We get it - being a teen feels tougher than ever. Between school, sports, social media and all the clubs, practices and family commitments that fill your days, it’s a lot. Sometimes, you just need to slow down, settle in and recharge your batteries. And as always, we’re here to help.
Instead of mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, try swapping in some crafts, movies, books and creative projects. Here’s to kicking back productively – and happily embracing your inner couch-potato!
Color. Just color.
If you want to give your brain a break but still feel like you’re doing something, grab some colored pencils or crayons, print out a few coloring sheets from Creativebug, and let your imagination run wild. Here are some of our favorite coloring sheets (free with your library card):
- Greta and the Animals Coloring Page
- Butterflies Coloring Page
- You Are Magic Coloring Page
- Yayoi Kusama Coloring Page
Doodle for Fun
Drawing doesn’t have to stay confined to the margins of your homework or the corners of your notes. Let your creations take center stage by sketching with intention – just for fun.
If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, both Creativebug and Udemy offer beginner-friendly online video classes on how to draw. Here are a few to get you started:
- Manga Drawing: How to Draw Faces
- Basic Line Drawing
- How to Draw Cute Cartoon Characters
- How to Draw/Sketch for Complete Beginners
Watch a Movie
Nothing says “couch potato” like settling in for a great movie (or several ... or an entire season of a show ... we won’t judge!) Here are some highlights on Kanopy, a free video streaming service that you can watch without even leaving the comfort of your couch. A few recommendations:
- Sonic the Hedgehog: The new Sonic movies are better than they have any right to be. (Re)watch the first one for a laugh and a feel-good time.
- Yu-Gi-Oh!: It’s time to d-d-d-d-DUEL! Watch the first few seasons of the classic card-battling anime for a nostalgic trip.
- April and the Extraordinary World: Talking animals, cyborg rats and the quest for immortality make this award-winning animated movie a pure joy to watch.
- Terror in Resonance: If you’re looking for something a little heavier, try this dark political commentary, set in an alternate timeline, directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (of Cowboy Bebop fame).
Read a Rook
You knew this suggestion was coming – and here it is!
While we have thousands of young adult titles waiting for you, here are a few popular new ones to get you started:
- Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins: The latest entry in the Hunger Games series, which tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy’s Games, is one of the biggest books of 2025. It’s likely to remain a hot topic in 2026 with the release of the movie adaptation.
- Legendborn by Tracy Deonn: This fantasy series is bursting with Black Girl Magic and will grip you from the start.
- Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo: An elite spy marries a deadly assassin and adopts a telepathic child. The catch? He has no idea that he’s married an assassin or adopted a telepath. Ensue hijinks, hilarity and a surprising amount of heart.
Start Your Dream Project
Podcast, novel, song – whatever your creative spark looks like, you can absolutely pursue it from the comfort of your couch. Udemy offers thousands of online courses to help you get started.
A few inspiration boosters:
- The Podcast Masterclass: The Complete Guide to Podcasting
- Writing With Flair: How To Become An Exceptional Writer
- The Complete EDM Production Course - Produce, Mix & Master
Have fun, fellow couch potato! Recharge, relax and enjoy some low-stress creativity – you've earned it.
