Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
25 Fun Things to Do for Mother's Day in Australia in 2025
By ClassBento Team
When it comes to fun things to do for Mother’s Day in Australia we’ve got 25 gift experiences guaranteed to make Mum’sWhen it comes to fun things to do for Mother’s Day in Australia we’ve got 25 gift experiences guaranteed to make Mum’s day even more special. ...
Memorable Mother-Daughter Experiences That You Can Do Together
By ClassBento Team
Discover these relaxing gifts for Mum that promote quality time with mothers and daughters! Reconnect over pottery, painting,Discover these relaxing gifts for Mum that promote quality time with mothers and daughters! Reconnect over pottery, painting, cake decorating and more. ...
9 Unique Mothers Day Gift Experiences in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
Gift your mum an experience for Mother's Day and give the best Mother's Day gift of all - time spent with you!
12 Best Paint and Sip Studios in Sydney 2025
By Jana Lepojevic
Find the best paint and sip studios in Sydney in 2025 to enjoy an evening of creation and libation! From furbabies to texturedFind the best paint and sip studios in Sydney in 2025 to enjoy an evening of creation and libation! From furbabies to textured art, art and wine is for everyone ...
5 Things to Do in Sydney for an Unforgettable Staycation
By Tiffany Fung
Make your Sydney staycation extra special with these five unique experiences—from indulgent chocolate making to creativeMake your Sydney staycation extra special with these five unique experiences—from indulgent chocolate making to creative lino printing and more! ...
25 of the Best Creative Hens Party Ideas in Sydney
By Julia Carr-Catzel
Celebrate an upcoming wedding with creative hens party ideas that will see your group enjoying flower crown making, cocktailCelebrate an upcoming wedding with creative hens party ideas that will see your group enjoying flower crown making, cocktail classes and more! ...
5 Mother's Day Activities in Sydney to Take Mum in 2025
By Tiffany Fung
Find the best Mother’s Day activities in Sydney and treat her to something special. From terrarium making to skincare pampering,Find the best Mother’s Day activities in Sydney and treat her to something special. From terrarium making to skincare pampering, there’s something for every type of Mum. ...
Treat Mum to the Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Sydney
By Tiffany Fung
Looking to make your mum feel special on her big day? Discover our wide collection of Mother’s Day gift ideas in Sydney,Looking to make your mum feel special on her big day? Discover our wide collection of Mother’s Day gift ideas in Sydney, from soap making to cake decorating. ...
The History of Kintsugi: The Art of Japanese Pottery Repair
By ClassBento Team
Kintsugi, which means golden joinery, is a Japanese method of ceramic repair that celebrates the beauty of imperfection.Kintsugi, which means golden joinery, is a Japanese method of ceramic repair that celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Discover more about this age-old craft – and try it for yourself! ...
Heartwarming Mother's Day Ideas You Can Do Together
By ClassBento Team
Looking for meaningful Mother’s Day plans? Explore our list of unforgettable Mother's Day gift ideas you can do togetherLooking for meaningful Mother’s Day plans? Explore our list of unforgettable Mother's Day gift ideas you can do together and create lasting memories with Mum! ...
Couples Cooking Classes That Make Perfect Date Night Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Get into the kitchen for date night at cooking classes across Australia—the perfect treat for couples looking to reigniteGet into the kitchen for date night at cooking classes across Australia—the perfect treat for couples looking to reignite the romance! ...
Unique Mother's Day Gift Ideas No One Would Expect
By Annie Symmonds
Explore unique Mother's Day gift ideas to surprise and delight your mum this Mother's Day. Reject ordinary with gift experiencesExplore unique Mother's Day gift ideas to surprise and delight your mum this Mother's Day. Reject ordinary with gift experiences for Mum. ...
Best Pottery Classes in Sydney to Try This Winter
By Sam Bowden
Beat the cold and head inside this winter with the best indoor pottery classes in Sydney! From wheel throwing to clay play,Beat the cold and head inside this winter with the best indoor pottery classes in Sydney! From wheel throwing to clay play, pottery classes will warm your soul. ...
19 School Holiday Activities for Kids in Sydney
By Laine Fullerton
Redeem your NSW Creative Kids vouchers with these kid-approved school holiday activities in Sydney!
Top Mothers Day Gifts for Grandma 2025
By Sam Bowden
Don't forget Grandma this Mother's Day! Our experience gift ideas for grandma will help make your grandma feel loved, specialDon't forget Grandma this Mother's Day! Our experience gift ideas for grandma will help make your grandma feel loved, special and smiling from ear to ear! ...
Best Winter Birthday Party Ideas in Sydney in 2025
By Sam Bowden
Discover the best winter birthday ideas in Sydney, from fiery cocktail making classes to cosy indoor activities for crafDiscover the best winter birthday ideas in Sydney, from fiery cocktail making classes to cosy indoor activities for craft-lovers. ...
Only 7 days til Mother's Day
5 Mother's Day Activities in Sydney to Take Mum in 2025
By Tiffany Fung
Find the best Mother’s Day activities in Sydney and treat her to something special. From terrarium making to skincare pampering,Find the best Mother’s Day activities in Sydney and treat her to something special. From terrarium making to skincare pampering, there’s something for every type of Mum. ...
Treat Mum to the Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Sydney
By Tiffany Fung
Looking to make your mum feel special on her big day? Discover our wide collection of Mother’s Day gift ideas in Sydney,Looking to make your mum feel special on her big day? Discover our wide collection of Mother’s Day gift ideas in Sydney, from soap making to cake decorating. ...
Make Mother's Day Special with These Gifts for Mum in Adelaide
By Tiffany Fung
Want to 'wow' Mum this Mother’s Day? Discover our selection of gifts for Mum in Adelaide, from making latte art to throwingWant to 'wow' Mum this Mother’s Day? Discover our selection of gifts for Mum in Adelaide, from making latte art to throwing clay on the wheel. ...
How to Host a Magical Mother's Day Lunch in Sydney in 2025
By Annie Symmonds
If you're celebrating Mother's Day with a lunch this year, go a step further with our cooking class experience gifts forIf you're celebrating Mother's Day with a lunch this year, go a step further with our cooking class experience gifts for Mum on Mother's Day! ...
Need Thoughtful Gift Suggestions for Mother's Day? Take Our Quiz
By Courtenay Turner
Need personalised gift suggestions for Mother's Day? Take our two-minute quiz to discover the perfect present. Show Mum howNeed personalised gift suggestions for Mother's Day? Take our two-minute quiz to discover the perfect present. Show Mum how much she means this May. ...
5 Best Mother's Day Gifts in Sydney for Dog Mums
By Annie Symmonds
Surprise the dog Mum in your life with special Mother's Day gift ideas in Sydney. From art workshops to dog park adventures,Surprise the dog Mum in your life with special Mother's Day gift ideas in Sydney. From art workshops to dog park adventures, make memories together! ...
5 Sweet Ideas for First Mother's Day Gifts in Australia
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for ideas for first Mother’s Day gifts? Read our guide on the best ideas to help sweeten up Mum’s day with ourLooking for ideas for first Mother’s Day gifts? Read our guide on the best ideas to help sweeten up Mum’s day with our art, craft and cooking classes! ...
Last-Minute Presents for Mum That Are Actually Thoughtful
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover unique last-minute gifts for Mum—from sensory experiences to artsy workshops, you’ll find thoughtful presentsDiscover unique last-minute gifts for Mum—from sensory experiences to artsy workshops, you’ll find thoughtful presents to delight her instantly. ...
Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Sydney 2025
By ClassBento Team
Stuck on Mother's Day gift ideas this year? You need our best gift guide for Sydney Mums! Forget boring presents and discoverStuck on Mother's Day gift ideas this year? You need our best gift guide for Sydney Mums! Forget boring presents and discover Mother's Day activities in Sydney. ...
The Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Brisbane for Two-Mum Families
By Laine Fullerton
Need Mother's Day gift ideas for two mums? Surprise and delight them both with unique Mother's Day gift experiences theyNeed Mother's Day gift ideas for two mums? Surprise and delight them both with unique Mother's Day gift experiences they can do together or solo! ...
Mother's Day Beauty Gifts in Brisbane to Pamper Mum
By Annie Symmonds
Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day beauty gifts in Brisbane this year? Forget the facial voucher and discover thousandsLooking for the perfect Mother’s Day beauty gifts in Brisbane this year? Forget the facial voucher and discover thousands of unique Mother’s Day gift ideas she’s sure to love. ...
Top 10 Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Australia
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for the perfect gift? Check out these top 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas in Australia. From pottery to cocktails, theseLooking for the perfect gift? Check out these top 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas in Australia. From pottery to cocktails, these fun experiences will make Mum’s day! ...
Thoughtful (and Affordable) Mother's Day Gifts Under $100
By Courtenay Turner
These affordable Mother's Day gifts won't break the bank. From pottery to paint and sip, discover inexpensive experienceThese affordable Mother's Day gifts won't break the bank. From pottery to paint and sip, discover inexpensive experience gifts to suit your budget. ...
The Ultimate Mother's Day Gifts Guide in 2025
By Jana Lepojevic
The ultimate Mother’s Day gifts guide in 2025—explore foodie experiences, personalised keepsakes and more to find theThe ultimate Mother’s Day gifts guide in 2025—explore foodie experiences, personalised keepsakes and more to find the perfect gift to surprise Mum this year! ...
Empowering Mother's Day Experiences in Melbourne Your Mum Will Love
By Annie Symmonds
Celebrate Mum this Mother's Day with empowering gift experiences for Mum that will see her expanding her horizons, exploringCelebrate Mum this Mother's Day with empowering gift experiences for Mum that will see her expanding her horizons, exploring hobbies and spending time with you. ...
Transform Mother's Day Classics Into Unforgettable Experience Gifts in Sydney
By Sam Bowden
Take a unique spin on classic Mother's Day gifts and treat her to some of the best things to do in Sydney!
How to Host a Magical Mother's Day Lunch in Sydney in 2025
By Annie Symmonds
If you're celebrating Mother's Day with a lunch this year, go a step further with our cooking class experience gifts forIf you're celebrating Mother's Day with a lunch this year, go a step further with our cooking class experience gifts for Mum on Mother's Day! ...
Creative Date Ideas in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
Discover creative date night ideas in Sydney to reignite a spark! Enjoy unique experiences with your special someone inDiscover creative date night ideas in Sydney to reignite a spark! Enjoy unique experiences with your special someone in 2025. ...
7 Best Pottery Painting Classes in Sydney
By Tiffany Fung
If you’re looking for a creative outlet in 2023, head to one of the best pottery painting classes in Sydney.
5 Toasty Date Ideas for Couples in Sydney This Winter
By Jana Lepojevic
Keep the fire burning in your relationship with these 5 unique winter date ideas in Sydney. Cosy up with fun and romanticKeep the fire burning in your relationship with these 5 unique winter date ideas in Sydney. Cosy up with fun and romantic activities that beat the chill. ...
Who Said Family Recipes Have to Be Kept Secret
By Tiffany Fung
The secret’s out! This International Women’s Day meet seven ClassBento teachers passing on their knowledge, recipes,The secret’s out! This International Women’s Day meet seven ClassBento teachers passing on their knowledge, recipes, and creative crafts to the next generation. ...
9 Best Pottery Classes in Sydney You'll Love
By Annie Symmonds
Discover 9 best pottery classes in Sydney you're guaranteed to love! From wheel throwing to clay and sip, there's somethingDiscover 9 best pottery classes in Sydney you're guaranteed to love! From wheel throwing to clay and sip, there's something to suit everyone's interests. ...
Best Tween Birthday Party Ideas in Sydney
By Kellie Maloney
We’ve got all the kids birthday party ideas in Sydney you’ll ever need to create a unique experience that your tweenWe’ve got all the kids birthday party ideas in Sydney you’ll ever need to create a unique experience that your tween will love! ...
How to Shop for Every Type of Mum This Mothers Day
By Sam Bowden
Stuck for Mother's Day gift ideas in Sydney? Don't worry, we've put together a helpful guide to shopping for every type ofStuck for Mother's Day gift ideas in Sydney? Don't worry, we've put together a helpful guide to shopping for every type of Mum in 2025! ...
20 Chilled Out Hens Party Ideas
By Annie Symmonds
Explore serene hens party ideas tailored for the low-key bride-to-be of 2025! Find hens party activities to suit every memberExplore serene hens party ideas tailored for the low-key bride-to-be of 2025! Find hens party activities to suit every member of the bridal crew. ...
The Best Cosy Date Night Ideas to Try This Winter
By Jana Lepojevic
Embrace the cold with these cosy winter date night ideas. From art classes to ring making, find fun and intimate ways toEmbrace the cold with these cosy winter date night ideas. From art classes to ring making, find fun and intimate ways to connect with your partner this winter. ...
Our Top Picks for Things to Do with Mum This Mother's Day
By Jana Lepojevic
From cocktail shaking to pasta making, find unique Mother’s Day activities you can do together in 2025 and create meaningfulFrom cocktail shaking to pasta making, find unique Mother’s Day activities you can do together in 2025 and create meaningful memories with Mum this May! ...
7 Winter Crafts You Need to Try in Sydney
By Sam Bowden
As winter sets in for 2022, here are 7 winter crafts to keep you cozy and warm inside as it gets colder outside.
How to Plan a Classy Hens Party in Sydney
By Laine Fullerton
Looking to plan the best hens night? Discover these classy hens party ideas in Sydney that are fun, unforgettable and perfectlyLooking to plan the best hens night? Discover these classy hens party ideas in Sydney that are fun, unforgettable and perfectly suited to the bride-to-be. ...
What Kintsugi Taught Me About Life, Love and Healing
By Laine Fullerton
Our Editorial Manager Laine tries the art of Kintsugi and discovers what it can teach you about life, love and relationsOur Editorial Manager Laine tries the art of Kintsugi and discovers what it can teach you about life, love and relationships. ...
Why You Should Try Italian Cooking for Your Sydney Date Night
By ClassBento Team
Treat your partner to a romantic night out with these Italian-inspired date ideas in Sydney. There’s nothing more romanticTreat your partner to a romantic night out with these Italian-inspired date ideas in Sydney. There’s nothing more romantic than tossing pizza dough like a pro! ...
Forget Mother's Day Lunch and Book a Cooking Class Together
By Annie Symmonds
Forget Mother’s Day lunch and spend more quality time together with Mum this year with these fun cooking classes!
Need Thoughtful Gift Suggestions for Mother's Day? Take Our Quiz
By Courtenay Turner
Need personalised gift suggestions for Mother's Day? Take our two-minute quiz to discover the perfect present. Show Mum howNeed personalised gift suggestions for Mother's Day? Take our two-minute quiz to discover the perfect present. Show Mum how much she means this May. ...
5 Best Mother's Day Gifts in Sydney for Dog Mums
By Annie Symmonds
Surprise the dog Mum in your life with special Mother's Day gift ideas in Sydney. From art workshops to dog park adventures,Surprise the dog Mum in your life with special Mother's Day gift ideas in Sydney. From art workshops to dog park adventures, make memories together! ...
5 Sweet Ideas for First Mother's Day Gifts in Australia
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for ideas for first Mother’s Day gifts? Read our guide on the best ideas to help sweeten up Mum’s day with ourLooking for ideas for first Mother’s Day gifts? Read our guide on the best ideas to help sweeten up Mum’s day with our art, craft and cooking classes! ...
Last-Minute Presents for Mum That Are Actually Thoughtful
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover unique last-minute gifts for Mum—from sensory experiences to artsy workshops, you’ll find thoughtful presentsDiscover unique last-minute gifts for Mum—from sensory experiences to artsy workshops, you’ll find thoughtful presents to delight her instantly. ...
Thoughtful 40th Birthday Present Ideas for Women in Sydney
By Laine Fullerton
Commemorate birthday milestones in style with experience gifts! These 40th birthday gift ideas for women in Sydney have youCommemorate birthday milestones in style with experience gifts! These 40th birthday gift ideas for women in Sydney have you covered for every type of relationship. ...
Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Sydney 2025
By ClassBento Team
Stuck on Mother's Day gift ideas this year? You need our best gift guide for Sydney Mums! Forget boring presents and discoverStuck on Mother's Day gift ideas this year? You need our best gift guide for Sydney Mums! Forget boring presents and discover Mother's Day activities in Sydney. ...
13 Unforgettable Experience Gift Cards in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Discover thousands of unforgettable experience gift voucher ideas in Australia. Treat your favourite people to everythingDiscover thousands of unforgettable experience gift voucher ideas in Australia. Treat your favourite people to everything from pottery making to cake decorating. ...
Top 10 Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Australia
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for the perfect gift? Check out these top 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas in Australia. From pottery to cocktails, theseLooking for the perfect gift? Check out these top 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas in Australia. From pottery to cocktails, these fun experiences will make Mum’s day! ...
Thoughtful (and Affordable) Mother's Day Gifts Under $100
By Courtenay Turner
These affordable Mother's Day gifts won't break the bank. From pottery to paint and sip, discover inexpensive experienceThese affordable Mother's Day gifts won't break the bank. From pottery to paint and sip, discover inexpensive experience gifts to suit your budget. ...
The Ultimate Mother's Day Gifts Guide in 2025
By Jana Lepojevic
The ultimate Mother’s Day gifts guide in 2025—explore foodie experiences, personalised keepsakes and more to find theThe ultimate Mother’s Day gifts guide in 2025—explore foodie experiences, personalised keepsakes and more to find the perfect gift to surprise Mum this year! ...
Transform Mother's Day Classics Into Unforgettable Experience Gifts in Sydney
By Sam Bowden
Take a unique spin on classic Mother's Day gifts and treat her to some of the best things to do in Sydney!
18 Top Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Sydney in 2025
By ClassBento Team
Explore the top Mother's Day gift ideas in Sydney, from candle making courses to DIY pottery kits and much more!
Nice Mother's Day Gifts for Mums Who Deserve a Treat
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate Mum with a thoughtful experience gift! These nice Mother's Day gifts are perfect for relaxation, indulgence andCelebrate Mum with a thoughtful experience gift! These nice Mother's Day gifts are perfect for relaxation, indulgence and quality time together. ...
9 Wholesome Gift Ideas and Mother's Day Activities for Adults
By Courtenay Turner
From pottery workshops to cocktail making classes, discover the best Mother’s Day activities for adults around AustralFrom pottery workshops to cocktail making classes, discover the best Mother’s Day activities for adults around Australia. ...
A Guide to Choosing Good Mother's Day Gifts She'll Love
By Tiffany Fung
Discover our ultimate guide to good Mother’s Day gifts she'll adore, no matter what kind of Mum she is. Gift her a paintingDiscover our ultimate guide to good Mother’s Day gifts she'll adore, no matter what kind of Mum she is. Gift her a painting class, cooking class and more! ...
Impress with 5 Mother's Day Gifts for Your Mother-in-law
By Annie Symmonds
Find the best Mother’s Day gifts for your mother-in-law and get her playing with clay, arranging flowers and more!
Digital Detox Ideas in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
Our digital devices are taking over our lives. Our phones have transformed from being a device that could only help us talkOur digital devices are taking over our lives. Our phones have transformed from being a device that could only help us talk to people, to becoming an endless source of entertainment and engagement. And it's the first place we turn if we're looking for things to do this weekend. It’s no surprise that our devices are so hard to switch off, since they’re designed to be addictive. When we see an email, a comment or a ‘like’, we feel cared about, we feel important – it’s the pleasure of basic social recognition. When we see some news or updates, we feel a rush from our brain’s hit of dopamine. It’s a big problem. Big enough that companies like Google, Apple and Facebook are getting in on the act, providing apps and tweaking their products to help us control our cravings. And it's a problem worth solving. A more balanced life, with more mindfulness, has huge benefits. Studies have shown a correlation between digital addiction and depression/anxiety. Intuitively, you’ll of course have a lot more time to build and develop personal relationships, and relax as you take a break from chasing digital pats on your back, and enjoy the simpler things in life. If you live in Sydney, digital detox is arguably easier than elsewhere. Let’s take Singapore as a comparison. Instead of facing stifling tropical heat and humidity (or torrential downpours) when you step out the door, Sydney actually has pretty nice weather most of the year. Instead of a tiny island where going to malls is the main respite, Sydney has a huge number of activities and natural beauty to enjoy. Here are some of our favourite tips for Sydney-siders (or tourists here for a stay) undertaking digital detox. Get in the water. Swimming, kayaking, or any physical water sport. It’s pretty hard to check your emails while doing any of these activities (even if you have a waterproof device – if you’re anything like me (unfit), you’ll be too busy struggling to stay alive). Be inspired by the beauty of Sydney’s pristine beaches while you’re out there, and remind yourself of the beauty that just can’t be wholly captured in an Instagram photo. Team sports. We Aussies love our sports. Get some friends and go on your detox journey together – it’s harder to quit halfway when you’ve already made promises to your friends. The adrenaline rush you get from sports also keeps you buzzing immediately afterwards (negating the need for electronic stimulants), and also helps you sleep later that night - you'll be too tired to even bother checking your phone. Creative classes. Keep both your mind and your hands occupied as you decide exactly how you want to design a mini garden landscape in a bowl. Mentally travel back to earlier days without the need for scrolling back through your social media, by playing with nostalgic scents in a fragrance-making or candle-making workshop. Or pick up some practical skills like cooking, that you can use over and over again. ClassBento has a range of workshops held in-person by passionate local experts. Meet some new people and form some meaningful and real social connections. Have other tips that are specific to Sydney? Do let us know. Otherwise, we hope you've found these tips useful! ...
How to Create the Most Effective Work Culture Environment in Sydney
By Kellie Maloney
From paint and sip to pottery making—boost your workplace culture with these fun and creative team building activitiesFrom paint and sip to pottery making—boost your workplace culture with these fun and creative team building activities in Sydney! ...
How to Be More Effective with Mental Health in the Workplace
By Sam Bowden
Boost mental wellbeing and create a good office culture with these team building activities in Sydney, the perfect way toBoost mental wellbeing and create a good office culture with these team building activities in Sydney, the perfect way to improve the vibe in your workplace! ...
Simple Self-Care Ideas to Support Your Mum's Wellbeing
By ClassBento Team
Know a Mum who could do with some spoiling this Mother's Day? Our Mother's Day gift ideas are perfect for those Mums whoKnow a Mum who could do with some spoiling this Mother's Day? Our Mother's Day gift ideas are perfect for those Mums who need some pampering! ...
How to Build Better Boundaries If You WFH
By Courtenay Turner
Discover how to relieve stress, reduce the likelihood of burnout and improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing.
Stepping Out to Fight Dementia
By Kellie Maloney
On May 22nd 2022, the ClassBento team stepped up to beat dementia at the Sydney Memory Walk And Jog.
Aged Health Benefits and Recreational Classes
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
The weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughterThe weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughter and granddaughter put up a fuss, claiming that it was too hot outside, and that she should rest instead. She just waved a hand and motioned for me to help her stand up. “I’m going to teach my great-granddaughter how to garden,” she said. I think we were all a little bit surprised. In her old age, Nora wasn’t usually so lucid. It was hot that day (the sunflowers wouldn’t survive the sweltering heat waves of the next few months,) but my great-grandmother didn’t seem to mind. Under her sun visor, she was all smiles. As she walked me through the steps of preparing the flowerbed and spreading the seeds in the fresh soil, my great-grandmother was radiating joy. Of course, she was always excited to spend time with family, but this was something different. This energy and warmth had something to do with gardening. In the years since her passing, I’ve always been incredibly grateful for the chance to share that afternoon with her. I was able to see first-hand how a simple task, like caring for a garden, could have such a powerful impact on a woman who had lived for a century. The fact that something as small as planting a seed could still put such a radiant smile on her face astounded me and pushed me to find more information on the power of leisure activities on the elderly. As it turns out, the benefits of leisure activities for everyone are vast, but they can have a particularly powerful effect on the mental health of middle-aged and advanced-aged citizens. Why should we focus on older individuals? As middle age passes into advanced years, our senior citizens have a difficult transition. The things they took for granted in youth, such as mobility and memory, have become less accessible in older age. Even the most joyful and lighthearted of people have to admit that this loss of function can be frustrating, scary, and depressing. The awareness of this slowing down can be especially accentuated in retired individuals, who can no longer focus on a career or feel a sense of fulfillment in their jobs. Luckily, there are ways to ease the transition. Researchers across the world have been searching for solutions to the problems associated exclusively with the experience of aging, and what they found was something that community centers and elderly facilities have been saying all along: creative hobbies are good for our mental state and physical health. Multi-cultural methods: what are they doing in Japan? A 2015 study (1) from the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine in Japan sought to put previous claims of the effectiveness of certain leisure activities to the test. Though they disproved earlier beliefs that participating in social activities could improve mental health in middle-aged and elderly individuals, they did find some overall uplifting benefits to other leisure activities. Their findings found, for instance, that hobbies, cultural activities, physical exercise, and sports all improved the mental health of elderly Japanese citizens. The effect was compounded when such activities were shared with a companion or group. What about Australians? A similar study (2) was conducted by three scholars in 2013 exploring the effect of hobbies on the mental health of elderly women living in Australia. Their impetus for conducting the study was a body of precedent publications that, although dealing with the benefits of creative activities on mental wellbeing, had largely excluded the effects of such hobbies on the older generation. Their definition of creative hobby was expansive: everything from needlework to photography to china painting was included in study. And their findings were incredible: Women involved in such activities were more likely to be socially engaged and showed a lower tendency toward “osteoarthritis, stroke, depression or anxiety/nervous disorder compared with women not involved in those hobbies” (2, page 7). These women were also more likely to be in physically good shape in terms of functionality and enjoy an overall higher quality of life. The reasoning for these benefits is still somewhat unclear. Experts believe that these types of hobbies probably improve mental health by lowering stress, sparking cognitive activity, and producing feelings of fulfillment and pride in participants. How can we use this information? We can all agree that investing our elderly population is a valuable use of effort and resources. After all, they are our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They are future versions of ourselves, as we navigate our own aging process. We certainly wouldn’t be here without them. And in this vulnerable time in their lives, we should put this scientific knowledge to good use. There are lots of possible workshops that retirees and try out or even start themselves such as paint-and-sip classes, stand up paddle boarding, water aerobics, yarn bombing (the rebellious act of covering public spaces with crocheted or knitted works of art). These are just a few examples of the plethora of wacky, fun, unique hobbies out there. This is one of the reasons why ClassBento was started, to make it easier for retirees to try out new hobbies and also allow them to teach their passions and get paid, giving them purpose back in their lives. Our elders deserve it Based on my personal experience with my great-grandmother, I cannot understate the effect of leisure activities on elderly individuals. Seeing the smile light up her face when her advanced years had caused her so much strain and exhaustion was truly a gift that I would encourage every young person to be a part of. So get the older people in your lives involved in a creative pursuit. It will benefit you both! (1) journals.plos.org (2) tandfonline.com ...
Fun Corporate Team Building Activities That Promote Employee Wellbeing
By Laine Fullerton
Spice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaborationSpice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee wellbeing! ...
Be Kind to Your Mind
By ClassBento Team
Increasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creativeIncreasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creative workshops can help to improve your mental wellbeing ...
Best Matcha Recipe Ideas to Improve Your Health
By Julia Carr-Catzel
Matcha, which directly translates to ‘powdered tea’ in Japanese, found its roots over one thousand years ago,Matcha, which directly translates to ‘powdered tea’ in Japanese, found its roots over one thousand years ago, when Japanese monks would consume the beverage, to maintain calm during meditation practice. In modern Japan, matcha, at the center tea ceremonies, continues to reflect Zen culture. It's also an incredibly popular ingredient in Japanese cooking classes in Sydney. Its signature green colour is the result of the slow growth of the leaves under shade, thus obtaining a greater chlorophyll density. Once harvested, the leaves are ground into fine powder, combined with hot water and whisked with a bamboo brush or ‘chasen’ to make tea. Garnering the attention of superfood lovers and others alike, matcha can be found in a slew of sweet and savoury dishes, from muffins to guacamole, the green powder is known to boost mental wellbeing, weight loss and even fight cancer, Alzheimers and dementia. Facts about matcha When consumed daily, matcha supports the immune system, sustaining your body’s antioxidant levels. Its unique class of antioxidants ‘catechins’, specifically ‘epigallocatechin’ (EGC), can ward off agents which damage cell DNA, and thus reduce chance of cancer, and help fend of the signs of ageing. According to a study conducted by Tufts University, its high antioxidant level of 1573 units is far above food such as blueberries (93) and broccoli (31). Matcha promotes longer-term, sustainable energy. The drink lets you skip past coffee jitters, delivering natural caffeine throughout the body over a 6-8-hour period. L-Theanine amino acid found in matcha increases dopamine levels and boosts serotonin, enhances focus, balances your mood and reduces stress. Alongside detoxifying and rebooting internal processes, matcha improves your outer appearance. One spoon of Matcha tea powder is equal to 10 cups of green tea per day, vastly lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and boosting weightloss. The powder inhibits cell degeneration responsible for wrinkles, skin cancer, loss of collagen and skin elasticity. Matcha meals to try Topping countless meal variations, matcha lattes are likely the most common and popular form. In a fresh, yet complex process, lattes comprise of matcha powder, milk and sometimes a sweetener. Added to smoothies, ice-creams and pancakes – its natural bright green aesthetic is favoured among chefs and health-enthusiasts alike. The green hues are refined on social media where one can scroll through hundreds of photos featuring innovative matcha recipes under the hashtag #matcha; crepes, fudge and green granola included. Japanese foods including rice, green-tea ice-cream or mochi also incorporate matcha. To harness the best quality of matcha, the degree of grade, from cooking to ceremonial must be taken into consideration. Ceremonial graded matcha is usually representative of the region it came from, the amount of time the tea spent in shade before harvest, among other factors. Alternatively, cooking grade matcha is commonly used to produce sweeter cafe drinks. Indicators of ceremonial grade are colour: fluorescent as opposed to moss green and flavouring: slightly bitter with a refreshing grassy taste. When not prepared with care, matcha can lose its nutritional properties. And to maximise and neutralise matcha’s antioxidants, various ingredient pairings help to increase its properties such as citrus from lemon, promoting absorption. Vitamin C perfectly compliments matcha’s grassy notes. Typical Japanese desserts such as yoghurt: to balancing out bitter flavours or chewy, sweet mochi: to add a layer of texture to compliment matcha. Discover more traditional Japanese cooking classes here. Learn to use matcha Learn how to harness matcha’s best qualities under the expertise of a professional chef. Cook delectable matcha dishes in Matcha Lovers High Tea workshop alongside chef Yoshiko Takeuchi. Dip your fingers in coconut fudge, make two-colour mocha balls with yuzu and matcha an-paste and cold soba with matcha broth. Yoshiko holds over ten years to her name as a qualified chef, frequenting Sydney’s top kitchens and working alongside professionals including Tetsuya Wakuda. Dedicated to cooking healthily, she states: “I want all my students glow with confidence, energy and healthy beauty.” Yoshiko’s Japanese influenced vegetarian and vegan meals, aim to do just that. Observe Yoshiko’s detailed and easy-to-follow demonstrations, following hands-on practice. Sip on a yuzu matcha mocktail and organic matcha green tea. Take home practical and appetising recipes to replicate at home and incorporate into future meals. Take control of your relationship to food and echo Yoshiko’s philosophy of taking onboard a healthy and enriching lifestyle. ...
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