Mental Health Games: 12 Workplace Activities For Well-Being In The Indian Workplace
In India, workplace culture is evolving rapidly, and mental health is increasingly becoming a priority in corporate spaces. The hustle and bustle of daily work, coupled with the pressure of tight deadlines, long hours, and often juggling multiple responsibilities, can take a toll on one’s mental well-being. That's why integrating fun and engaging mental health games into the workplace can be a powerful tool to support employees’ well-being and create a positive environment.
If you're looking to improve mental wellness at work, here are 12 mental health games and activities tailored to the Indian context that can help your team stay connected, relaxed, and productive.
1. Gratitude Circle (Shukriya Ki Ghanti)
Start your day with a “Gratitude Circle” where everyone shares one thing they are grateful for, either from work or their personal lives. This simple practice helps to shift focus from stress to positivity and encourages mindfulness.
Why it works: In a culture where family, community, and gratitude are highly valued, starting the day with gratitude can boost morale and foster a more cohesive team spirit.
Content Editor
2. Mindful Breathing (Pranayama Breaks)
Incorporate short sessions of pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) into your workday. Guided deep breathing exercises, like Anulom Vilom or Kapalbhati, can help employees manage stress and calm their minds during busy work hours.
Why it works: Pranayama is deeply rooted in Indian tradition and is an effective way to relieve stress, increase focus, and promote emotional balance. It’s a practice that resonates well with employees who value holistic wellness.
Deep Breathing Exercises You Can Easily Do In The Office
3. Antakshari (Team Bonding Through Music)
This popular Indian game can be a fun and stress-relieving activity during breaks. Divide the team into small groups and play a game of Antakshari, where participants sing songs, starting with the last letter of the previous song.
Why it works: Music and laughter are proven to reduce stress and improve mood. Plus, singing together fosters a sense of camaraderie and brings out the team spirit.
4. Stress-Relief Jar (Jhatpat Stressbuster)
Create a “Stress-Relief Jar” where employees can drop in notes with stress-relief tips, motivational quotes, or simple activities like "Take a 5-minute walk" or "Call a friend." During breaks, employees can pick a note and follow the suggestion.
Why it works: This easy-to-implement activity encourages mental health awareness and gives employees quick, actionable strategies to combat stress.
3 Overlooked Ways Employers Can Reduce Stress In The Workplace
5. Wellness Mandala Coloring (Kalpana Ki Duniya)
Set up a corner with coloring books featuring intricate mandalas or culturally significant designs. Encourage employees to color during breaks or as a stress-relief activity. It’s a therapeutic way to relax and reset mentally.
Why it works: Mandala coloring is rooted in Indian art and culture and is a great way to promote mindfulness and relaxation, reducing stress and enhancing creativity.
6. Shabdkosh (Word Association Game)
A quick and interactive game, Shabdkosh involves one person saying a word, and others must quickly respond with the first word that comes to mind. This game stimulates creativity, improves cognitive function, and keeps energy levels high.
Why it works: It’s a fun way to engage employees, improve focus, and allow everyone to think on their feet, all while keeping the atmosphere light.
7. The Bollywood Quote Game (Bollywood ki Baat)
If your team is full of Bollywood fans, use movie quotes or famous dialogues as conversation starters. Each person has to guess the name of the film or complete the quote. It’s a light-hearted way to connect over shared cultural references.
Why it works: Bollywood is an integral part of Indian culture. This game taps into shared experiences, sparking laughter and positive energy, and giving employees a break from the work grind.
8. Positive Affirmations (Shubh Vichar)
Create a “Positive Affirmations Board” where employees can write short, uplifting messages, motivational quotes, or affirmations to share with the team. This can also be done digitally for remote teams. Each day, a new affirmation can be posted to inspire positivity.
Why it works: In a country like India, where community and collective energy are important, reading and sharing positive messages helps to create an optimistic and supportive workplace.
Truworth Wellness
9. Team Yoga (Swasth Manas, Swasth Sharir)
Integrating short yoga sessions during breaks or before meetings can be incredibly beneficial for the mental and physical well-being of employees. This could include simple stretches or more advanced asanas to promote relaxation.
Why it works: Yoga is an ancient Indian practice with countless benefits for reducing stress and improving mental clarity. It aligns perfectly with Indian cultural values, promoting balance between mind and body.
10. "In My Shoes" Empathy Game
This game requires employees to share a brief story or situation where they faced a challenge (work-related or personal). Others listen attentively and then share advice or words of encouragement from their own perspective.
Why it works: It fosters empathy, emotional intelligence, and a supportive environment. Given India’s collectivist culture, where strong relationships are valued, this activity helps create a more understanding and compassionate workplace.
11. Cultural Celebration Days (Sanskriti Utsav)
Encourage employees to bring in cultural traditions from their backgrounds, such as festivals, food, and dress. You can have Diwali, Eid, or Pongal days, where employees share how they celebrate, their favorite foods, and cultural practices.
Why it works: India is incredibly diverse, and celebrating this diversity helps foster inclusiveness and belonging. It’s also a great way to learn about each other’s backgrounds and create stronger connections.
12. The “Chai Break” Conversation Game (Chai Pe Charcha)
Incorporate regular “Chai Breaks,” a sacred tradition in India. During this time, team members gather over a cup of chai to talk about anything other than work. You can introduce light-hearted conversation starters, like “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read this week?” or “What’s one thing that always cheers you up?”
Why it works: The traditional chai break provides an opportunity to bond over a common love for tea and engage in meaningful conversations that support mental well-being.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is an integral part of overall wellness, and creating a workplace that values mental well-being is essential for a thriving team. By integrating these simple, yet impactful, mental health games and activities into your daily routine, you can boost team morale, reduce stress, and foster a positive environment that encourages open communication and camaraderie.
Incorporating Indian traditions and values into these activities creates a culturally resonant experience that employees will appreciate. So, why wait? Begin today by introducing these activities and see the positive transformation unfold in your workplace.
What are your favorite ways to boost mental health at work? Share your ideas in the comments below!