10 Feel-Good Experiences to Help You Recharge This Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week is more than just a date on the calendar—it's a gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. In the whirlwind of daily life, it's easy to put our mental well-being on the back burner. But taking time to rest and restore isn't a luxury; it's essential.

Whether you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a moment of calm, this is the ideal time to lean into self-care practices that support your emotional, mental, and physical health. There are countless ways to recharge, from mindfulness retreats and forest bathing to sound healing, creative workshops, and spa escapes.

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, we've rounded up 10 rejuvenating wellness experiences designed to help you unplug, reset, and come back to yourself. Whether you have an hour or a whole weekend, these ideas offer a much-needed breath of fresh air for your mind, body, and soul.

1. Wander Through RHS Gardens for a Nature-Fueled Reset

There's something quietly transformative about spending time in a garden, and few places offer that experience more beautifully than the collection of RHS Gardens. Whether it's the world-class borders of RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, the peaceful woodland of Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, the wide-open skies at Hyde Hall in Essex, or the modern biodiversity haven at Bridgewater in Salford, each garden provides a distinct and soothing atmosphere.

Take a slow, mindful walk among blooming borders, pause by a pond, take a seat on a bench or simply sit and let the breeze wash over you. Many RHS Gardens also host wellness-focused events during Mental Health Awareness Week, including guided walks, yoga in the gardens, and nature journaling workshops. Even just an hour here can ease stress and lift your mood—proof that nature really is medicine.

2. Find Calm in the Company of Horses – Meditation with Horses, Cumbria

Imagine sitting in a peaceful pasture, the gentle presence of horses nearby, the Cumbrian landscape stretching out around you.

Horses are incredibly intuitive animals, known for their ability to mirror human emotions and foster calm through non-verbal communication. During the session, you'll be guided in breathwork, mindfulness, and grounding techniques, all in the quiet presence of these majestic, sentient beings. Building a relationship with your horse is key, and grooming is the best way to "break the ice" and be accepted by your four-legged meditation partner. With a gentle and peaceful energy, horses can soothe, regulate, and inspire you.

Set in the heart of Cumbria's rolling hills, this experience is as therapeutic as it is unforgettable, a perfect way to reconnect with nature, yourself, and the quiet wisdom of animals.

3. Create and De-Stress – Pottery and Painting at Token Studio, London

Just a short stroll from the bustle of Borough Market, Token Studio in London Bridge offers a peaceful, hands-on escape right in the heart of the city. In the pottery classes, you'll learn the basics of hand-building or wheel-throwing—tuning into the calming rhythm of working with clay, the texture beneath your fingers, and the quiet focus it brings. It's a deeply grounding experience that gently anchors you in the present moment.

Prefer to paint? Their canvas and ceramic painting sessions invite you to unleash your creativity in a warm, relaxed setting, complete with soft lighting and soothing music. Choose from a range of items—mugs, bowls, plates, and more—and explore a vibrant palette of colours as you design something truly personal. Whether you're layering patterns or free-styling brushstrokes, each piece becomes a one-of-a-kind expression of you.

Best of all, these sessions are totally beginner-friendly and perfect for enjoying solo or with friends, family, or even new faces. Pottery and painting are proven mood-boosters, helping to reduce stress, spark joy, and promote a sense of calm accomplishment. Whether you're learning a new skill or revisiting an old hobby, it's all about creativity, connection, and positive vibes.

4. Breathe Deep and Wander Wild – The Four Waterfalls Walk, South Wales

If you're seeking fresh air, the soothing sound of flowing water, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, the Four Waterfalls Walk in the Brecon Beacons is your perfect escape. This scenic trail near Neath, West Glamorgan, guides you through ancient woodlands, moss-covered gorges, and fern-lined valleys, leading to four breathtaking waterfalls: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and the magnificent Sgwd yr Eira, where you can even walk behind the curtain of cascading water.

The 4-hour circular route is moderate, with a few steeper sections, but the rewards are well worth the effort: the sound of rushing waterfalls, sunlight filtering through the trees, and the rhythm of your footsteps on the trail. Along the way, there's time to pause and enjoy a delicious lunch at a charming café, offering a perfect moment to recharge.

Make sure to pack a flask, wear sturdy boots, and give yourself plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the landscape. Whether you're seeking solitude for quiet reflection or sharing the experience with friends or family, this walk is a gentle reminder of the healing power of nature, leaving you feeling refreshed, reconnected, and uplifted.

5. Boost Your Energy and Team Spirit – Paintballing in Kent

For those seeking an active, adrenaline-packed adventure, paintballing in Kent is the ultimate way to shake off stress and immerse yourself in an exhilarating experience. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this high-energy activity blends strategy, teamwork, and physical action to engage both mind and body, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Kent's countryside, just outside Tunbridge Wells, this venue spans 19 acres of private land, offering a mix of woodland terrains, open farmland, and custom-built battlefields. Here, you and your team can dive into unique missions and challenges, each designed to test your tactical thinking and collaboration skills.

Paintballing also provides an excellent physical workout, helping to release stress, boost focus, and enjoy the great outdoors in a fun, immersive way. The shared experiences and moments of teamwork make it a memorable bonding activity, whether you're with friends, family, or colleagues looking to strengthen connections.

6. Relax and Rejuvenate – Massages at Locations Across the UK

If you're looking for the ultimate way to unwind, there's nothing quite like a soothing massage to melt away tension and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Across the UK, a wide variety of spas and wellness centres offer expert massage services, tailored to your needs, from deep tissue and Swedish massages to aromatherapy and hot stone therapy.

Whether you're in the heart of London or tucked away in a tranquil countryside retreat, the UK is home to numerous spas that provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Many of these venues are set in beautifully calming environments, each offering a peaceful atmosphere where you can truly relax and recharge.

A massage is not only great for physical relaxation but also works wonders for your mental health. The gentle touch stimulates the release of endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety, while helping to ease muscular tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being.

7. Nurture and Connect – Lamb Bottle Feeding and Lambing Live Experience, Rutland

For those seeking a heartwarming and hands-on experience, the Lamb Bottle Feeding and Lambing Live Experience in Rutland offers a perfect way to reconnect with nature and embrace the joy of caring for newborn lambs. Held at the Greetham Valley Farm, this immersive experience brings you up close to the adorable lambs during their springtime arrival, a wonderful way to reduce stress, tap into your nurturing side, and enjoy the outdoors.

As you bottle-feed the lambs and interact with the playful, woolly newborns, you'll experience a natural sense of calm. There's something truly magical about tending to animals and watching them thrive, especially when they rely on you for care. This unique wellness experience is also a fantastic opportunity to take in the peaceful countryside views of Rutland, offering a perfect balance of physical activity, relaxation, and emotional connection.

8. Savour the Sea Breeze – Poole Fish and Chips Cruise, Dorset

For a truly unique and relaxing way to enjoy a classic British meal, the Poole Fish and Chips Cruise in Dorset offers the perfect blend of delicious food, scenic views, and relaxation. Set sail from Poole Harbour on a leisurely boat cruise, where you can indulge in freshly battered fish, golden fries, and all the traditional accompaniments, all while cruising along one of the UK's most picturesque coastlines.

This hour-and-a-half cruise offers a fantastic opportunity to unwind as you glide past stunning coastal views, including the famous Sandbanks Peninsula and the picturesque Brownsea Island. The combination of fresh sea air, gentle waves, and a tasty meal is the perfect way to de-stress and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

9. Find Your Flow in the Forest – Yoga and Forest Bathing Experience, Brighton

Step away from screens, stress, and city noise, and into the peaceful embrace of nature with a Yoga and Forest Bathing experience in Brighton. This restorative retreat blends gentle yoga with the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku—or "forest bathing"—to soothe the nervous system and reconnect you with the natural world.

The session begins with a calming yoga practice suitable for all levels, either held in the serene studio at One Garden Brighton or outdoors in the fresh air, depending on the weather. From there, you'll take a gentle, mindful walk into the nearby Stanmer Park, where the forest bathing experience unfolds. It's not about hiking or exercise, it's about slowing down and awakening your senses.

Scientific research has shown that forest bathing can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), ease anxiety, and enhance mood. When combined with yoga, it gently stretches and strengthens the body while calming the mind.

10. See the World Differently – Full Day Photography Workshop, Peak District

Sometimes, all it takes to shift your perspective is a new lens, literally. This Full Day Photography Workshop in the Peak District invites you to slow down, look closer, and engage creatively with one of the UK's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a complete beginner or already comfortable with a camera, this immersive experience is as much about mindfulness as it is about mastering photography.

Led by a professional photographer, the workshop guides you through rugged moorland, rolling hills, and dramatic rock formations, with stops at carefully selected viewpoints that showcase the beauty of the national park. You'll learn how to frame a shot, work with natural light, and tell visual stories.

Spending time in nature, away from screens and distractions, helps calm the mind and awaken creativity. The act of photography encourages you to notice the subtle details others might miss, the way light touches a hillside, or the patterns in the clouds, making it a powerful mindfulness tool.

Whether it's through movement, stillness, creativity, or connection, each of these experiences offers a chance to step outside your routine and do something just for you. Mental Health Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that wellbeing isn't one-size-fits-all—it's about finding what makes you feel grounded, energised, and relaxed.

Remember, if you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone and there is help available. We've included a list below of some organisations you can reach out to for help and support.

• Samaritans - call 116 123 for free in confidence, 24 hours a day, or email [email protected]
• Give Us A Shout - text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support 24/7
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - call the CALM helpline for free on 0800 58 58 58 or use their Webchat service, open from 5pm - midnight, 365 days a year
• Mind - call the Mind Infoline on 0300 123 3393, open from 9am - 6pm, Monday - Friday (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary considerably)