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Team Building & Retreats tips
Published on
June 23, 2025
Top 30 Mental Health Team Building Activities for a Thriving Workplace
Mental health has become a priority for companies, and there's a reason why employees' well-being is one of the team-building trends for 2025. The statistics are impossible to ignore:Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report reveals that nearly 50% of U.S. employees have experienced burnout or stress at work, while other industry analyses suggest that figure can climb even higher among certain sectors. Stress-related absenteeism and turnover cost businesses billions annually—Harvard Business Review highlights that workplace stress is a leading cause of lost productivity and employee disengagement.
Despite these challenges, many organizations still rely on traditional team-building activities that fail to address a critical factor: employee mental health. Too often, in-person or virtual events center on high-energy competitions or public challenges that can actually increase anxiety for those already struggling with workplace pressure.
From TeamOut's experience, the so-called “fun” team-building games, designed to encourage collaboration and creative thinking, can unintentionally trigger stress in team members. Shifting to mental health-focused team-building activities, prioritizing psychological safety and well-being, however, leads to real change. Activities like mindfulness exercises, emotional check-ins, and creative problem-solving sessions helped promote innovation and deeper level connections within the entire team.
This guide offers 33 evidence-based mental health team-building activities for 2025. Whether you’re looking for quick stress-relief exercises to use in your next team meeting or comprehensive wellness programs to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, you’ll find practical solutions here. These activities are designed to support psychological safety, encourage employees, and build a workplace where everyone can thrive.
From developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to fostering innovation and continuous development, these team-building exercises help every team member contribute effectively. They are adaptable for any group size and designed to strengthen team cohesion, emotional health, and overall well-being. Check them out:
Mindful Minute Circles transform routine check-ins into mental health moments by starting meetings with a brief, guided mindfulness exercise. Employees sit together (in person or virtually) and participate in a one-minute breathing activity, followed by each person sharing their current mental state using a simple scale (1–10) and a single word to describe their emotional energy. This practice normalizes mental health conversations and provides immediate stress relief.
Step-by-Step:
Gather the Group: Assemble the team in a circle—either in the office space or via a video call.
Lead the Exercise: Guide participants through a one-minute mindful breathing exercise.
Share and Close: Each member rates their mental state and offers a word describing their energy, then the group continues with the meeting.
Duration: 5-minute breaks or at the start of any team meeting
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost (only a quiet space or virtual meeting platform)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
2. Gratitude Mapping Workshops
Gratitude Mapping Workshops create visual representations of appreciation, connecting individual well-being to team relationships. Team members use large sheets of paper and colored markers to map out professional achievements, supportive colleagues, and positive workplace experiences. Sharing these maps fosters positive emotional connections and shifts focus from stressors to positive elements.
Step-by-Step:
Set Up Materials: Provide large paper and markers for each participant.
Guide the Mapping: Instruct team members to create their gratitude maps.
Share and Reflect: Invite volunteers to share their maps and discuss common themes.
Stress-Release Journaling Sessions combine individual reflection with group support. Participants receive prompts addressing workplace stress, personal challenges, and coping strategies. After journaling, there is an opportunity for voluntary sharing and peer support, fostering vulnerability-based trust.
Step-by-Step:
Distribute Prompts: Provide journaling prompts focused on stress and coping.
Journal individually: Allow time for participants to write and reflect.
Share and Support: Encourage voluntary sharing in small teams or the entire group.
Duration: Lunch sessions or ongoing programs
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: Minimal budget (journals or paper, pens)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
Small Group Connection Activities
4. Mental Health Check-In Partnerships
Mental Health Check-In Partnerships establish ongoing buddy systems for regular, structured mental health conversations. Partners meet weekly for 15-minute check-ins, discussing stress levels, challenges, celebrations, and support needs. These partnerships build emotional resilience and reduce isolation.
Step-by-Step:
Pair Up: Assign team members into pairs.
Provide a Framework: Offer a structured check-in guide.
Rotate Partners: Change pairs every quarter to broaden team connections.
Materials Required: No-cost (only a check-in guide)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
5. Anxiety-Busting Problem-Solving Circles
Anxiety-Busting Problem-Solving Circles address workplace anxiety through collaborative, CBT-inspired problem-solving. Small groups identify anxiety triggers, brainstorm coping strategies, and create accountability systems, strengthening both individual and team problem-solving skills.
Step-by-Step:
Form Small Groups: Divide the team into groups of 4–5.
Identify Triggers and Strategies: Facilitate discussion on anxiety triggers and coping methods.
Develop Action Plans: Each group creates practical interventions for managing anxiety.
Emotional Intelligence Building Workshops develop emotional awareness and regulation through interactive exercises. Activities include emotion identification games, empathy-building scenarios, communication practice, normalizing emotional experiences, and supporting mental well-being.
Step-by-Step:
Introduce Exercises: Lead emotion identification and empathy-building games.
Practice Communication: Use scenarios to practice reflective listening and validation.
Debrief and Reflect: Discuss insights and strategies for emotional regulation.
Collective Stress-Reduction Challenges are month-long team initiatives that encourage members to practice stress management techniques while contributing to shared goals. Activities like meditation minutes (e.g., a team goal of 1,000 collective minutes), daily gratitude boards, or physical wellness challenges help individuals adapt practices to their needs while fostering team identity and accountability around mental well-being.
Step-by-Step:
Choose a Challenge: Select a stress-reduction theme (meditation, gratitude, physical activity).
Set a Collective Goal: Define a measurable team target (e.g., minutes meditated, gratitude posts shared).
Track and Celebrate: Monitor progress and celebrate achievements as a group.
Duration: Month-long or ongoing programs
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: Minimal budget (tracking sheet, digital platform)
Mental Health Storytelling Sessions create safe spaces for team members to share personal experiences related to mental health, reducing stigma and building empathy. Using clear guidelines, time limits, and structured response protocols, these sessions emphasize listening and validation over advice-giving, fostering connection and understanding.
Step-by-Step:
Set Ground Rules: Establish guidelines for sharing and privacy.
Facilitate Storytelling: Invite team members to share brief, relevant experiences.
Validate and Reflect: Encourage active listening and supportive responses.
Duration: Lunch sessions or half-day workshops
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly (moderate facilitation for sensitive topics)
Materials Required: No-cost (only a safe space or virtual meeting platform)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
9. Workplace Wellness Workshops
Workplace Wellness Workshops provide comprehensive education and interactive practice on mental health topics relevant to your team, such as managing work-life balance, handling difficult colleagues, or building resilience. These workshops combine evidence-based strategies with peer discussion and practical exercises.
Step-by-Step:
Select a Topic: Choose a relevant mental health or well-being theme.
Deliver Content: Present educational material and facilitate interactive exercises.
Follow Up: Provide take-home resources and schedule follow-up sessions for ongoing support.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training teaches teams to systematically tense and relax muscle groups, offering immediate stress relief and improved ability to manage workplace tension. This technique can be practiced individually or collectively, and is especially effective before stressful meetings or during challenging work periods.
Step-by-Step:
Introduce the Technique: Explain progressive muscle relaxation.
Guide a Session: Lead the team through a 10-minute relaxation exercise.
Encourage Practice: Suggest regular use during breaks or high-stress moments.
Duration: 10-minute sessions or ongoing practice
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost (only a quiet space or virtual meeting platform)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
11. Resilience-Building Scenario Planning
Resilience-Building Scenario Planning prepares teams for workplace challenges by collaboratively identifying stressors, developing response strategies, and creating support systems. This approach combines individual coping skills with team preparedness, enhancing both personal and collective resilience.
Step-by-Step:
Identify Stressors: Discuss common workplace challenges.
Develop Strategies: Brainstorm coping and support strategies.
Create Support Plans: Establish ongoing support systems for future stressors.
Breathing Technique Workshops teach teams a variety of evidence-based breathing practices (e.g., box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing) to manage workplace stress and promote collective calm. Group practice helps teams develop shared rhythms and nonverbal cues for supporting mental well-being throughout the workday.
Practice as a Group: Lead a guided group breathing session.
Encourage Regular Use: Suggest incorporating techniques into daily routines.
Duration: 5-minute breaks or lunch sessions
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost (only a quiet space or virtual meeting platform)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
Communication and Emotional Support
13. Active Listening Skills Development
Active Listening Skills Development trains teams in emotional validation and empathetic response, equipping them to support colleagues experiencing stress or mental health challenges. Through structured exercises, teams practice recognizing emotional cues, asking supportive questions, and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Step-by-Step:
Introduce Active Listening: Explain key principles and techniques.
Practice in Pairs or Small Teams: Use scenarios to practice listening and validation.
Debrief and Reflect: Discuss insights and strategies for ongoing support.
Duration: Lunch sessions or ongoing programs
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly (moderate facilitation for deeper practice)
Materials Required: No-cost (only scenarios or discussion prompts)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
14. Conflict Resolution with Mental Health Awareness
Conflict Resolution with Mental Health Awareness equips teams to recognize when workplace tensions stem from stress, anxiety, or other mental health factors. This approach includes stress assessment before conflict discussions, modified communication strategies, and resolution methods that address both immediate disagreements and underlying well-being concerns1.
Step-by-Step:
Assess Stress and Mental Health: Check in with participants before conflict discussions.
Adapt Communication: Use supportive, non-judgmental language and active listening.
Resolve and Support: Address both the conflict and any underlying mental health needs.
Collaborative Art Therapy Sessions are team-building activities with an artistic focus that invite teams to express emotions and relieve stress through creative art-making, fostering connections and emotional well-being. Activities range from individual art creation with group sharing to collaborative projects that reflect team values or goals. No artistic experience is needed—the focus is on emotional expression and team bonding rather than artistic skill.
Step-by-Step:
Choose Materials: Select art supplies such as paints, collage materials, clay, or digital tools.
Guide the Activity: Provide a prompt (e.g., “Create something that represents your team’s strengths”) and allow time for creation.
Share and Reflect: Encourage team members to share their creations and discuss the experience.
Duration: Lunch sessions or half-day workshops
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: Minimal budget (art supplies)
Setting Variations: In-person, hybrid, remote
17. Music and Movement Therapy
Music and Movement Therapy uses rhythm and movement to reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen team cohesion. Activities include group drumming, dance movement therapy, or collaborative music-making with simple instruments. These sessions help synchronize team members’ energy and foster emotional health.
Step-by-Step:
Introduce the Activity: Explain the benefits of music and movement for mental well-being.
Lead the Session: Guide the team through a rhythm or movement exercise.
Debrief and Reflect: Discuss how the activity affected mood and stress levels.
Duration: Lunch sessions or half-day workshops
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: Minimal budget (instruments, open space)
Setting Variations: In-person, outdoor, hybrid
18. Storytelling and Creative Writing
Storytelling and Creative Writing sessions help teams process workplace experiences and build empathy through narrative therapy principles. Activities include collaborative story creation, personal narrative sharing, and creative writing prompts that address workplace challenges.
Step-by-Step:
Provide Prompts: Offer writing or storytelling prompts relevant to workplace experiences.
Encourage Creation: Allow time for team members to write or share stories.
Facilitate Sharing: Invite volunteers to share their stories and reflect on the experience.
Duration: Lunch sessions or ongoing programs
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost (paper, pens, or digital tools)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
Outdoor and Nature-Based Activities
19. Forest Bathing Team Experiences
Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku) combines the mental health benefits of nature with team building through guided mindful experiences in natural settings. This practice reduces stress, improves mood, and builds team connection through shared sensory awareness and reflection.
Step-by-Step:
Organize the Outing: Choose a natural setting and plan a guided session.
Lead the Activity: Guide the team through mindfulness and sensory awareness exercises.
Debrief and Reflect: Discuss the experience and its relevance to workplace stress.
Duration: 2–3 hour sessions
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost (outdoor access)
Setting Variations: Outdoor, in-person.
20. Outdoor Mindfulness Walks
Outdoor Mindfulness Walks combine physical movement, nature exposure, and mindfulness practice to reduce stress and build team connections. These walks can be adapted for urban parks or indoor spaces if needed, making them accessible for all group sizes.
Step-by-Step:
Plan the Route: Choose a safe, accessible path or space.
Guide the Walk: Lead the team in mindful walking and breathing exercises.
Reflect and Share: Discuss the experience and its impact on well-being.
Duration: 30–60 minutes (weekly or as needed)
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost (comfortable shoes)
Setting Variations: Outdoor, in-person, hybrid.
21. Garden Therapy Projects
Garden Therapy Projects engage teams in nurturing plants, providing stress relief, and a sense of accomplishment while building collaborative skills. Activities range from small indoor herb gardens to larger outdoor projects, depending on available space.
Step-by-Step:
Set Up the Garden: Provide plants, soil, and tools.
Guide the Activity: Lead the team in planting and caring for the garden.
Maintain and Reflect: Schedule regular team sessions to care for the garden and reflect on progress.
Digital Detox Challenges promote healthy technology use by encouraging teams to set boundaries and take breaks from digital devices. Activities include phone-free meetings, email boundaries, and collective social media breaks, supporting mental health and work-life balance.
Step-by-Step:
Set Guidelines: Establish rules for digital detox periods.
Launch the Challenge: Implement phone-free times or social media breaks.
Debrief and Reflect: Discuss the impact on stress and communication.
Duration: Ongoing programs (monthly challenges)
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
23. Mindful Technology Use Training
Mindful Technology Use Training teaches teams to use digital tools in ways that support mental health. Sessions cover mindful communication, stress-reducing apps, and digital wellness practices, helping teams manage technology-related stress.
Step-by-Step:
Introduce Concepts: Explain mindful technology use and its benefits.
Practice Techniques: Guide the team through mindful emailing and app use.
Support Implementation: Offer ongoing check-ins and resources.
Duration: Lunch sessions or ongoing programs
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost (digital devices)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
24. Virtual Reality Relaxation Sessions
Virtual Reality Relaxation Sessions use VR technology to create immersive relaxation experiences for teams. Activities include guided meditations, nature simulations, or stress-relief games, providing shared experiences that support mental health and team connection.
Step-by-Step:
Set Up VR Equipment: Ensure access to VR headsets and appropriate software.
Guide the Session: Lead the team through a VR relaxation or meditation experience.
Debrief and Reflect: Discuss the experience and its impact on stress and well-being.
Mental Health-Aware Leadership Development trains team leaders to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, and burnout and equips them with the skills to create psychologically safe, supportive environments. Leaders learn to have supportive conversations, make appropriate accommodations, and refer team members to professional mental health resources when needed. The training combines education on mental health conditions with practical communication skills and policy guidance, helping leaders foster company cultures that prioritize both productivity and well-being.
Step-by-Step:
Provide Training: Deliver workshops or modules on recognizing mental health challenges and supportive management practices.
Practice Scenarios: Use role-playing and case studies to help leaders practice difficult conversations and policy application.
Reinforce Learning: Offer ongoing support and resources for leaders to apply skills in their daily management.
Skill-level: Intermediate to advanced facilitation required
Materials Required: Minimal budget (training materials, case studies)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
26. Psychological Safety Assessment and Building
Psychological Safety Assessment and Building is a systematic approach to measuring and improving team openness and vulnerability through anonymous surveys, targeted interventions, and ongoing culture development. Teams work to identify barriers to psychological safety, establish supportive norms, and implement activities that encourage mental health conversations and mutual support.
Step-by-Step:
Assess Current State: Administer anonymous surveys to gauge psychological safety.
Identify Barriers: Analyze results and discuss specific challenges as a group.
Implement Interventions: Design and carry out activities that address identified barriers and build supportive team practices.
Duration: Ongoing programs (quarterly assessments and interventions)
Materials Required: Minimal budget (survey tools, sticky notes for brainstorming)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
27. Trauma-Informed Team Practices
Trauma-Informed Team Practices help teams create environments that minimize re-traumatization and maximize support for all members. Training covers recognizing trauma responses and triggers, modifying team practices to be trauma-sensitive, and building inclusive support systems. These practices foster compassionate, understanding team cultures that benefit everyone’s mental health.
Step-by-Step:
Educate the Team: Provide training on trauma awareness and trauma-informed care.
Review and Adapt Practices: Identify and adjust team routines or policies to be more trauma-sensitive.
Build Support Systems: Establish peer support networks and inclusive communication norms.
Holiday Stress Management Programs address the unique mental health challenges that arise during holiday seasons by acknowledging diverse experiences and providing practical support strategies. Teams create inclusive practices, offer alternatives to traditional celebrations, and provide extra mental health resources during challenging times.
Step-by-Step:
Acknowledge Diversity: Recognize that holidays can be difficult for some team members.
Offer Support: Provide additional mental health resources and inclusive activities.
Celebrate Inclusively: Plan events that respect all backgrounds and preferences.
Duration: Seasonal programs (holiday periods)
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: Minimal budget (event planning, mental health resources)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person.
29. Seasonal Affective Disorder Team Support
Seasonal Affective Disorder Team Support combines individual interventions, such as light therapy and vitamin D education, with team-based support systems like buddy programs and group activities. The approach also includes environmental modifications, such as improved lighting and indoor plants, to benefit everyone’s mental health during challenging seasons.
Step-by-Step:
Educate the Team: Share information about seasonal mood changes and effective coping strategies.
Implement Interventions: Provide light therapy options, schedule modifications, and peer support.
Modify the Environment: Enhance workspace lighting and introduce indoor plants for well-being.
New Year Mental Health Goal Setting transforms traditional goal-setting into a team activity focused on sustainable well-being practices. Teams assess current mental health habits, set realistic goals, and create accountability systems to support each other throughout the year. This approach strengthens both individual and collective commitment to mental health.
Step-by-Step:
Assess Current Practices: Discuss current mental health habits and needs.
Set Goals: Identify realistic, sustainable mental health goals as a team.
Create Accountability: Establish peer support and regular check-ins to maintain progress.
Duration: Ongoing programs (annual kickoff with regular check-ins)
Skill-level: Beginner-friendly
Materials Required: No-cost (goal-setting templates, sticky notes for brainstorming)
Setting Variations: Remote, hybrid, in-person
Crisis Support and Intervention
31. Mental Health Crisis Response Training
Mental Health Crisis Response Training prepares team members to recognize and respond to mental health emergencies, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. This team-building exercise equips in-person participants and remote team members alike with the skills to identify signs of crisis, provide initial support, connect individuals to professional resources, and maintain team cohesion during challenging situations. Training covers crisis identification, immediate response, and follow-up support, empowering the entire group to act with confidence and care.
Step-by-Step:
Deliver Training: Conduct workshops that teach crisis recognition, immediate response, and resource connection.
Practice Scenarios: Use team-building games and role-play to reinforce learning and encourage creative problem-solving.
Establish Protocols: Develop clear communication skills and protocols for ongoing support and team recovery.
Peer Support Network Development builds a formal system where trained team members provide mental health support, emotional assistance, and resource connections for their colleagues. This team pursuit strengthens team bonding and boosts employee engagement by encouraging open communication and mental health awareness. Peer supporters receive training in active listening, crisis recognition, and boundary maintenance, making them valuable points of contact for anyone seeking help.
Step-by-Step:
Train Peer Supporters: Offer specialized training in listening, crisis response, and resource navigation.
Launch the Network: Identify and introduce peer supporters to the team.
Promote and Maintain: Encourage regular check-ins and gather employee feedback to continuously improve support.
Duration: Ongoing programs
Skill-level: Intermediate (training required)
Materials Required: Minimal budget (training materials, support guides)
Setting Variations: In-person, hybrid, remote
33. Post-Crisis Team Recovery
Post-Crisis Team Recovery helps teams rebuild and strengthen their bonds after experiencing a mental health crisis. This team-building activity uses structured communication strategies, support resource provision, and culture-rebuilding exercises to restore psychological safety and team cohesion. Whether through in-person participants or virtual team-building activities, the process addresses both immediate needs and longer-term healing, transforming crisis experiences into opportunities for deeper connection and improved mental health support systems.
Step-by-Step:
Facilitate Open Communication: Hold team meetings to share valuable insights and process experiences.
Provide Support Resources: Offer access to mental health resources and encourage peer support.
Rebuild Culture: Engage the group in team-building games and exercises that foster trust, strategic thinking, and creative problem solving.
Conclusion: Transforming Teams Through Mental Health Focus
Mental health team-building activities are transforming the way organizations develop their teams, shifting from traditional exercises to practices that prioritize psychological safety, stress reduction, and emotional well-being. This guide offers 33 evidence-based activities, each adaptable to in-person or virtual team building, group size, and any stage of mental health awareness.
Success depends on consistency, leadership commitment, and a willingness to listen to employee feedback. If teams embrace mental health team building as an ongoing pursuit, not just a one-time event, they unlock powerful benefits like reduced turnover, higher productivity, and stronger employee engagement.
But the real impact is human: teams where every member feels supported, understood, and valued for who they are.
TeamOut stands at the forefront of this movement. With a track record of organizing over 1,000 corporate retreats and events, and a client satisfaction rate of 95%, we are the crème de la crème of event planners for companies seeking meaningful, measurable change. Our expert facilitators combine theoretical approaches with practical workplace solutions, delivering real results for team bonding, strategic thinking, and creative problem solving.
Ready to transform your team’s culture and performance?Contact TeamOut today and discover how our programs can help your company thrive, starting today!
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.
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