Mental health activities bingo

If your brain sometimes feels like it has too many tabs open, you're not alone. Mental health is a journey, full of ups and downs. And while no game can replace professional support, our Mental Health Bingo offers a playful reminder of the many paths to well-being.

Whether you're a teacher looking for a classroom icebreaker, a team leader promoting wellness in the workplace, or just someone wanting a more mindful way to relax, mental health bingo is a fantastic choice. Below, we’ll explore different ways to play and how this simple game can make a positive impact.

What is mental health bingo?

Mental health bingo is similar to traditional bingo, but instead of numbers, the squares are filled with activities that promote well-being. Each square might feature something like "Take a 10-minute walk", "Practice deep breathing", or "Compliment someone". The goal? Complete a row or column of self-care activities and shout "Bingo!"—though really, everyone’s a winner here.

How to play mental health bingo: Step-by-step

1. Create or download your bingo card
   Choose a pre-made mental health bingo card or create your own using our bingo card generator. Customize the card with self-care activities that suit your needs or group.
2. Distribute the cards
   Share the bingo cards with all participants. If you're playing solo, make sure you have your card handy.
3. Set the rules
   Decide on the time frame for the game (e.g., one week) and how many activities need to be completed in a row to call “Bingo!”—typically five in a line, column, or diagonal.
4. Complete the activities
   Throughout the game period, complete the activities on your card. Mark off each one as you go.
5. Check for bingo
   Once you’ve completed a line, column, or diagonal, you’ve got Bingo! If playing with a group, share your accomplishment and encourage others.

Sample mental health bingo card activities

• Practice mindfulness for 5 minutes.
• Drink a glass of water.
• Write down 3 things you’re grateful for.
• Listen to your favorite song.
• Declutter a small space.
• Stretch for 5 minutes.
• Say something positive to yourself.
• Spend 15 minutes on a hobby.
• Read a chapter of a book.
• Reach out to a friend.

These are just a few examples, and the best part is you can customize the activities based on what resonates most with you or your group.

Different ways to play mental health bingo

One of the best things about mental health bingo is its flexibility. Whether you’re playing solo, with a small group, or in a large virtual meeting, there’s a way to make it work. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Solo challenge

Perfect for individuals who want to incorporate more self-care into their routine. Set a time frame, like a week or a month, and aim to complete as many activities as possible. You can reward yourself with a treat after achieving bingo or completing the entire card.

2. Group wellness game

If you’re in a group setting—like a classroom or office—play together! Give everyone a card and set aside a time to check in on progress. Encourage sharing experiences, but remember to keep it supportive and non-judgmental. This can be a great team-building activity that promotes mental well-being.

3. Virtual bingo

With remote work and virtual hangouts being more common, why not play over a video call? Use a shared bingo card generator to distribute unique cards to everyone. Players can share their completed activities in the chat or by holding up their cards to the camera.

4. Family fun time

Mental health bingo can be a fun family activity too! Customize the card with kid-friendly activities, like “Draw a picture of something that makes you happy” or “Do a silly dance for 5 minutes”. It’s a great way to teach children about self-care in an engaging way.

5. Competitive streak

If your group loves a little friendly competition, add a prize for the first person to complete a bingo line. Just remember, the real reward is the boost in well-being from participating!

6. Daily check-in bingo

Turn mental health bingo into a daily ritual by focusing on just one or two activities each day. At the end of the day, have a quick check-in with yourself or your group to reflect on what you did and how it made you feel. This version encourages consistent engagement and can help build a sustainable self-care habit over time. It’s perfect for slowly integrating more mindfulness into a busy schedule.

Why play mental health bingo?

Incorporating small, manageable activities into your daily routine can have a big impact on mental health. Here’s why mental health bingo works:

• It’s accessible: You don’t need special skills or equipment—just a willingness to participate.
• It’s flexible: Play alone or with others, in-person or virtually. Customize the activities to suit your needs.
• It’s fun: Turning self-care into a game makes it feel less like a chore and more like something to look forward to.
• It’s motivating: Sometimes, we need a nudge to prioritize our mental health. Bingo provides that nudge in a playful, non-intimidating way.

Creating your own mental health bingo card

Feeling inspired to create your own mental health bingo card? You can easily make one using Bingo Card Creator. Our tool allows you to customize the card with activities that matter most to you or your group. Plus, you can generate cards for up to 2,000 players, perfect for large events or organizations.

Top tip

When creating a mental health bingo card, consider the preferences and needs of your group. Not everyone enjoys meditation or journaling, and that's okay! The goal is to make self-care accessible and enjoyable, so mix up the activities to include a variety of options.

Pre-made mental health bingo cards

Why not browse our range of pre-made mental health bingo cards to keep the game going?

Final thoughts

Mental health bingo is more than just a game—it’s a reminder to take a break and focus on ourselves, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Whether you’re playing solo or with a group, remember: the most important win is taking the time to care for your well-being.

So, ready to give it a try? Grab your mental health bingo card, start checking off those activities, and enjoy a little self-care—bingo style.