Try some arts activities this week with Good Arts,
Good Mental Health

Did you know that taking part in the arts activities you love can make a difference to your mental health? We invite everyone to start or continue their creative journey towards better mental health by trying our free “Good Arts, Good Mental Health 5-Day Challenge”. This includes listening to your favourite music, colouring, origami, photography and reading.

You don't have to be good at art for the arts to be good for you. Try the challenge and explore our resources below. If you would like to keep in touch and/or find out about our latest activities, you can sign up to our newsletter. Please also feel free to tag or contact us on Facebook or Instagram @goodartsgoodmentalhealth.

A woman surrounded by different styles of recreational art, showing happiness on her hand

Day 1 - Music

Image of a woman listening to music through earphones. She feels strong listening to the. music.

Try listening to two of your favourite “feel good” songs today. This could be on your way to work, school, the shops, while walking your dog, exercising, cooking, vacuuming, in your lunch break etc. Listening to music is something you can do as part of your everyday life to relax or lift your mood.

Want some inspiration? Try the GAGMH playlist of “happy songs”

GAGMH Spotify Playlist

Day 2 - Colouring

Why not try some colouring today. You can use pencils, pens, crayons, highlighters – whatever you can find. No matter your age - colouring has had a resurgence as a mindfulness activity. Try our free colouring in sheets to see how it feels!

Download the pack and pick the one you like best.
We would love to see what you make – tag us on our socials @goodartsgoodmentalhealth

Download colouring sheets

Day 3 - Photos

An image of a smartphone taking a picture of a dog that will be a happy memory

Today we are asking you to try some photography by taking a photo (on your smartphone or camera) of something that makes you smile or feel happy. You can extend your happiness by looking back at the photo tonight. Photography is something a lot of us do everyday on our smartphones to remember things that are special to us. You could take a photo of a friend, family, a pet, delicious food, a happy event, or even a great sunset.

Want some inspiration? Check out our socials for some tips @goodartsgoodmentalhealth. We would love to see your photos – why not tag us at @goodartsgoodmentalhealth

Check out the feed @GAGMH

Day 4 - Origami

Today we would like you to try some origami. Any paper you have around the house will do e.g. newspaper, scrap paper, wrapping paper. Paper folding is creative and a great mindfulness activity. Download some instructions on how to make the GAGMH origami boat. We would love to see what you make – why not tag us on @goodartsgoodmentalhealth

Make an Origami boat

A man who has been practicing origami holding up a paper plane

Day 5 - Reading

A young woman at a library holding a stack of books, looking happy and relaxed

Spend 15 minutes today, reading a book, poem, short story or even your favourite song lyrics. We have a short reading for you to download or you could check out your local library or e-library.

We would love to hear about what you love to read – tag us on our socials @goodartsgoodmentalhealth

Download a short reading Find a library

Try some arts activities this week with Good Arts, Good Mental Health