10 Simple Crafting Recipes for Bad Mental Health Days

Painting a birdhouse is simple and requires little energy. The best part is that since there are endless color combinations, you can adjust the task based on your mood and energy level. For example, a single-color birdhouse works well for rough days, but if you are feeling up to it, you can add more colors and even glitter. All you need to get started is a painting kit and a wooden birdhouse. If you are not the best at crafting, no problem. Lots of online retailers and craft stores have a selection of pre-made birdhouses for you to choose from. 

Slime is a fun, gooey, and stretchy DIY recipe that is popular with kids, but you are never too old to try it yourself. All you need is white glue, colored glue, shaving cream (the whipped, foamy kind), and liquid starch. For stretchier slime, you can also add saline solution, but this step is optional. Finally, add food coloring and glitter to give your slime to have that extra oomph. Check out these step-by-step instructions to get started.

Custom stress balls are excellent for grounding because they are tactile, meaning they engage your sense of touch. All you need is a 12-inch balloon, a funnel, and a filler material such as rice, flour, or water beads. The balloon can be any color or pattern. Alternatively, use a plain balloon and draw faces with a permanent marker. Keep in mind that since balloons degrade over time, these stress balls last anywhere from a week to four months, depending on how often you play with them. Replace the stress ball the moment you see any tears or holes to keep from making a mess. Watch the video tutorial here. 

There is nothing better than a warm bath after a stressful day, but why not take it even further? Store-bought bath bombs are expensive, but fortunately, you can make your own at home with simple ingredients. Once your bath bombs are ready, run the bath and wait until the tub is full before dropping one in the water. Watching the fizz from the bath bomb is exciting while the relaxing essential oils released afterwards are an added bonus. Bath bombs also make the perfect gift for birthdays and parties. Read the guide here to get started. 

Origami is not only versatile but also tactile. Using origami paper or even just plain printer paper, you can make all sorts of objects and creatures. The paper is colorful and often the only tools you need are your hands and a pair of scissors, depending on the recipe. The simplest way to begin is with origami fish. Read how to make your own adorable fish here. 

Soap is soft, soothing, and surprisingly easy to make at home. All you need is a soap base and your favorite fragrance. As a word of caution, avoid soap recipes that involve using lye, otherwise known as sodium hydroxide, because this material can be dangerous to work with at home. Instead, follow these step-by-step instructions to make a soap recipe using a melt-and-pour base. 

With just some glue, glitter, and mod podge, you can turn an ordinary mason jar into a delightful candle holder. These cute decorations add shine and sparkle to any room. To top it off, the recipe requires little energy. Watch the video tutorial here. 

Wax melts are simple and even easier to make than a candle. However, similar to candles, each one comes with a relaxing smell of your choice. All you need to do is add a pleasant essential oil or fragrance oil. Since wax melts don’t have a wick, you also have the option of adding mica powder or even crayons for coloring the wax. The scent will last for around 10-15 hours. Watch the video tutorial here.

Charm bracelets are another recipe that is popular with kids because of their simplicity. Bracelets are also highly customizable. Add your favorite colors and shapes along with matching beads for that personal touch. You can even make a matching bracelet as a gift for a friend. Read how to make your own bracelet here. 

Did you know that all it takes to make homemade clay is water, baking soda, and cornstarch? Smooth and versatile, clay is the basis for many other DIY recipes, such as making mini cacti for example. You’ll never have to run to the store again! To make your own clay, follow this tutorial here. 

DIY is a fun and beginner-friendly way to practice mindfulness. Plus, there is nothing more satisfying than making something on your own. Pick your favorite of these recipes and have fun crafting!