Mindful Art for Healthy Teams: Why Art Therapy is Good for You and Your Business
In today's fast-paced work culture, many of us are running on autopilot, juggling deadlines, meetings, and inboxes without taking a moment to catch our breath. But here's the thing: the mind, much like a muscle, needs rest and nourishment to perform at its best. That's where mindful art steps in, not just as a creative outlet, but as a scientifically proven way to enhance health, build connection, and even boost workplace productivity.
Why Mindful Art Matters for Individual Well-being
Mindful art is the practice of creating with full presence and awareness, focusing on colours, textures, shapes, and the process itself rather than the end product. Think of it as meditation with a paintbrush.
Research shows that even just 45 minutes of art making can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body. Lower cortisol equals calmer minds, sharper focus, and more energy to tackle the workday. Art also activates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine —the same feel-good chemical we experience from exercise and laughter. In other words, taking time for mindful art isn't indulgent; it's a genuine health booster.
And here's the best part: you don't need to be "an artist" to reap the benefits. In fact, mindful art is all about the process, not the product. Whether you're painting, doodling, or sculpting with clay, it gives your brain a break from constant problem-solving and offers that much-needed mental reset.
The Power of Creating Together
While individual practice is powerful, coming together as a group to create art amplifies the benefits of this practice. Humans are wired for connection, and shared creative experiences build trust, empathy, and collaboration.
Studies in organisational psychology have shown that team-based creative activities improve communication and increase feelings of belonging by up to 25%. That sense of connection doesn't just feel good; it translates directly into the workplace. Teams who feel psychologically safe and connected are more innovative, make better decisions, and experience less conflict.
Imagine your colleagues sitting side by side, paintbrushes in hand, sharing a laugh over splashes of colour. Walls come down, stress melts, and suddenly those tough Monday meetings don't seem so heavy. This is the magic of mindful art in a team setting.
Why Managers Should Embrace Mindful Art Workshops: A Win for Productivity and ESG!
Investing in mindful art workshops goes beyond being a simple feel-good activity; it serves as a meaningful way to demonstrate your company's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, especially the critical "Social" aspect. By promoting employee well-being through creative and inclusive practices, your organisation demonstrates that it truly values its people as much as its profits. Investing in mindful art workshops goes beyond being a simple feel-good activity; it serves as a meaningful way to demonstrate your company's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, especially the critical "Social" aspect. By promoting employee well-being through creative and inclusive practices, your organisation shows that it truly values its people as much as its profits. Investing in mindful art workshops goes beyond being a simple feel-good activity; it serves as a meaningful way to demonstrate your company's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, especially the critical "Social" aspect.
The benefits of this investment are truly remarkable! Employees who feel valued and connected are more likely to be engaged and productive at work.
By introducing a mindful art workshop, you're not only supporting mental health but also championing diversity and inclusion
as part of your ESG goals. Let's make a positive difference together!
Why Book a Workshop with Me
As an artist and Art therapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health and 28 years in the arts, I bring a unique blend of expertise to each workshop. My sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and accessible for everyone, from the most confident creative to the colleague who insists they can't even draw a stickman (spoiler: they'll surprise themselves).
In just a couple of hours, your team will:
- Learn simple mindful art practices to use daily for stress relief
- Strengthen team bonds through collaborative activities
- Walk away feeling refreshed, reconnected, and re-energised for work
I can tailor a workshop to suit your needs, whether it be creating a large collaborative piece of art for the office, painting by candlelight, pot painting, or even wreath making. The options are endless.
Final Words
Mindful art is more than just painting; it's a tool for promoting health and connection, and achieving business success. Whether it's lowering stress, building team trust, or supporting your company's ESG commitments, the benefits are clear.
So, why swap the standard team-building trivia quiz for something truly transformative? Let your team unleash their creativity, connect on a deeper level, and bring those fresh ideas back into the workplace.
Ready to give your team the gift of mindful art? Book a Mindful Art Workshop with Kerry Evitts and experience the connection and productivity that come to life.