A happy place for kids is a safe and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable, loved, and free to explore and express themselves. It could be their favorite park, a corner at home filled with familiar toys, or activities that cater to their interests and developmental needs.
The Happy Place worksheet is a tool that gives kids the opportunity to retreat to their "happy place" as a refuge during overwhelming moments. First, it asks where their happy place is, and then it asks them to describe the things they see, smell, taste, hear, touch, and feel.
Engaging with the worksheet helps kids identify what brings them joy in this imagined space, which can help them recharge and reduce feelings of anxiety. For instance, while their eyes are closed, they can imagine themselves doing activities they enjoy such as playing, riding a bike, or cuddling with their pet.
After completing the worksheet, parents and teachers can support kids by suggesting they do deep breathing while visualizing their happy place. For example, during breaks, they can sit comfortably in their garden or a quiet corner of a classroom, and begin taking deep breaths while imagining their favorite place.
References:
- Liu, J., & Green, R. J. (2023). The effect of exposure to nature on children’s psychological well-being: A systematic review of the literature. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 81, 127846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127846
- Owens, M., & Bunce, H. (2023). The effect of brief exposure to virtual nature on mental wellbeing in adolescents. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-44717-z
- Pressman, S. D., Matthews, K. A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Scheier, M., Baum, A., & Schulz, R. (2009). Association of enjoyable leisure activities with psychological and physical well-being. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71(7), 725-732. https://doi.org/10.1097/psy.0b013e3181ad7978
