It is scientifically proven crafts support mental wellness. Studies support that engaging in creative activities promote positive psychological functioning and enhance our quality of life (Crafts Council, 2020). How so? The repetitive movements, the needed focus, and healthy distraction they offer all play a role in their benefits. Craft activities give us the opportunity to be more mindful, interact with others and learn something new. We invite you to try creating your own and see for yourself the benefits this can have on your mental wellbeing.

Our Meditative Tea Light making activity is inspired by the teachings of a team of professional wellbeing coaches, with the help of those with lived experience who we work with at Tyneside and Northumberland Mind. The activity uses proven research on the benefits crafts and creative activities can have on our mental wellbeing. They have been designed to help support your mental wellness. Get stuck in and try creating your very own Meditative Tea Light, a coil pot with clay activity.

This activity was carried out in a wellbeing session with Rainbow Home, an organisation helping people seeking asylum in the UK on accounts of their sexuality and inability to live authentic lives freely in their home country. All photography of completed tea lights were done so by members attending sessions to support their mental wellbeing.

Take your tea lights to the next level!

Paint it! The air-drying clay takes about one to two weeks to dry depending on the thickness however once complete you can seal your pot with a mix of water and PVA glue and paint your creation in readily available acrylic paint. 

Use it! Meditating for mental health is a brilliant way of helping the mind focus and taking the time for some self-care. Now that you have your finished tea light why not try out a candle gazing meditation? Light your tea light, set your timer and enjoy the focus and space…

You can find more activities to support your mental wellbeing on the Self-care and Wellbeing hub here