking.
  4. Do a 5-minute body scan meditation to check in with yourself – Close your eyes and focus on different parts of your body, from your toes to your head, noticing any tension and allowing yourself to relax. This exercise improves self-awareness and helps release physical stress.
  5. Try grounding techniques, like naming five things you see, hear, and feel – When feeling anxious, take a moment to identify five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This technique helps bring focus back to the present moment.
  6. Practice “rainbow breathing” by imagining each breath as a different colour – Inhale deeply and picture breathing in a colour, then exhale while imagining another colour. Go through the colours of the rainbow. This mindful breathing exercise encourages relaxation and creative visualization.
  7. Make a list of things you’re grateful for before bed – Each night, write down three things that made you happy during the day. This helps shift focus to positive experiences and promotes a sense of appreciation and contentment.
  8. Lie down and listen to calming nature sounds – Put on recordings of rain, ocean waves, or birds chirping. Close your eyes and focus on the sounds, allowing them to relax your mind. Nature sounds can reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
  9. Write down a worry and then rip up the paper as a way to let it go – When feeling overwhelmed, write down what’s bothering you, then physically tear up or crumple the paper. This symbolic action helps release stress and makes worries feel more manageable.
  10. Take a mindful walk and focus on each step – Go for a slow walk and pay attention to how your feet feel on the ground, the rhythm of your breath, and the sounds around you. Walking mindfully helps clear the mind and brings a sense of peace and presence.

💪 Physical Wellbeing Activities

  1. Try skipping rope for 10 minutes to boost energy – Grab a skipping rope and challenge yourself to jump continuously for 10 minutes. This high-energy activity improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and endurance while being a fun way to stay active.
  2. Play a sport that you enjoy, like football or basketball – Gather some friends or family members and play a game of your favourite sport. Sports help build teamwork, improve physical health, and provide an outlet for stress relief.
  3. Have a daily “stretch break” to ease tension in your body – Take a few minutes during the day to stretch your arms, legs, and back. Stretching helps improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall mobility.
  4. Learn a simple dance routine and perform it – Watch a dance tutorial online or create your own choreography. Dancing is a great way to exercise, express yourself, and boost confidence while having fun.
  5. Walk or cycle instead of taking a bus or car when possible – If you have a short distance to travel, try walking or biking instead of using transportation. This helps increase physical activity, reduce stress, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
  6. Try a fun challenge, like holding a plank for 30 seconds – Set a timer and see how long you can hold a plank. This activity strengthens your core muscles, improves posture, and enhances endurance. Try increasing the time as you get stronger.
  7. Drink more water and stay hydrated throughout the day – Keep a reusable water bottle with you and aim to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily. Staying hydrated helps with concentration, energy levels, and overall health.
  8. Make a smoothie with your favourite fruits and veggies – Blend together fruits like bananas, strawberries, and spinach with yogurt or milk for a healthy and tasty drink. Smoothies provide essential nutrients and are a delicious way to fuel your body.
  9. Create an obstacle course at home or outside – Use household items like chairs, pillows, and cones to design a fun course. Challenge yourself to jump, crawl, and balance your way through. This activity enhances agility, strength, and coordination.
  10. Try a workout video designed for kids or teens – Follow along with an online workout video that’s made for young people. These exercises keep fitness engaging and can help improve endurance, strength, and flexibility while making movement enjoyable.

❤️ Emotional Wellbeing Activities

  1. Talk to someone you trust when feeling down – If you’re feeling sad or overwhelmed, reach out to a friend, family member, teacher, or counsellor. Talking about your feelings can help you process emotions, gain support, and find solutions to challenges.
  2. Write a letter of encouragement to yourself – Write a heartfelt letter to your future self, reminding yourself of your strengths, dreams, and how you’ve overcome challenges. Reading it later can be a source of motivation and self-compassion.
  3. Start a “happiness jar” where you write good things that happen each day – Find a jar and fill it with small notes about positive moments or things that made you smile each day. Over time, looking back at these notes can boost happiness and gratitude.
  4. Watch a funny movie or show to boost your mood – Laughter is a great stress reliever. Choose a comedy film, sitcom, or even funny videos online to lift your spirits and improve emotional wellbeing.
  5. Keep a dream journal and reflect on your thoughts – Write down your dreams each morning and explore their meanings. This can help you understand your subconscious mind, reduce stress, and even inspire creativity.
  6. Learn about different emotions and how to manage them – Read about feelings like happiness, sadness, anger, and anxiety. Understanding emotions helps you navigate them better and build emotional resilience.
  7. Make a worry doll or stress-relief craft – Create a small doll or object where you can “store” your worries by talking to it or writing concerns on paper and attaching them. This symbolic action helps release stress.
  8. Think of three things you love about yourself – Each day, remind yourself of three positive qualities you have. This practice builds self-esteem and encourages self-acceptance.
  9. Create a “positivity poster” with encouraging words – Make a poster filled with uplifting quotes, affirmations, and drawings. Hang it somewhere visible to remind yourself of positive messages daily.
  10. Practice saying “no” when you need to set boundaries – Learning to say no respectfully helps protect your time and emotional energy. Setting boundaries is an important skill for self-care and personal wellbeing.

🌍 Community & Acts of Kindness

  1. Pick up litter in your local park and help the environment – Bring gloves and a trash bag to your local park and pick up litter to keep the space clean. This small action helps the environment, beautifies public areas, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Make handmade cards for care homes or hospitals – Use paper, markers, and stickers to create uplifting cards for residents in care homes or patients in hospitals. A kind message can bring joy to someone who may be feeling lonely.
  3. Donate books or toys to a local charity – Sort through your belongings and find books or toys you no longer use. Donating them to a charity or shelter helps other children and teaches the value of giving.
  4. Help a younger sibling or friend with homework – Offer to assist someone who might be struggling with their schoolwork. Teaching others can boost your confidence and strengthen your own understanding of the subject.
  5. Say something kind to three different people today – Give a compliment, encourage a friend, or express appreciation to three people. Spreading kindness can lift others’ spirits and create a more positive environment.
  6. Help an elderly neighbour with a small task – Offer to carry groceries, take out the trash, or run an errand for an elderly neighbour. This simple act of kindness builds community connections and makes a big difference.
  7. Write thank-you notes to people who have helped you – Think of someone who has positively impacted your life, such as a teacher, coach, or friend. Write them a heartfelt note expressing your gratitude.
  8. Organize a community project, like planting flowers – Gather a small group to plant flowers in a public space or school garden. This project beautifies the area and brings people together for a shared cause.
  9. Smile at someone—you never know how much it could mean!

 

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