We have created a set of 50 Wellbeing Activity Cards that can be used by activity coordinators, workshop leaders, and members of the community and other groups to enable them to select and lead activities which can support wellbeing. A single card or two might be used as an icebreaker; a selection of cards could be used to create a short or longer wellbeing session. They are easy to use, easy to lead, and each one can stimulate ideas for more activities not yet included in the cards. Some card activities take a minute, while others can lead to a deeper exploration of some aspect of physical or mental well-being.
The aims of the cards include:
- Bringing participants into the present moment through a gentle, uplifting approach. This is important so that the cards can be used in a supportive environment.
- Connecting and reconnecting people through shared activities, and options for communicating ideas with each other.
- Empowering group members by allowing them to select the activity cards which they wish to use in a session, and potentially any group member leading an activity.
- Exploring ideas for coping strategies.
- Providing activities that people individually or in small groups can lead for themselves outside of facilitated wellbeing sessions.
The activities are based around 7 different topic areas, with a few cards exploring each of the following: general icebreakers, physical gentle warm-ups, creative activities, talking and listening, contemplation, laughter and playfulness, and relaxations and visualisations.
