Over the last fifteen years, mental health problems in high school students have been dramatically increasing. In 2019, the CDC released its Youth Risk-Behavior Surveillance Data Summary & Trends Report and reported that more than one in three of the students surveyed had experienced “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness”. This is a 40% increase from 2009. They also found that, shockingly, one in five students had seriously considered suicide, with about 16% having a suicide plan.
With instant access to social media- insecurities, bullying, anxiety, and loneliness are at an all-time high. We, as educators, have the opportunity to bring awareness to these issues within our classrooms and work with our students to implement coping methods. Here are 32 mental health activities that will help raise awareness in your high school classroom. Use them to be a part of the positive change we want to see in our teens!
1. Self-Care Coping Methods
A great mental health activity is teaching coping methods to your high school students. Mallory Grimste shares 10 excellent resources for teaching your teens self-care. Redefining rest, encouraging self-compassion with positive self-talk, and connecting with loved ones are some of the best self-help practices that she describes.
Learn More: Mallory Grimste
2. Nature Walks
It’s true what they say- nature heals! Spending time in nature has been linked to lower depression and anxiety levels. If possible, try to take your class on a nature walk on or off campus at least once a week; you could use this BINGO sheet to encourage them to observe their surroundings as they go!
Learn More: Project Learning Tree
3. Classroom Garden
Studies have shown that gardening can help reduce cortisol levels which can help manage feelings of anxiety. Your teens will be excited to nurture their own class garden by doing something that gets them out of their minds and into their bodies; exponentially improving their mental health!
Learn More: Growing Minds
4. Classroom Pet
Having a classroom pet could dramatically lower the cortisol levels of your students. Studies show that pets are proven to reduce stress and anxiety- as well as depression and loneliness. Certain animals have even been known to assist during panic or anxiety attacks. When one of your teens is having a bad day, give them the responsibility of taking care of the pet to boost their mental state.
Learn More: Western Governors University
5. Tea Station
Who doesn’t feel better after a cup of tea? Drinking tea is another proven method to lower cortisol levels. We love this unique idea of setting up a tea station in your classroom; providing your students with free access to sip on it while they learn.
Learn More: Nature
6. Self-Esteem Portrait
This art project will build the self-esteem of your high schoolers by encouraging them to focus on their positive personality attributes. With this template, your kids can draw a self-portrait and cut out different affirmations or write in their own words to describe all of the qualities they love about themselves.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
7. Sticky Note Affirmation Cards
Give your students the opportunity to lift up their classmates with these adorable, printable templates made for sticky notes. They include headers that say things like “Shoutout”, “I appreciate you because” and, “You’re amazing because.” Keep them available for easy access and encourage your kids to write their peers positive affirmations and stick them to a bulletin board.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
8. Affirmation Station
Why not build an affirmation station in your classroom? Simply set up a mirror and tape inspirational quotes around the edges. This is the perfect dose of daily encouragement to remind your high school students of their worth.
Learn More: Instagram
9. Mood Tracker
Bullet Journals are a great way for your students to monitor their daily habits. In doing so, they’ll make their own trackers for things like their emotions, sleep patterns, food intake, and things that trigger them. By bringing awareness to their day-to-day behaviors- they’ll be able to see where they need to add some better self-care practices into their lives.
Learn More: About Social Anxiety
10. Gratitude Journals
A study by UC Davis showed that a daily gratitude practice contributed to lower cortisol levels, which we know reduces both anxiety and other mental health issues. Why not start the day by giving your class a few minutes to journal a list of things they are grateful for in their life; setting the mood for a happier learning period.
Learn More: Etsy
11. Adult Coloring Books
Coloring books are an excellent creative outlet and stress reducer for anyone! Create an adult coloring book station and prompt your students to access it during their free time.
Learn More: Amazon
12. Writing Prompts
Here are 175 insightful, non-academic writing prompts for you to implement in your classroom. Included are some great exercises to help your high schoolers process their emotions and thoughts. Beginning or ending your class with writing is an easy way to check in with their daily mental health conditions.
Learn More: Kids ‘n Clicks
13. Yoga
Introducing yoga in the classroom is a fun way to give your students a break from their work and a chance to breathe and relax. Not only is this a great physical activity for them, but it’s also a mental release. Participating may even inspire them to build a consistent yoga routine at home!
Learn more: YouTube
14. Reading Hour
Once a month, we encourage you to set aside a class period that’s dedicated to reading. Your teens can bring in pillows, blankets, snacks, and their favorite chapter book. A quiet and calm hour will allow their nervous systems to reset as they relish in some quiet time.
Learn More: Teach Hub
15. Art Therapy Exercises
We love this resource that’s been developed by an art therapist as it provides effective techniques to manage anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Your kids can complete the art exercises when they have extra time in class as a way to independently practice stress management techniques.
Learn More: Amazon
16. Group Discussions
You never want your students to feel alone in terms of processing their emotions in isolation. When we invite them to have group discussions in the classroom, we are offering them a safe space to talk about their struggles and their mental health issues. Fostering a community and letting them know that it is okay to speak about their problems and fears is sure to be a game changer!
Learn More: Everyday Health
17. Circle of Control
When your students’ thoughts are spiraling and distracting them from learning, here’s a coping method that you can teach them to observe what they can and can’t control. When they’re able to acknowledge what they actually have control over, they can better manage their fears, anxieties, and worries.
Learn More: Book Widgets
18. Tennis Ball Toss
Who would’ve thought that a simple tennis ball could lead to an amazing lesson about resilience? In this lesson, you can address mental health awareness- exploring how we can take note of it in ourselves and in others. We find this to be a very helpful idea that can spark an effective mental health discussion.
Learn More: YouTube
19. Mindful Meditation Sessions
Why not get your learners to slow down for a second? Incorporate a 10-minute mindful meditation session into your students’ daily or weekly routine. Guide them to focus their attention on their breath or let a clever app, known as Calm, lead the way.
Learn More: YouTube
20. Digital Detox Day
They may resist it, but taking the time for a tech break will help your students reset and enhance their focus in other, more important areas! Dedicate one day each month for them to unplug and step away from the mayhem of the digital realm. Fill the day with non-screen activities like reading, drawing, or even a friendly soccer match outside. In the end, they’ll thank you for the refreshing pause from screen life.
Learn More: Everyday Health
21. Mental Health Book Club
Take a break from the textbooks and introduce your students to an age-appropriate self-help book! If you establish a classroom book club, your learners could have an even better opportunity to improve their mental health by exploring various pieces of related literature. They can tackle real-world issues that are affecting them or their peers- while having deep and insightful discussions.
Learn More: Oprah Daily
22. Resilience Workshops
Sometimes we may need to introduce our kids to life skills like how to build resilience. Play a TEDx Talk or host workshops that arm your students with practical strategies for overcoming life’s ups and downs. Think self-care techniques, problem-solving, and power-posing for confidence. Before you know it, they’ll be mini gurus who are ready to present their own TEDx Talk!
Learn More: YouTube
23. Cooking Classes
Who’s hungry for some life skills? If you have access to an on-campus kitchen, get permission to bring your class there and teach them how to whip up some nutritious meals! In the process, teach them how their food choices affect their mental health and give them some recipes to try out at home!
Learn More: Southern Living
24. Personal Growth Project
Time for your students to do some soul-searching with this personal growth lesson plan! Allow them to take a semester-long quest for personal growth in all areas of their life. Whether it’s mastering the ukulele or getting fit, regular check-ins offer golden opportunities for reflection. As they move through the weeks, get them to keep track of their growth with this visual mind map that displays their goals!
Learn More: One Community Global
25. Body Positivity Campaign
The Be Body Positive campaign is all about your teens loving the skin they’re in! By hanging the flag you’re celebrating individual uniqueness. Use visuals, discussions, and even a hashtag to create a wave of self-love in your classroom.
Learn More: Body Whys
26. Letter To Future Self
In this activity, you’ll invite your high schoolers to pen letters to their future selves- filled with their current dreams and dilemmas. Once complete, seal them up and make a big event of reopening them at the end of the year. They’ll be surprised at how much they’ve grown and achieved!
Learn More: Twinkl
27. Peer Support Program
Who better to lend an ear than a classmate? Set up a peer support program that lets your students take the initiative to be each other’s sounding boards. Train them in active listening and you’ll have a classroom that’s not just a learning space, but a support network too!
Learn More: Peer Support Australia
28. Positive Visualization Exercises
Visual meditation exercises can help your teens explore future versions of themselves that paint positive outcomes and scenarios. It’s a mind trick that’s been proven to lighten moods and shift perspectives- making everyday challenges seem a little less daunting.
Learn More: Psych Central
29. Emotion Expression Through Dance
Get your students to shake off their stress with this next idea! Invite them to channel their inner Bruno Mars or Beyoncé by hosting a dance session that’s both liberating and therapeutic, plus- there’s that little endorphin rush afterward!
Learn More: YouTube
30. Career Counseling Sessions
The typical question your teens can’t escape- “What do you want to be when you grow up” can trigger some worries about the future. That’s why we suggest giving your students a head start with career counseling. If you don’t have one on campus, start by giving them personality tests or allowing them to partner up and practice their interviewing skills. A little guidance is sure to reduce their fears and boost their mental health entirely.
Learn More: Medium
31. Biographical Study Of Famous Personalities
Celebrities, like everyone else, also struggle with mental health. Captivate your students’ interest in mental health discussions by letting them go on deep dives into the lives of famous people who’ve faced mental health challenges. They’ll feel less alone when they see that their favorite artists or actors have also struggled with the same, or similar, issues.
Learn More: Edraw Max
32. Sleep Hygiene Workshop
Getting a good night’s rest is a huge factor in your teens’ overall health and well-being! Conduct a workshop that’s all about the importance of sleep. Discussing sleep-friendly habits will encourage them to get more rest and show up to school focused and ready to learn!
Learn More: YouTube
Isometric Math Activity Ideas: Scale Drawing, Blocks Play, Illustrations, And Video Resources