31 Powerful Mental Health Activities In The Workplace

Here are 31 mental health activities in the workplace that will have your team in brighter spirits while honoring self-care.

Let’s face it: the office can be a stressful place. Even if you enjoy working with your co-workers and like your boss, there can be periods of intense stress and tumultuous pressure from above. Most people experience burnout because of work which means it’s so important to prioritize mental health in the workplace.

You know what? According to The American Institute of Stress, 83% of workers suffer from work-related stress. An additional 25% report work being the biggest point of stress in their lives. These are large numbers indicating that our mental health at work should be taken seriously.

From active listening sessions to meditation breaks and more, this post will provide you with a variety of tips on how to create a work culture conducive to positive mental health. This blog post covers the various methods and activities that can help promote mental health in the workplace and aid employee well-being.

The bottom line here: It’s a great idea to prioritize your employees’ mental health. Not only will they feel valued but the quality of their work will improve. So keep reading if you’re interested in learning about innovative ideas and exciting opportunities for fostering good mental health habits among your team members!

Mental Health Activities In The Workplace

1. Brainstorming Ideas

Encourage staff members to come up with creative ideas for activities that promote mental health in the workplace.

Stressed out in the office? Let’s brainstorm some fun ways to promote mental health! Maybe we can have a “brain break” room that’s filled with calming essential oils, puzzles, and coloring books.

Or, we could start a walking club during lunch where we get some much-needed Vitamin D and fresh air.

And how about an organized yoga session after work to help relieve stress and reduce anxiety?

The possibilities are endless when we get everyone’s creative juices flowing. So let’s put our heads together and come up with some great ideas to help keep our minds healthy and happy at work!

2. Indoor Picnic Day

Take a break from your desk and organize an indoor picnic day for everyone in the office.

Who says you have to go outside to have a picnic? Bring the sunshine indoors and organize an indoor picnic day for everyone in the office!

It’s time to take a break from the monotony of your desk and enjoy some fun-filled time with your co-workers.

Spread out a checkered blanket, grab some snacks, and let the good times roll. Play some music, chat, and reminisce about your favorite outdoor picnics while staying cozy indoors.

Whether it’s a rainy day or too hot to step outside, an indoor picnic day is the perfect excuse to have loads of fun while lifting everyone’s spirits in the office.

So what are you waiting for? Dust off your picnic basket and let’s get the party started!

3. Coffee & Chat Break

Take a five-minute break for a quick coffee and chat session to help clear the mind and build camaraderie between colleagues.

It’s time to take a much-needed break from the daily grind and indulge in a quick coffee and chat session with your colleagues.

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and some light-hearted banter to help clear the mind and boost morale.

Whether you’re catching up with your work bestie or getting to know someone new, this coffee break is a perfect way to build relationships and strengthen collaborations.

You could even post conversation starters on a bulletin board and have people share their thoughts. It’s a good way to break up the work day — especially during a stressful work week.

So, grab your cup of joe and join your colleagues for some fun chat and laughter. Who knows? You might just end up getting more work done with a refreshed mind and a happier heart.

Let’s sip, chat, and recharge!

4. Yoga & Meditation Sessions

Schedule short yoga or meditation sessions during lunch breaks to promote relaxation and stress reduction.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out at work? Unwind with a short yoga or meditation session during your lunch break!

Taking just a few minutes to stretch and focus on your breath can make a world of difference in your mood and productivity for the rest of the day.

Not only will you feel more relaxed, but you can also improve your physical health by reducing tension and improving circulation.

Grab a mat and come together for some midday mindfulness – your mind (and body) will thank you!

You could even host these as virtual events for remote teams. If you have an active social media presence, do one for your customer community too.

5. Game Night

Have a game night at least once a month, with fun board games or even online gaming sessions to help destress after a long day of work.

Who says games are just for kids? As adults, we still need to unwind and have a little bit of fun after a long day at work.

What better way to do that than by having a game night at least once a month? Stress levels are at an all time high and this is an excellent way to have some fun.

Gather everyone together and break out some classic board games or even try your hand at some online gaming sessions.

Not only will this help you destress, but it will also bring out your competitive side and create some new memories with your coworkers. So go ahead, plan that game night, and let the good times roll!

6. Paint Nite

Gather some supplies like canvas, paint brushes, and paints, then let everyone express themselves with their own artwork!

Get ready to unleash your inner artist and unleash some fun with Paint Nite! Bring out your creativity by gathering the necessary supplies like a canvas, paint brushes, and paint.

It’s time to let loose and express yourself in a way that only you can.

Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a beginner, Paint Nite is the perfect way to channel your emotions and let your imagination run wild.

So, bring your friends or family together and bond over laughter, good conversation, and of course, painting!

With Paint Nite, you’re bound to end up with a masterpiece that you’ll be proud to hang on your wall.

7. Mindfulness Sessions

Encourage employees to practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and improve focus.

Mindfulness is a great way to reduce stress and improve focus in the workplace.

By taking just a few minutes out of their day each week, employees can practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to help them stay calm, grounded and focused on their tasks.

Encourage employees to try different types of mindfulness activities such as deep breathing exercises, guided visualizations, and body scans. These activities can help them relax and stay present in the moment.

Help your employees cultivate a mindful attitude that will allow them to remain engaged with their work while also taking care of their mental wellbeing.

After all, mindfulness is essential for a healthy and productive workplace environment!

8. Mental Health Awareness Training

Educate employees on the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

It’s important to ensure that your employees are aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions.

Many mental health conditions can very easily fall under the radar or can be confused for signs of burnout, fatigue, stress, or other issues, and then they can go undiagnosed. Even if you need to spend a little money on mental health billing software and training, being able to confidently take on mental health from a position of knowledge is the best thing to do.

That’s why it’s essential to offer mental health awareness training during employee orientation, or even on an annual basis.

This type of training can help employees identify the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and burnout.

It can also provide them with tools to help manage their mental health, such as stress management techniques, healthy lifestyle practices, and ways to reach out for support when needed.

By educating your employees on these topics, you can create a safe space for open conversations about mental health and support a positive workplace culture.

By providing mental health awareness training, you can help employees stay mentally healthy and productive at work.

9. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Offer an EAP to provide confidential counseling and support to employees who may be experiencing mental health issues.

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a great way to help employees in need of confidential counseling and support.

It offers short-term counseling, referral services, and other resources that can help improve an employee’s mental health and wellbeing.

The program can provide personalized interventions to assist with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and burnout.

These services can help employees identify the root cause of their stress or mental health issues and work to develop a plan for managing them effectively.

By offering an EAP, you can create a culture that values mental health and empowers employees to take care of their own wellbeing. This can help improve morale and boost productivity in the workplace.

With this kind of program you can provide support to employees who may be struggling with mental health issues and create a safe space for open conversations about mental health.

10. Flexible Work Arrangements

Provide employees with the option to work from home or adjust their schedules to better manage their mental health.

Flexible work arrangements are a great way to give employees the autonomy they need to best manage their mental health.

By offering flexible work options such as remote working, shorter hours, or modified schedules, you can help employees achieve a better work-life balance while still allowing them to be productive and successful in their roles.

11. Walking Meetings

Encourage walking meetings to get the blood flowing and help employees stay focused and productive.

Walking meetings are a great way to promote mental health in the workplace.

By getting up from their desks and moving around, employees can boost their moods, clear their minds, and remain focused on the task at hand.

The physical activity can also help reduce stress and increase productivity. Walking meetings can be a great way to get creative, break down barriers, and promote collaboration among colleagues.

Encourage your employees to take their team meetings or individual conversations outside for fresh air, exercise, and improved mental health.

Walking meetings are a great way to make sure your employees stay mentally healthy and productive.

12. Mental Health Days Off

Allow for mental health days off so that employees can take time to focus on their well-being without having to use their vacation days.

Mental health days off are a great way to allow employees the opportunity to take time off without having to use their vacation days.

These days provide employees with the freedom to focus on themselves and their mental health without worrying about work or feeling guilty for taking a day off.

By allowing mental health days, you can give your employees permission to take care of themselves when needed, which can help them stay healthy and productive.

These days can also allow employees to recharge from burnout and help them stay focused on the tasks at hand when they return to work.

By offering mental health days off you can create a culture of understanding and care in the workplace, which is essential for promoting mental health.

13. 5 Minutes of Journaling

Encourage employees to take 5 minutes each day for journaling.

Journaling is an effective way for people to track their thoughts, feelings, and behaviour and reflect on their mental health journey.

It can also provide insight into patterns of thought and behaviours that may be preventing them from reaching their goals or contributing to poor mental health.

Encouraging employees to journal for five minutes each day can help them stay mindful of their mental health and provide them with an outlet for dealing with stress or challenging emotions.

Journaling can also be a great way to help employees reflect on what has worked well in the past, set new goals, and make plans for the future.

By creating a space for employees to journal, you can help them stay mindful of their mental health and create an environment that promotes self-care.

14. Gift a Self-Care Activity for Mental Health Awareness Month

Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness month? With this on the horizon, we can keep in mind some activities at work to encourage positive mental health.

Why not bring in a masseuse to give everyone a 15-30 minute massage throughout the day? Or maybe offer yoga classes or group meditation sessions.

You could even think about gifting employees a “self-care kit” with items such as essential oils, guided meditations, and journals to help them stay mindful of their mental health.

By offering these activities in the workplace during Mental Health Awareness Month you can encourage a positive mental health culture, foster self-care practices, and show employees that you care about their well-being.

By taking small steps like this we can help create an environment of understanding and compassion for mental health in the workplace. The employee benefits of mental health programs are astounding.

Fun Fact: World Mental Health Day is October 10th.

15. Start Meetings With Positives

Before jumping right into work meetings, it’s a good idea to have everyone say something positive that happened to them recently. The power of positive thinking is not to be understated.

Starting meetings with positives can help boost morale and create a more positive environment. It can also be used as an icebreaker, to help colleagues build rapport with each other and promote collaboration among the team.

Encouraging employees to focus on the positives in their lives rather than dwelling on the negatives can help improve mental wellbeing by reducing stress, improving self-esteem and helping to create a supportive environment.

Starting meetings with positives is an easy way to promote positive mental health in the workplace and show your employees that their wellbeing is important. It’s also a great way to build team morale and foster collaboration among colleagues.

Mental Health Games and Activities for Adults

There are several mental health games and activities that can benefit adults in improving their mental health and well-being. Here are some examples:

Mindfulness meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus and concentration, and improve overall well-being.
Coloring: Coloring is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It can also help improve focus and concentration.
Puzzle games: Playing puzzle games, such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles, can help improve cognitive function and memory.
Journaling: Writing in a journal can help individuals process their emotions, reduce stress, and improve their overall mental health.
Gratitude exercises: Practicing gratitude exercises, such as keeping a gratitude journal or writing thank-you notes, can help improve mood and overall well-being.
Guided imagery: Guided imagery involves imagining a peaceful scene or situation, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall mental health.
Social connection: Engaging in social activities, such as joining a club or attending social events, can help improve mood and overall mental health.

These are just a few examples of mental health games and activities for adults. Use this list to inspire you.

Even adding one or two of these per week can have a positive mental impact on your employees and thus your workplace outcomes.

Mental Health Workshop Ideas

Mental health workshops are a great way to provide education, support, and resources to individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Here are some mental health workshop ideas:

Stress management: This workshop can focus on various stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management.
Building resilience: This workshop can help participants develop resilience skills to cope with life’s challenges, including how to develop positive thinking, emotional regulation, and self-care strategies.
Sleep hygiene: This workshop can provide information and practical tips for getting a better night’s sleep, which can positively impact mental health.
Emotional regulation: This workshop can teach individuals how to identify and manage their emotions in healthy ways, such as through mindfulness, journaling, or therapy.
Self-esteem building: This workshop can help individuals develop self-esteem by exploring their strengths, values, and self-talk patterns.
Anxiety management: This workshop can provide tools for managing anxiety, including cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques and relaxation exercises.
Depression support: This workshop can provide support and resources for individuals who are struggling with depression, including coping strategies, self-care practices, and available treatment options.
Trauma-informed care: This workshop can provide education and support for individuals who have experienced trauma, including understanding triggers, coping mechanisms, and treatment options.

These are just a few examples of mental health workshop ideas. It’s important to tailor the workshop content to the specific needs and interests of the participants.

Make sure you have someone certified come in to host these workshops.

Mental Health Disclaimer

These activities are not a replacement for mental health resources or medical advice. It does not help with things like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, etc.

If your employees have true mental health concerns, they should address them through certified mental health support such as a therapist or psychiatrist. This is one of the best ways to address one’s mental health.

Mental health problems can not be solved by activities in the workplace but offering options for employees and letting them know you care about your employees’ mental health goes a long way.

In Summary: Mental Health Activities In The Workplace

It’s important to prioritize mental health even in the workplace (and even for remote teams).

By implementing activities like brainstorming ideas, having an indoor picnic day, taking coffee and chat breaks, scheduling yoga or meditation sessions, having game night, and Paint Nite into your workflow can help combat stress and foster a healthier work atmosphere for everyone.

Get creative and have fun with it! After all, it doesn’t just have to be about work all the time—a little break every now and then can do wonders for your physical as well as mental health.