10 Best Self-Care Group Activities for Work Meetings

Work meetings (especially when they are back-to-back and long) can make you feel drained.

After all, it is a time to collaborate and make decisions — on top of that, there is also the pressure of contributing to the conversation and the stress of receiving too much information at one time.

Self-care is now a huge part of modern life since it greatly helps mental health by relieving pressure and anxiety. It also relates to increased productivity.

Practicing self-care in a group setting can greatly help attendees recharge and refocus. Group activities create a culture of empathy and mental health awareness that reminds everyone that employees are people too.

Today, we will discuss 10 self-care group activities that can help employees decompress from meetings. If you want to try similar activities, book a demo with us to learn more! 

1. Energize Meetings with Positive Kickoffs

The beginnings of meetings can feel sluggish or packed with tension.

Relieve some of the anxiety and weariness from the get-go by dedicating a few minutes to positive affirmations.

Below are a few things you can encourage the team to share.

• Highlight a recent team or individual achievement
• Express appreciation for the team’s recent efforts
• Share an inspiring quote relevant to the meeting’s purpose

Starting the meeting with positive kickoffs can give the benefits below.

• Boost Morale and Self-Esteem: Celebrate successes and remind everyone of their value.
• Encourage Collaboration: Set a positive tone for open communication and teamwork.
• Improve Focus: When starting on a high note, you are keeping everyone engaged for a productive meeting.

When you have been doing this activity for some time, ask the employees if it translated to a more positive and productive experience for them.

This feedback loop helps you refine your approach, even letting you know which compliments have the most impact.

2. Group Fitness Classes

Group fitness classes offer a fun and physical way to destress from meetings. These classes provide structure, motivation, and various options for different interests and fitness levels.

Below is a glimpse into a few popular choices.

• Unwind and Strengthen with Yoga: This fitness activity combines meditation, stretching, and strengthening poses. It is perfect for improving flexibility, building core strength, and finding inner peace.
• Get Grooving with a Dance Party: Unleash your inner dancer with Zumba or ballroom dancing! These high-energy classes mix fun choreography with cardio for a total workout to leave you feeling better.
• Embrace the Outdoors with Group Sports: Whether it is going on a bike ride or playing team sports, fun outdoor self-care activities offer a chance to get your heart pumping while enjoying the fresh air.

3. Mindfulness and Meditation Groups

Are you looking to reduce stress while also centering yourself? If so, then mindfulness and meditation classes can help.

These classes offer a supportive environment to explore techniques that enhance focus and introspection.

Below are a few options for your mindfulness and meditation classes that you might want to consider.

• Guided Meditation Sessions: Learn techniques for quieting your mind and reducing stress. You will discover tools to improve mental clarity and inner peace through guided meditations.
• Tai Chi or Qi Gong: These gentle practices combine slow movements with mindful breathing exercises. They promote relaxation, improve balance, and cultivate inner awareness.
• Spend Time in Nature with Mindfulness: Combine mindfulness with the restorative power of nature. Group nature walks encourage you to be fully present in the moment, appreciating the natural world’s sights, sounds, and sensations.

4. Art and Craft Workshops

Art and craft workshops offer a fun and creative way to reduce stress.

This activity provides a perfect environment to learn new skills, explore different mediums, and connect with your inner artist. Below are some fun concepts to try.

• Paint and Express: Set your imagination free with painting or drawing sessions. These workshops allow you to experiment with color and form, potentially sparking new ideas and providing a healthy outlet for emotions.
• Craft Something Special: Get hands-on with DIY crafting! Learn new skills like pottery or knitting. These workshops offer a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of creating something unique.
• Bond Over Bites: Master new culinary skills with cooking or baking workshops! Collaborate with others while learning to create delicious dishes.

Making art helps you live in the present moment while boosting your self-esteem since you are producing something tangible with your own effort.

5. Book and Film Clubs

Book and film clubs offer more than just entertainment — they also provide a space for connection and shared experiences.

Choose books or films with themes that inspire, motivate, or offer comfort. These can explore topics like resilience, self-discovery, or building meaningful connections.

You can read or watch together or in everyone’s own time and schedule when to talk about the piece. Share your interpretations, personal reflections, and how the stories resonate with you.

Aside from simply talking about a piece, you can also explore fun activities inspired by the book or film. You can write a brief story based on a character, draw a scene that resonates with you, or create a visual representation of a key theme.

Book and film clubs make shared experiences, allowing a group to connect, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting personal growth.

6. Volunteer Groups

Volunteering is about helping others — but it is also a powerful tool for self-care.

Participating in food banks, homeless shelters, or mentorship programs can give a sense of purpose and connection while reducing stress and fostering positive emotions.

You and your colleagues can engage in beach clean-ups, tree-planting initiatives, or community gardening projects. These activities allow you to connect with nature, contribute to the greater good, and find peace in mindful action.

Volunteering at animal shelters or sanctuaries can also be a heartwarming experience. On top of that, it has proven benefits for reducing stress and promoting calm and happiness.

Volunteering is a win-win for both you and who you are helping!

7. Share Nutritious Breaks

When you are stressed, you may tend to reach for sugary donuts and greasy chips to snack on.

While eating these every once in a while is okay, opting for healthy snacks during breaks can significantly impact your team’s mental health.

Below are a few benefits to convince you to practice mindful eating.

• Brainpower Boost: Nutritious snacks provide a steady stream of energy, promoting focus, concentration, and sharper cognitive function throughout the day.
• Mood Magic: Balanced meals and snacks help control blood sugar levels, contributing to a steadier mood and reduced irritability (which are often experienced during energy dips).
• Overall Health: Healthy choices fuel your body with essential nutrients, promoting healthy habits and supporting long-term emotional, mental, and physical health.

Snack Smart, Not Hard

Below are foods to consider if you want to make healthier choices.

• Fruits and Veggies: Nature’s perfect snack! Options like sliced apples with nut butter, carrot sticks with hummus, or a fresh salad can go a long way.
• Whole Grains and Protein: These keep you feeling satisfied for longer. Try whole-wheat crackers with cheese, yogurt with granola and berries, or homemade trail mix.
• Healthy Fats: These are essential for brain function! Try options like avocado slices, hard-boiled eggs, or edamame.

Promoting a Culture of Wellness

Choosing healthy snacks is just the beginning. Below are ways you can encourage your team to make healthier choices as well.

• Organize Healthy Potlucks: Encourage team members to contribute healthy dishes for shared lunches or break-time snacks.
• Offer Healthy Vending Machine Options: Advocate for stocking healthier options like nuts, fruit bars, and yogurts.
• Start a Walking or Fitness Challenge: Encourage team members to participate in a physical self-care activity during work hours, promoting overall health.

By prioritizing healthy snacks and fostering a culture that supports health mindfulness, you can develop healthy eating habits and build a happier and more productive work environment for your entire team.

8. Retreats and Wellness Weekends

Retreats and wellness weekends offer a chance to disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with themselves and each other in a supportive environment.

Below are a few wellness options for every interest.

• Activity Retreats: If your team wants a lively getaway, look into things like cooking, art, or sports workshops.
• Relax and Rejuvenate: Plan getaways centered around relaxation and rejuvenation. Schedule spa visits, have silent retreats for introspection, incorporate meditation and yoga sessions, or simply enjoy the serenity of nature walks and healthy meals together.

Benefits Beyond the Break

Disconnecting from the daily grind offers a wealth of benefits.

• Stress Reduction: Stepping away from work allows you to restore and return with renewed energy and focus.
• Enhanced Creativity: Immersing yourselves in new environments can spark creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strengthen Group Bonds: Shared experiences outside of work foster camaraderie and understanding, leading to a more cohesive and supportive team dynamic.

Retreats offer a short respite from the work environment. However, this is not always feasible. As such, consider incorporating fun self-care activities for team meetings throughout the week as well.

Short mindfulness and yoga exercises, energizing movement breaks, or even sharing favorite snacks can significantly impact your team’s overall well-being.

By setting aside time for retreats and integrating self-care practices into your work environment, you invest in your team’s happiness, self-acceptance, and overall success.

9. Support and Therapy Groups

Sometimes, the best therapy comes from connecting with others with similar experiences. Support and therapy gatherings offer a safe and supportive space for individuals.

• Share and Heal: Talking about challenges and experiences in a confidential setting can be incredibly cathartic. Teams foster a sense of belonging and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation.
• Learn and Grow: Support and therapy groups often involve trained facilitators who guide discussions and provide tools for coping with emotional struggles. You can learn new techniques for reduced stress, grief, or addiction while gaining valuable insights from others’ experiences.

Support for Every Need

There is an aid group for almost every challenge imaginable. Some common examples include the following below.

• Grief Counseling: Groups provide a safe space to express your emotions after a loss and connect with others who understand your pain.
• Stress Management: Learn practical coping mechanisms and techniques for managing stress in a supportive environment.

Techniques for Group Success

Aid groups utilize the various methods below to promote emotional wellness.

• Open Discussions: Sharing your story and listening to others can be a powerful means of healing and validation.
• Guided Self-Care Activities: Therapists may incorporate journaling, visualization techniques, or role-playing exercises to promote self-discovery and emotional processing.

Consider joining a support group if you are struggling with personal issues. The power of shared experience and the help of a caring community can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth.

10. Reflect and Grow Together

Reflecting and growing together is also a self-care activity.

That is because, by processing your experiences, you can translate them into lasting benefits for your well-being in the workplace.

Turning Insights into Action

Below is how to turn your fun self-care activities into a wellspring of positive change.

• Share Your Learnings: Dedicate time after self-care activities to discuss what resonated with everyone. Did a particular exercise help someone manage stress? Did a team member discover a new mindfulness technique? Sharing these experiences fosters connection and reinforces learning.
• Journal and Share: Encourage individual journaling after self-care activities. Encourage participants to share key takeaways or personal reflections in a group setting if they feel comfortable. This allows for deeper processing and fosters a sense of vulnerability and trust within the team.

Building a Sustainable Culture

Use what you have reflected on to grow. Below are some actionable steps you can take.

• Implement What Works: Based on your discussions and feedback, identify the self-care activities that resonated most with the team. Consider incorporating these into the everyday work routine (if possible).
• Embrace New Self-Care Ideas: Feedback might reveal a desire for new self-care activities. Research and implement new practices to keep the program fresh and engaging.

By making reflection an integral part of your self-care program, you will create a sustainable culture of well-being in your workplace. This allows your team to practice self-care and thrive continuously in their own times!

Key Takeaways on Self Care Group Activities

Putting your well-being first is not a luxury — it is a necessity.

Self-care activities make people feel good, making them a powerful investment in your team’s well-being and overall success.

Do not be afraid to experiment with different self-care activities — from energizing movement breaks to mindfulness exercises or creative activities.

Many websites and apps offer listings for local self-care groups, workshops, and even virtual conferences focused on well-being.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your first group self-care activity today and start the path towards creating a happier, healthier, and more thriving workplace for everyone.