Self-care is an essential part of our well-being. Engaging in simple activities like stretching, listening to music, or writing in a journal can make a big difference in how we feel. Many people struggle with self-care because they’re unsure where to begin or don’t fully understand its importance for healing and everyday life. The Self-Care Activities for Kids and Teens handout offers 101 visually engaging self-care ideas. It includes activities that help clients relax, recharge, and express their emotions in healthy ways. Its clean layout makes it easy to explore different self-care practices and find out what works best. Posting this resource in visible areas can encourage kids and teens to take small and meaningful steps toward better self-care every day. They can create a personal self-care plan, or put together a "comfort box" filled with their favorite soothing items. Caring adults can help by modeling good self-care habits and encouraging regular use of the handout. This handout is included in our 11-page Mental Health Coping Skills Bundle, and our 6-page 101 Illustration Counseling Posters Bundle. *This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed. Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of self-care worksheets and handouts. References: Peckham, M. (2021). Self-care and grounding. Looking at Trauma, 13-20. https://doi.org/10.5325/j.ctv1wmz3qr.8 Riegel, B., Barbaranelli, C., Stawnychy, M. A., Matus, A., & Hirschman, K. B. (2024). Does self-care improve coping or does coping improve self-care? A structural equation modeling study. Applied Nursing Research, 78, 151810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2024.151810 Shannon, P. J., Simmelink-McCleary, J., Im, H., Becher, E., & Crook-Lyon, R. E. (2014). Developing self-care practices in a trauma treatment course. Journal of Social Work Education, 50(3), 440-453. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2014.917932 Truscott, A., Hayes, D., Bardsley, T., Choksi, D., & Edbrooke-Childs, J. (2023). Defining young people’s mental health self-care: A systematic review and Co-development approach. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 33(11), 3765-3785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-023-02320-7
