25 Practical Tips to Boost Your Wellbeing

Written in collaboration with Mental Health UK

One in four of us experience mental health problems every year in the UK. Reflect on that for a second. It means that you, someone in your family, your workplace or your group of friends may be struggling with their mental health as you read this. 

The term mental health simply describes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. We all have mental health and experience periods of poor and good mental health. Many of us will also experience a mental health problem during our lifetime, with currently 1 in 10 people experiencing depression and 1 in 10 people experiencing anxiety disorders.

At ClassBento, we’re on a mission to improve social and mental wellbeing one workshop at a time, by making creative experiences more accessible to everyone. To activate this mission we work alongside Mental Health UK and donate to their charity with every workshop booking. This donation supports the incredible work they do developing tools, advice and programmes to help people manage their mental health, and navigate through periods of poor mental health or mental illness. 

There are many ways we can promote good mental health daily and activities can be as simple as calling a friend or taking some time out to enjoy a hobby.

Here’s some inspo for some easy and practical ways to be kind to yourself, boost your wellbeing and nourish your mind...

Feed your creative side

Creative activities can help us relax, manage stress and live in the moment. Doing something creative can give us a big confidence boost too (yes, you really made that!), and sharing creative hobbies with others only adds to the positive benefits. 

Here are some fun mood-boosting ways you can be more creative…

1. Experience the joy of making – learn to macrame and turn a simple ball of cotton into your own plant hanger for a little green friend (nurturing houseplants is also a great way to boost your mood!).

2. Feel supported with a group of like-minded beginners and a friendly tutor at a group baking or cake decorating class – express yourself by designing fun and fancy patterns with sweet pastel icing.

3. Take some time out for yourself – do something lovely like making your own soap using natural, mood-boosting ingredients and uplifting scents. Then treat yourself to a soothing soak when you get home and breathe in the revitalising aromas. 

4. Learn to paint at home with a budget-friendly online class and reconnect with a hobby you may have enjoyed as a child and have long forgotten. Once you’ve been reminded of some key skills, you’ll have a mindful craft at your fingertips whenever you need a boost.

5. Doodle – take some scrap paper, grab a pen and draw what comes to mind. Squiggles, little characters, shapes, whatever you like! Give yourself a couple of minutes to refresh your eyes, turn away from your screens and scribble away, you could even colour in your mini drawings afterwards. 

Make life better for others

Small acts of kindness can go a long way to support those around you and fill you with a heart-warming sense of gratitude – just think of that warm glow you get when you help a stranger, clear some green space of litter or give someone a compliment.

Some things you can do to spark some happy moments are…

1. Bake for smiles — make some cookies or scones and drop them on a neighbour’s doorstep or a colleague’s desk. It’s a wholesome (and delicious) way to say ‘I care’. 

2. Offer a safe, non-judgemental ear and be supportive when talking about mental health — you can explore how to have conversations about mental health here.

3. Support charities and causes you care about — it’s a great way to make life better for others. Whether that is through donating, volunteering or raising awareness of certain issues, everyone has a unique contribution to make. 

4. Give the gift of time — whether that’s inviting a friend, neighbour or family member for a cuppa or a walk, or carving out some time out to learn something new together. Find a workshop near you or pick a craft kit to be delivered to your door and settle in with a brew or glass of wine to make something and chat. 

5. Treat someone to a burst of creativity – gift this gorgeous candle making kit from Yougi — it even comes with some intention cards to help the recipient savour the moment as they melt soy wax and add soothing essential oils.

Keep active

Find new ways to enjoy the outdoors and absorb the benefits of being creative along with the goodness of fresh air by doing something mindful and crafty in your garden, a local park or the beach. 

Try these crafty ways to indulge in outdoor creativity…

11. Head out on a nature walk in your neighbourhood, whether it’s in the woods, park or around the verges and wild spaces where you live. Actively take in your surroundings and take inspiration from the colours, shapes and textures of nature to put onto paper with paints, crayons or pencil when you get home. 

12. Try a smartphone photography class or a sketching workshop and enjoy a brisk walk, exploring your locality or a place you’ve always wanted to visit whilst learning how to capture the beauty of the light, scenery and forms around you.

13. Walk, talk and make — invite a friend for a walk and take a picnic and some crafts to enjoy you catch up. Embroidery is fun (this kit has a lovely self-affirming statement to sew), try crochet (this beginners’ kit contains everything you need and is super portable!), or have a go at some on-the-move doodling.

14. Sip gin and make your own herbal tea in a beautiful garden — this gin and tea experience is a big treat for when you’re next looking for an idea for a special occasion. Soak up the scents and views of a picturesque country garden, sample some gin and pick herbs to make your own tea!

15. Boost your mood with some al fresco cooking and dining — get creative with some new recipes outside! Pick a warm evening, light the bbq and find some easy recipes to have a go at – we’re keen to try tofu kebabs, grilled miso sweetcorn and toasted bananas with warm melted chocolate! Get a blanket and some cushions and tuck into your al fresco feast as you watch the clouds go by.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Look after your wellbeing, mind, body and soul with healthy daily practices, supercharged with bursts of creativity to boost your wellbeing. Some ways you might like to pep up your daily routines…

16. Get an early start and run, walk or cycle into your day — doing something active before you dive into your responsibilities will fire up the feel-good chemicals in your brain. Snap a photo and keep that upbeat vibe alive by looking at it throughout the day to remind yourself of your early bird accomplishments.

17. Enjoy the moment with a cuppa — give yourself the space and time to make yourself a soothing drink and actually sit back to enjoy it. Go even further by exploring the concept of mindful tea drinking with expert Erica Moore, or make your own coffee cup to bring some extra sparkle to your daily brew.

18. Raise your spirits with little creative breaks — a five-minute doodle or a lunchtime crochet session can really spark your energy and refresh your mindset. Find out more about the art of mindful doodling, or treat yourself to a crochet workshop to kickstart a new hobby.

19. Eat well and often — learning to cook can help save time and money on meal prep and cooking something healthy and delicious for yourself is a wonderful way to care for your mind and body. Enjoy some creative downtime every single day by planning new tasty recipes to nourish yourself with. 

20. Slow it down with a book — reading before bed instead of scrolling on your phone can really ease you into a relaxing night’s rest. Share your favourite reads with your family and friends to keep you motivated. 

Communicate

Open communication and having the opportunity to talk freely about your issues, worries or concerns is key to supporting wellbeing. Journaling, drawing or painting – any way of expressing your feelings through a creative outlet can be the first step to helping articulate what is happening in your mind. 

Some small steps you can take toward sharing and communicating with others…

21. Get your feelings out on the page — acknowledging your own feelings is often the first step in accepting them and being able to share your emotions with others. A gentle way of opening up to yourself is by expressing your emotions through art or craft. Use whatever materials you have at home - paints, crayons, paper - or try an expressive art class and open up through colour, form and texture.

22. Find connection and the security to share in a safe online space – Mental Health UK’s welcoming online community Clic welcomes everyone. It’s a brilliant place to seek mutual support and useful information on wellbeing.

23. Meet like-hearted others by joining groups, activities or workshops that interest you. Whether that’s a local gym class, a walking group or a crafty workshop in your community.

24. Make a little creature to share your worries with — before opening up to friends and family, sharing your thoughts with a little soft toy can help. You don’t have to speak out loud but just holding something soft and comforting whilst you reflect on your thoughts can help you focus your mind. You could even make a little felted pal of your own.

25. Consider having a go at a new hobby to enjoy with your friends, family or workmates and strengthen the relationships with those around you. Taking a beginners’ group class allows you to journey through your new experiences mutually. Sharing creative challenges and successes, and chatting freely as you craft together is a brilliant way to spark some joy and encourage open communication.

All these things can help to give you a sense of calm and stability when the days feel tough, but be a little patient with yourself, it may take time to find out what works for you. 

Maintaining balance in our lives can be challenging at times, but there’s lots of help available. Sign up for Mental Health UK’s balance newsletter to get regular tips on mental health management, activities to support wellbeing and ways to keep up an everyday balance.

If you’re concerned about your mental health or the wellbeing of someone else, seek support from your GP immediately or reach out to Mental Health UK.