Things can get repetitive in a mental health unit, but not to fret! Here are 100 different activities to do that are simple but just as fun and therapeutic. They are appropriate for any staff member to lead, and patients can continue the activity independently or in peer-led groups.

1. Guided journaling using creative prompts
2. Aromatherapy with essential oils
3. Storytelling with picture prompts
4. Painting by number
5. Scrapbooking
6. Learn the basics of sign language
7. Origami decor
8. Making friendship bracelets
9. Learning simple magic tricks or visual illusions
10. Writing letters to your future self
11. Writing appreciation letters to friends and family
12. Decorating reusable tote bags
13. Creating a daily routine (for inside and outside the hospital)
14. Learning and trying out new healthy coping strategies
15. Doing Mad Libs as a group (Mad Libs online)
16. Creating gratitude jars
17. Share book recommendations based on genres
18. Yoga
19. Practice identifying negative thinking patterns
20. DIY mood tracker
21. Making friendship or holiday cards
22. Group karaoke
23. Finger crocheting
24. Learning a new cognitive activity like sudoku
25. Outdoor or indoor gardening
26. Group discussion circles
27. Making a mood-lifting music playlist
28. Group storytelling
29. Pictionary (Pictionary word generator online)
30. Watching calming nature videos
31. Creating a hope box
32. Trivia games
33. Make paper boats that can actually float on water
34. Practicing breathing exercises
35. “Would you rather?”
36. Teaching or sharing a skill that you have
37. Making DIY bookmarks
38. Decorating the unit with artwork and paper decorations
39. Positive self-talk exercises
40. Collaborative art mural
41. Digital vision board
42. Drinking tea and chatting
43. Watching and discussing a movie or documentary
44. Discovering a new music artist/group
45. Learning phrases in a foreign language
46. Self-reflection
47. Beaded bracelets
48. Creating a “wall of wishes” using paper stars
49. Claymaking
50. Change your bed linen or make your bed
51. Playing with a stress-relief toy
52. Creating a personalized self-care checklist
53. Visualizing your goals
54. Charades (charades word generator online)
55. “Try not to laugh” game
56. Group brainstorming sessions
57. Write poetry
58. Bilateral mirror drawing with a buddy
59. Mat pilates
60. Create new snacks based on what’s provided
61. Gratitude sharing circle
62. Simon Says game
63. Volunteer to help with meals or clean-up
64. Drawing self-portraits
65. Setting SMART goals
66. Interpretive dancing
67. Write motivational cards to yourself
68. Listen to a new podcast
69. Relaxing to nature or rain sounds
70. Inspirational quote collage
71. Creating personalized DBT skills flashcards
72. “Never have I ever”
73. Indoor scavenger hunt
74. Sharing cultural traditions
75. Learn to write in cursive or calligraphy
76. Collecting and pressing leaves or flowers
77. Building a tower of cards
78. Movement meditation
79. Reading uplifting news stories
80. Zentangles
81. 20 Questions game with objects in the room
82. Designing a hope tree
83. List as many languages or countries of the world as you can
84. Collaborative coping boxes based on emotion
85. Board games
86. Write and perform a short skit or play
87. Sharing “one good thing” of the day
88. Writing haikus about objects or emotions
89. Paper airplane competition
90. “Name that tune” challenge
91. Write your own lyrics to instrumental music
92. Group rhythm exercise
93. Learn a new card game with a deck of cards
94. Body scan relaxation
95. Create a list of your strengths and best qualities
96. Practice cheerleading statements for interpersonal effectiveness
97. Bodyweight strength training exercises
98. Handwritten appreciation cards for staff or your support network
99. Learn to play chess (or a new chess strategy)
100. Dedicate 5-10 minutes per day to reflect on and appreciate your recovery progress