7 Creative Ways to Reconnect and Boost Your Mental Wellbeing with Art and Nature

May is the global Mental Health Awareness Month, with May 13-19 specifically celebrated as European Mental Health Week, a pan-European initiative that aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in our everyday lives. A basic human right, mental wellbeing is constantly threatened by a lack of access to medical resources, stigma, lack of protections, and stressful and/or traumatic global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, high unemployment / financial instability, and wars. It is, therefore, more important than ever to find effective coping mechanisms, especially for young people. One remarkable example of such initiatives is our recent youth exchange, "Harmony"—a transformative 7-day experience blending art, nature, and self-discovery to boost mental wellbeing.

If you would like to get started on your own personal development journey, here are seven "Harmony"-inspired ways to help you harness the power of art and nature to reconnect with others and improve your mental health.

1. Embrace Artistic Expression

Art is a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional release. Engage in painting, drawing, or sculpting to unlock your creativity and explore your inner world. "Harmony" offered various art-based activities like a finger painting workshop to bring inner dreams to life on canvas and working with clay while blindfolded to help release stress and practice self-soothing. These activities also helped participants tap into their creative potential, fostering a stronger sense of purpose and self-value, and allowed them to explore, express and release their fears, rage, worries, dreams, etc. through responsible and safe methods.

2. Immerse Yourself in Nature

Spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress and promote happiness. Take walks in the park, hike through the woods, or simply sit by a lake. The therapeutic benefits of nature are immense. Our "Harmony" project, for example, included numerous nature-focused activities like an outdoor meditation session among the trees designed to help participants connect with the natural world and harness its calming effects.

3. Participate in Group Workshops

Group workshops offer a supportive environment for sharing experiences and learning from others. Whether it was a collaborative storytelling improv workshop to combat personal fears or a music and lyrics group analysis session, many "Harmony" activities facilitated meaningful connections and provided a safe space for introspection and open communication.

4. Practice Mindfulness through Art and Nature

Mindfulness helps manage stress and improve mental clarity. Engage in mindful art activities like creating mandalas or "painting" self-portraits using natural objects. During "Harmony," participants also practiced mindfulness through various activities that enhanced emotional awareness and self-regulation including dancing solo while blindfolded.

5. Explore Cross-Cultural Dialogues

The theme of this year's European Mental Health Week is co-creation of the future of mental health. Connecting with people from different backgrounds can broaden your perspective and enrich your understanding of the world. "Harmony" brought together young individuals from five different countries representing diverse cultures, thus fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting unity. Together they were able to share stories, ideas, and traditions to build a deeper connection with others.

Activities such as the World Café allowed participants to share their own values and personal definitions of key mental health concepts to learn about differences but also the shared similarities across cultures. Furthermore, each national group presented on the state of mental healthcare in their countries and facilitated engaging Q&As with the other national groups. These types of discussions ensure that young people feel heard, seen and understood, as well as a recognition of their role in co-creating a better mental health future for themselves and their communities.

6. Engage in Reflective Practices

Reflection is key to personal growth. Spend time reflecting on your experiences, emotions, and aspirations through journaling or discussion groups. "Harmony" provided ample opportunities for self-reflection, helping participants gain insights into their lives and develop resilience. Some of the reflective tools used included the Japanese concept of Ikigai (your reason for being) for exploring life purpose and Joyce Mercer's "River of Life" exercise to reflect and discover one's life journey.

7. Find Joy in Simple Creative Activities

Sometimes, the simplest activities bring the most joy. Engage in playful, creative endeavors like collage making, free drawing (doodling), dancing freely, and improv and storytelling games. These activities were integral to the "Harmony" experience, and could be incredibly therapeutic for you as well, allowing you to unwind and rediscover joy in everyday moments.

Reflecting on "Harmony" and Moving Forward

Our "Harmony" youth exchange was a unique and enriching opportunity for participants to develop resilience, enhance creativity, and build meaningful connections. By integrating art and nature, participants gained invaluable coping tools, emotional intelligence, and a renewed sense of purpose. This Mental Health Awareness Month, take inspiration from "Harmony" and embrace the chance to reconnect with yourself and others in your daily life.

While the "Harmony" exchange has ended, its impact continues. The lessons learned and connections made during the program serve as a testament to the transformative power of art and nature. Take the time to cultivate these practices in your own life, contributing to a healthier, happier future and raising awareness about mental health in your community.

If you would like to participate in an ONDE project, please visit our Open Projects page for available opportunities and sign up for our mailing list alerts at the bottom of this page.

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The "Harmony" youth exchange took place April 9-17, 2024 in Alezio, Italy. It was coordinated by Officina Nuova Dimensione Europea (ONDE) APS and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union with support from Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù. This article reflects the views only of ONDE, and neither the European Union nor the Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù can be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.