19 Virtual Mental Health Awareness Month Activities
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to encourage individuals to take care of their mental well-being. Many workplaces are still operating remotely or with a hybrid model, which means that traditional in-person events with your entire team may not be possible. However, there are still plenty of virtual mental health awareness month activities that companies can organize to show their support for mental health and help their employees thrive.
How to celebrate Mental Health Day online
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Health Day virtually this year? Here are 20 ideas to get started:
Host a virtual mental health fair
Organize a virtual book club
Start a mental health gratitude journal
Schedule a virtual yoga class
Host a virtual art therapy session
Provide virtual mental health screenings
Offer virtual support groups
Schedule a virtual meditation session
Host a virtual speaker series
Provide virtual resources
Schedule a virtual cooking class
Offer virtual mental health coaching
Schedule a virtual wellness challenge
Provide virtual mental health first aid training
Hold a virtual mental health art exhibit
Offer virtual mental health coaching for managers
Host a virtual self-care workshop
Create a virtual mental health resource center
Keep reading to see how you can make these ideas a reality!
1. Host a virtual mental health fair
Bring together mental health professionals to provide valuable resources and information to employees. Consider offering breakout sessions on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, and self-care. By providing these resources, employees can gain valuable tools and strategies to manage their mental health, leading to improved well-being and increased productivity in the workplace..
2. Organize a virtual book club
Choose a book related to mental health, such as "Lost Connections" by Johann Hari, and host a virtual book club discussion. This can provide employees with an opportunity to connect with one another and learn more about mental health.
3. Start a mental health gratitude journal
Encouraging employees to write down things they are grateful for each day related to their mental health is a simple yet effective way to promote mental health awareness. It can help employees focus on the positive aspects of their lives, boost their mood, and reduce stress. By taking just a few minutes each day to reflect on what they are grateful for, employees can improve their mental health and overall well-being.
4. Schedule a virtual yoga class
Yoga has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental well-being, making it an ideal activity to include in your virtual mental health awareness month activities. Try arranging for a virtual yoga instructor to lead a class for employees. This can be done during work hours or as an after-work activity to promote relaxation and improve mental health. Employees can participate from the comfort of their own homes, making it a convenient and accessible activity.
5. Host a virtual art therapy session
Art therapy can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental health. By encouraging employees to express themselves creatively, they can tap into their emotions and reduce anxiety. Bring in an art therapist to lead a virtual session for employees, where they can learn about the benefits of art therapy and participate in creative exercises.
6. Provide virtual mental health screenings
Encouraging employees to take a brief mental health screening is an important step in promoting mental health awareness and identifying potential mental health concerns. By offering a simple online assessment, employees can easily evaluate their mental well-being and identify areas that may require additional support. Be sure to provide resources and referrals for those who may need additional support, such as access to mental health professionals or employee assistance programs.
7. Offer virtual support groups
Create virtual support groups for employees who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. This can provide a safe and supportive environment for employees to connect and share their experiences, as well as provide accountability and support partners for those who are struggling to navigate their mental health.
8. Schedule a virtual meditation session
Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Find a virtual meditation instructor to lead a session for employees.
9. Hold a virtual mental health trivia game
Hosting a virtual mental health trivia game is a fun and interactive way to engage employees and test their knowledge of mental health topics. This activity can help raise awareness about common mental health issues, reduce stigma, and encourage employees to prioritize their mental health.
Bar None Games offers a fully themed Mental Health Awareness Month trivia event with content that is both engaging and educational.
10. Host a virtual speaker series
Inviting mental health experts to speak on various topics related to mental health is an excellent way to raise awareness and promote mental well-being in the workplace. Consider hosting virtual sessions where experts can share their knowledge and expertise on topics such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience. These sessions can help employees develop valuable skills and strategies to manage their mental health and promote a culture of well-being in the workplace.
11. Provide virtual resources
Offering employees access to virtual resources related to mental health can be a valuable way to promote mental well-being and support employees who may be struggling with mental health concerns. Consider providing access to online support groups, self-help guides, and mental health apps that employees can use to manage their mental health and seek support when needed.
12. Schedule a virtual cooking class
Cooking can be a fun and engaging way to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Consider finding a virtual cooking instructor to lead a class for employees, where they can learn new recipes and cooking techniques. This can be a great opportunity for employees to take a break from work and engage in a creative and enjoyable activity.
13. Offer virtual mental health coaching
Offering employees access to virtual mental health coaching can be an effective way to support their mental health and well-being. These services provide employees with confidential support and guidance from trained mental health professionals, helping them to manage stress and build resilience.
14. Schedule a virtual wellness challenge
Encouraging employees to participate in a virtual wellness challenge, such as a step challenge or mindfulness challenge, can be an effective way to promote physical and mental health. Wellness challenges can help employees establish healthy habits, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being, contributing to a positive and productive workplace culture.
15. Provide virtual mental health first aid training
Offer employees virtual mental health first aid training to help them identify and respond to mental health crises. Virtual mental health first aid training can be a valuable tool for empowering employees to recognize the signs of mental health issues and respond appropriately, helping to create a supportive and informed workplace culture where mental health concerns are taken seriously and addressed with care and compassion.
16. Hold a virtual mental health art exhibit
Hosting a virtual art exhibit to showcase employees' artwork related to mental health can be a meaningful way to promote mental health awareness and encourage creative expression, while also fostering a sense of community and connection among employees. Encourage employees to submit artwork related to mental health, such as paintings or photographs, and host a virtual art exhibit to showcase their work.
17. Offer virtual mental health coaching for managers
Provide managers with virtual mental health coaching to help them support their employees' mental well-being. Providing managers with virtual mental health coaching can equip them with the tools and resources needed to effectively support their employees' mental well-being, creating a more compassionate and supportive work environment.
18. Host a virtual self-care workshop
Bring in a self-care expert to lead a virtual workshop on self-care strategies that employees can use to improve their mental health. A self-care workshop led by an expert can provide employees with practical tips and tools for prioritizing their mental health, helping to reduce stress, boost resilience, and improve overall well-being.
19. Create a virtual mental health resource center
Compile a list of virtual resources related to mental health, such as webinars, podcasts, and online support groups, and make them easily accessible to employees. Providing a curated list of virtual resources related to mental health can help employees find valuable information and support, as well as promote ongoing education and awareness about mental health topics.
How can I promote stress relief at work?
Promoting mental health at work shouldn’t be limited to the month of May. Stress is a common problem in the workplace, and it can have a significant impact on employee well-being and productivity. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize stress relief at work. Here are some ideas for promoting stress relief in the workplace:
Encourage breaks: Encourage employees to take regular breaks throughout the day, even if it's just a few minutes to stretch or take a walk. This can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
Provide stress management resources: Offer employees resources on stress management, such as online courses, workshops, and access to mental health professionals.
Create a calming environment: Create a calming environment in the workplace by incorporating natural elements like plants or providing calming scents like lavender.
Foster a culture of open communication: Encourage open communication between managers and employees to promote a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their stress levels.
Offer flexible work arrangements: Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to help employees balance their personal and professional responsibilities.
Promote physical activity: Encourage employees to engage in physical activity, such as yoga or walking meetings, to help reduce stress and increase productivity.
Recognize and reward hard work: Recognize and reward employees for their hard work and contributions to the company. Feeling appreciated can help reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.
Prioritize work-life balance: Encourage employees to prioritize their work-life balance by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time.
Incorporating stress relief strategies into the workplace can benefit both employees and employers by promoting a healthier and more productive work environment. By creating a supportive culture that prioritizes stress relief and well-being, employers can help their employees thrive both professionally and personally.
Host virtual Mental Health Awareness Month trivia with Bar None Games
Mental Health Awareness Month is a crucial time for companies to prioritize the mental well-being of their employees. These virtual mental health awareness month activities provide an opportunity to create a supportive environment that promotes mental health and well-being. Companies can choose the activities that fit their unique culture and resources, and show their employees that they are committed to supporting their mental health. By taking these small steps, employers can help make Mental Health Awareness Month a success and foster a healthy work environment.