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Let's be honest, life throws us all curveballs; sometimes you just need a moment to stop, breathe, and find a little pocket of calm amongst the chaos. At ClassBento, we're all about finding joy in community and creativity, but we also know how important it is to look after our minds. So, to mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (12th-18th May 2026) we've gathered some of our team's favourite ways to relax, unwind and find a bit of that elusive inner peace. If you're looking for practical tips to boost your mental wellness, find some effective stress busting techniques, and generally improve your mental health and wellbeing, you're in the right place!
Explore the sensory joy of candles
When I'm feeling low I like to spruce up my space a little. After I've done a clean and tidy, I finish off by lighting a candle (or two, or four!) – and all the better if it's a candle I've made! Then I can take a deep breath, inhale a sweet smell and relax in a clean and tidy space. Sitting by the warm flicker of a candle, things start to feel a little lighter and easier. Phoebe, Creative Content Lead
Who doesn’t adore candles? The gentle glow, the flickering flame, the heavenly scent – what’s not to love? Candle making isn't just about creating a pretty light source though; it's also a sensory experience that can promote relaxation and improve your mental health and wellbeing. The melting, the pouring, the fragrance…it's all incredibly calming! You'll find yourself focusing on the present moment, allowing your worries to fade into the background – plus once you’ve mastered the art of making one candle, the world’s your oyster!
Phoebe’s class recommendation:
A candle making class from Dai-KOR in London.
Our ClassBento crafters said:
Candle loving Shiantelle Johnson spent a happy few hours getting crafty at our candle making class, and told us afterwards:
This class was amazing and my candle smelt great! The hosts were very friendly and knowledgeable, and made the class feel fun and safe. It’s also such a cute space – I loved it and would definitely go back again!
Find serenity in crochet stitches
When I’m feeling stressed or a bit low, I like to settle into the sofa with a blanket, my crochet and my favourite show or a movie. I've been crocheting for so long that my hands do the repetitive movements on autopilot and I can let my brain relax and decompress. I find crochet super therapeutic, so it's the perfect way to chill out for me, and create something cute at the same time! Gemma, UK Lead: Head of Customer Service and Account Management
Crochet? Yes, really! The repetitive motion of the hook and yarn creates a soothing rhythm that can help to calm the mind, leaving you to focus on the intricate patterns and the tactile sensation of the yarn – those daily stresses will be fading into the background before you know it! Starting with a simple project, like a scarf or a small bag, can provide a lovely sense of achievement and will give you a real mood boost. It is a fantastic way to relax and unwind – and super cosy for those chilly winter months!
Gemma’s class recommendation:
A crochet taster workshop from Art Craft Studios in London.
Our ClassBento crafters said:
Budding yarn artist Tina Strack went along to our crochet taster class, and told us afterwards:
This is a perfect taster workshop - I learned 3 stitches and had 90 minutes to practice. The instructor is a good teacher and very patient, and the class is small so you can ask questions if you need to. I can't wait to do another class with her soon. Highly recommended!
Find peace in the natural world
Going for a nice long walk or hike in nature, ideally around lots of trees and water, does wonders for me when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Bonus points if you get to see any local wildlife! Robbie, Business Development Manager
Sometimes, the best way to find peace is to step outside and reconnect with nature – it’s as easy and budget-friendly as that. A simple walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or even just sitting in your garden can have a profound impact on your mental health and wellbeing; the fresh air, the sounds of birdsong, and the sight of green leaves can help to calm the mind and reduce stress. Being outdoors allows you to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural world, a powerful way of stress busting!
Robbie’s class recommendation:
A wild food foraging class from Forage and Fibres in Liverpool.
Our ClassBento crafters said:
Nature loving Lucy Lowe enjoyed a foraging adventure with our wild food class, telling us afterwards:
Wil was a fantastic teacher and super excitable about the world of foraging! He was really informative and showed us a huge variety of different edible plants we could forage! Thank you for a wonderful day.
Experience the therapeutic flow of painting
One of my favourite ways to deal with stress is by taking a walk in my local park with a dog - I’m a dog minder too, so which pooch is keeping me company can vary! - and grabbing a coffee from Longbois Bakery, which is my local favourite. The combination of exercise and a little treat always helps lift my mood.
In the evening or the weekend, I like to do something creative and recently did an Oil Painting Workshop by Fresco Art in Manchester, which was a wonderfully relaxing and fulfilling way to spend an afternoon and forget about life's stresses. Niall, Growth Partner
Painting is a wonderful way to switch off, express your emotions and find a sense of calm. The act of creating something beautiful can be incredibly therapeutic, and whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, you'll find that painting allows you to focus on the present moment, letting go of worries and anxieties. The colours, the textures, and even just adding paint to canvas can be a form of meditation, and is a great way to boost your mental wellness.
Niall’s class recommendation:
A beginners watercolour workshop from ArtistAnd in London.
Our ClassBento crafters said:
Crafter Naja Hussen headed off to our watercolour workshop for beginners, saying:
China's class was so fun and personable, especially for a first timer who has no artistic knowledge or skill. I came out of it with a painting I am proud of!
Soak your stress away
Whenever I feel a bit down or stressed, I have a slow morning to just take some time for myself; have a coffee, do nothing and try to relax. I also feel like getting out for a walk always helps – or failing that, a self-care evening with a bath, candles and a good book is always a winner! Shenice, Customer Service Lead
Ah, the humble bath – a classic for a reason! Creating a proper bath ritual can be a game-changer for your mental health and wellbeing; add some lovely smelling bath salts, light a candle, and put on some soothing tunes. The warmth of the water helps to relax tense muscles, while the quiet atmosphere allows you to disconnect from the world. It’s a truly effective way of stress busting and a boost your mental wellness to boot. It's not a luxury, it's a necessity!
Shenice’s class recommendation:
An aromatherapy bath products workshop from Cedar Lifestyle in Manchester.
Our ClassBento crafters said:
Crafter Claire Fallon had a super relaxing time at our bath products class, telling us:
We had a fantastic afternoon making beautiful aromatherapy products. The class was informative and fun, and best of all we came away with lots of great smelling products. Would highly recommend it!
Harness the healing power of plants
If I’m feeling a bit disconnected or down, the one thing that always helps is digging my hands deep into the soil and really immersing myself in nature. I’m a big fan of gardening and have serious smallholding dreams – but for now, losing myself in sowing seeds, caring for my houseplants and just pottering around amongst the flowers always slows me down and helps me to reset and rebalance. Vicky, Senior Content Writer
There's something wonderfully grounding about getting your hands into the earth; you’ll find yourself focusing on the textures of leaves, the colours of flowers, and the simple act of being outdoors and creating something beautiful. The slow, deliberate actions of potting and arranging plants and sowing seeds can help to quieten the mind, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. It’s a brilliant way of stress busting, allowing you to disconnect from screens, work and those daily worries, and reconnect with the natural world. Not got a garden? Don’t worry – even growing a few herbs on your windowsill or balcony can be surprisingly therapeutic, and there’s always the wonderful world of houseplants to dive into!
Vicky’s class recommendation:
An indoor succulent workshop from Emma Kelsey in Glasgow.
Our ClassBento crafters said:
Nature loving Zoe Watters headed off to our succulent class, and told us afterwards:
The workshop was so informative with a lovely selection of plants to use in your custom garden. Emma was so knowledgeable about the plants and how to care for them, and was super helpful and accommodating when it came to building the gardens. The shop is gorgeous and I would definitely recommend a visit!
Nourish the mind in the kitchen
For me, the best way to unwind is cooking. Even just thinking about what I want to eat that evening is a great way to transport myself to a different place or to a memory of a great holiday!
I find choosing my ingredients a really mindful activity; imagining the flavours and textures, and anticipating the aromas just whisks me off to a different place entirely! Plus the prep time is always a favourite – I put on my music and chop, mash, mix my way through my favourite playlists. Better than a workout at the gym!
And the best part – in my house the cook never washes up! Paula, Business Development Manager
Cooking isn't just about feeding your body; it's about feeding your soul. There's a certain magic in the simple act of chopping vegetables, the satisfying sizzle of ingredients in a pan, and those comforting smells of a dish coming together. In those moments, your focus shifts, your worries fade, and you become fully present. Whether you're whipping up a quick weeknight meal or embarking on a culinary adventure full of exotic flavours, the act of cooking provides a moment of mindful creation that calms the mind and soothes the spirit.
Paula’s class recommendation:
A Thai cookery class from Cooking with Jinny in Manchester.
Our ClassBento crafters said:
Keen cook Sally Hollinshead went on a global taste tour with our Thai cooking class. She told us afterwards:
Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, and held at a lovely location. Everything was so well thought out. Very relaxed atmosphere and a lot of fun. Jinny was professional, and put a lot of effort into making this course the best experience. Can’t wait to book another one!
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Discover tranquility through scent
Listening to music always helps me, whether I need to focus, wind down or pick myself up after a hard day. Putting on a CD or record and lighting a candle or some incense makes it a bit of a mini ritual, too! Dan, Content Writer
Scent has a powerful impact on our emotions, and it’s widely thought that burning incense can help to create a calming atmosphere – plus, it promotes relaxation as well! The gentle aroma of sandalwood, lavender, or frankincense can help to quieten the mind and reduce anxiety, making it a brilliant way to relax and unwind, and a great tool for stress busting. Creating a daily ritual of lighting incense can be a super simple but effective way to improve your mental wellness; you'll find yourself taking a moment to breathe deeply, focusing on the fragrant smoke and allowing your thoughts to settle.
Dan’s class recommendation:
A goose pear incense class or incense jewellery making workshop from Zoey Filligree in London.
Our ClassBento crafters said:
Crafter Lara Monday headed off to our incense jewellery class, and said afterwards:
It was amazing, we had lots of fun and everyone was really helpful. It was great to find out how incense is made and the meaning behind each of the different smells. Would definitely recommend – and the parrot is so cute!
In today's whirlwind world, prioritising our mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity. Taking the time to switch off, disconnect from the daily grind, and engage in crafty adventures can be a powerful way to give yourself a much-needed boost. Whether it's the focused calm of pottery, the vibrant joy of painting, or the rhythmic satisfaction of crocheting, these activities will give you the chance to quieten the mind, express yourself, and rediscover the simple pleasure of creativity.
At ClassBento, we're passionate about the power of creativity to enhance wellbeing, and we're proud to partner with Mental Health UK, donating to their vital work with every booking. So, as you explore new hobbies and nurture your own mental wellness, you're also contributing to a cause that makes a real difference. It's a win-win! Remember, investing in your mental health is an investment in your overall happiness and resilience. Go on, give yourself the gift of creativity and a little bit of calm – you deserve it.
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