Supporting Mind, Body, and Heart: A Wellbeing and Mental Health Day for MSD

The Objective

MSD partnered with us to organize a transformative Wellbeing and Mental Health Day for their entire organization, focusing on the core pillars of wellbeing: stress and rest, movement, connection and joy, nutrition, and meaning and values. Held in a serene outdoor space, immersed in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the event offered a day of calm, connection, and personal growth.

The primary goal was to create an immersive experience that would empower employees to:

• Cultivate calm and balance amidst life’s demands.

• Strengthen creativity, focus, and playfulness.

• Explore personal values to live more authentically.

• Improve physical health and integrate movement into their daily lives.

• Reflect on how wellbeing directly impacts relationships, teamwork, and personal and professional performance.

Our Approach

The event was structured around the five key pillars of wellbeing, offering a diverse range of interactive activities designed to support the mind, body, and soul:

1. Stress and Rest
   A mindfulness and breathwork session introduced participants to practical techniques for calming the mind, regulating the nervous system, and finding moments of rest in their busy lives. This session emphasized the power of mindful awareness to create balance and clarity, helping participants manage stress more effectively.

2. Movement
   Through Pilates and yoga classes suitable for all fitness levels, participants explored the importance of movement in reducing stress, enhancing flexibility, and reconnecting with their bodies. These classes, set in the tranquil natural environment, allowed participants to experience firsthand how movement can energize the body and calm the mind.

3. Connection and Joy
   A mindful drawing activity encouraged participants to tap into their creativity and focus while fostering a sense of playfulness and connection. Through this artistic exploration, employees expressed themselves freely and engaged in a collective experience that highlighted the importance of joy and collaboration in the workplace.

4. Meaning and Values
   In the Find Your Inner Compass Workshop, participants reflected on their personal values and life priorities through guided exercises, journaling, and group discussions. This interactive workshop helped participants identify what truly matters to them, offering clarity on how to live and work with greater authenticity, alignment, and purpose.

5. Nutrition
   The importance of nutrition and its connection to mental health was reflected in the carefully curated menu provided throughout the day. Designed to be both healthy and balanced, the menu emphasized the role of wholesome, nourishing food in supporting mental clarity and physical vitality.

Keynote: Mind Your Mind

The event began with a thought-provoking session titled “Mind Your Mind,” which explored the five pillars of wellbeing and their interconnected impact on mental health, performance, and relationships. The session highlighted how regulating the nervous system, nurturing meaningful connections, and aligning with personal values can empower individuals to show up with greater presence and balance in all areas of life. This opening set the tone for the day, encouraging participants to approach each activity with curiosity and an open mind.

The Results

The Wellbeing and Mental Health Day was a resounding success, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. Held in a peaceful outdoor setting surrounded by nature, the environment itself contributed to the calming and reflective atmosphere of the event.

Key outcomes included:

• Practical Tools for Wellbeing: Participants left equipped with mindfulness, movement, and reflection practices that could be easily integrated into their daily routines.

• Deepened Connection: The group activities, particularly the mindful drawing and shared movement classes, helped employees build stronger interpersonal connections and foster a sense of camaraderie.

• Enhanced Awareness: Attendees gained a deeper understanding of their personal values and how these align with their professional goals, helping them to bring more authenticity and intention into their work and lives.

• Improved Team Dynamics: Employees expressed a renewed sense of appreciation for their colleagues and a collective commitment to creating a culture that values holistic wellbeing.

Conclusion

This Wellbeing and Mental Health Day exemplified MSD’s commitment to supporting the holistic wellbeing of their employees. By combining mindfulness practices, physical movement, artistic creativity, and reflective exercises in a serene natural environment, the event created a space for employees to recharge, reconnect, and realign their personal and professional lives.

If your organization is looking to invest in a transformative wellbeing program that empowers employees to thrive, we’d love to help. Contact us to explore how we can design a unique and impactful experience tailored to your needs.