Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
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. ...
7 Things to Do in Brisbane Next Month for Craft-lovers
By Jana Lepojevic
Need fun things to do in Brisbane? From pottery to knife-making, discover hands-on workshops that turn a dull day into aNeed fun things to do in Brisbane? From pottery to knife-making, discover hands-on workshops that turn a dull day into a creative escape. ...
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. ...
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! ...
Creative Things to do in Australia Next Month to Fill Your Cup
By Jana Lepojevic
Need a boost? Fill your cup with creative things to do in Australia next month! Try pottery, painting, candle making andNeed a boost? Fill your cup with creative things to do in Australia next month! Try pottery, painting, candle making and more hands-on creative experiences. ...
15 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 15 gift experiences guaranteed to make Mum’sWhen it comes to fun things to do for Mother’s Day in Australia we’ve got 15 gift experiences guaranteed to make Mum’s day even more special. ...
9 Reasons to Sink Your Hands Into a Ceramics Class
By ClassBento Team
Curious about pottery classes? Here are 9 reasons to dive in and try this calming craft.
5 Culinary Experiences for Tasty Date Nights in Brisbane
By ClassBento Team
Work up an appetite with these Brisbane date night ideas with a culinary twist. From cooking together to shaking cocktails,Work up an appetite with these Brisbane date night ideas with a culinary twist. From cooking together to shaking cocktails, delicious romance awaits! ...
5 Unique Ways to Give Mother's Day Flowers in Brisbane
By Annie Symmonds
Discover five unconventional ways to gift your mum Mother’s Day flowers in Brisbane this year – a perfect surprise she'llDiscover five unconventional ways to gift your mum Mother’s Day flowers in Brisbane this year – a perfect surprise she'll love! ...
7 Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day in Brisbane in 2025
By Courtenay Turner
This Mother's Day in Brisbane, treat Mum to a different kind of gift. Explore cooking classes, floristry workshops and dessert-makingThis Mother's Day in Brisbane, treat Mum to a different kind of gift. Explore cooking classes, floristry workshops and dessert-making experiences. ...
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! ...
7 Do It Yourself Mother's Day Gifts to Show You Care
By Tiffany Fung
From handmade soaps to macrame plant hangers, these do it yourself Mother’s Day gifts are the perfect present to show MumFrom handmade soaps to macrame plant hangers, these do it yourself Mother’s Day gifts are the perfect present to show Mum you truly care this year. ...
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! ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
Warm Up This Winter with Crochet Classes in Brisbane
By Tiffany Fung
Head to crochet classes in Brisbane and step inside a cosy, warm space, where you can unleash your creativity and make somethingHead to crochet classes in Brisbane and step inside a cosy, warm space, where you can unleash your creativity and make something warm for winter. ...
5 Meaningful Things to Do for Mother's Day with Mum
By Tiffany Fung
Searching for meaningful Mother’s Day gifts? Read our guide to the best things to do for Mother’s Day in 2025, from gardeningSearching for meaningful Mother’s Day gifts? Read our guide to the best things to do for Mother’s Day in 2025, from gardening classes to tasting experiences. ...
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. ...
DIY Hot Cross Bun Chocolate Bars
By Courtenay Turner
The ultimate combination of two top-notch sweets, this DIY chocolate recipe is fun to make and a serious step up from store-boughtThe ultimate combination of two top-notch sweets, this DIY chocolate recipe is fun to make and a serious step up from store-bought Easter eggs. ...
5 Creative Date Activities to Bring Couples Closer Together
By Jana Lepojevic
Spice up your love life with our creative date ideas! From pottery to cooking, these fun activities will help you connect,Spice up your love life with our creative date ideas! From pottery to cooking, these fun activities will help you connect, laugh and make meaningful memories together. ...
7 Reasons Why You'll Love a Date Night Pottery Class
By Tiffany Fung
Find out why pottery classes in Brisbane are the best thing to do on your next date night. Make date nights special againFind out why pottery classes in Brisbane are the best thing to do on your next date night. Make date nights special again and reconnect with your partner. ...
11 Best Paint and Sip Studios in Brisbane
By Tiffany Fung
Grab a bottle of wine and your besties and create a masterpiece at these 11 best paint and sip studios in Brisbane!
Paint Ceramics in Brisbane to Find Your Flow State
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover mindfulness through ceramic painting in Brisbane. Find your flow state and unwind with personalised creations!
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! ...
Unforgettable Hen Night Ideas for Older Brides
By Courtenay Turner
From cocktail-making classes to flower-arranging workshops, discover the best hen night ideas for older brides. CelebrateFrom cocktail-making classes to flower-arranging workshops, discover the best hen night ideas for older brides. Celebrate in sophistication and style. ...
A Creative Guide to Brisbane's Top Things to do Next Month
By Jana Lepojevic
Explore Brisbane’s top things to do next month! Meet locals and explore the city’s creative side at crafty, arty andExplore Brisbane’s top things to do next month! Meet locals and explore the city’s creative side at crafty, arty and foodie workshops. ...
5 Craft Trends to Tap Into Your Inner Maximalist in 2025
By Laine Fullerton
This year’s craft trends are big, bright and bold—here are the top 5 you need to try!
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! ...
How to Give Mum What She Really Wants This Mother's Day
By Kellie Maloney
This crafty quiz will give you the answers…
Why a Ceramic Painting Brisbane Class Should Be Your Next Outing
By Jana Lepojevic
Join Brisbane's ceramic painting classes for a fun outing! From team-building to date nights, explore an indoor, weather-proofJoin Brisbane's ceramic painting classes for a fun outing! From team-building to date nights, explore an indoor, weather-proof activity for creative socialising ...
9 Best Pottery Studios in Brisbane
By Tiffany Fung
Get messy with pottery classes in Brisbane at nine of the top art studios in and around the city. Discover the mindfulnessGet messy with pottery classes in Brisbane at nine of the top art studios in and around the city. Discover the mindfulness of working with clay and learn how to create ceramic art with ease. ...
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! ...
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. ...
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. ...
Our 7 Best Picks for Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts in Australia
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for last minute Mother’s Day gifts in Australia? Treat Mum to the gift she’ll really want on her special day,Looking for last minute Mother’s Day gifts in Australia? Treat Mum to the gift she’ll really want on her special day, from skincare classes to flower workshops. ...
The Best Experiences in Brisbane to Gift on a Special Occasion
By Jana Lepojevic
Find the best experiences in Brisbane for unforgettable gifts! From creative workshops to romantic escapades, find perfectFind the best experiences in Brisbane for unforgettable gifts! From creative workshops to romantic escapades, find perfect experience gifts for any occasion. ...
Why I'm Gifting Mum Quality Time in 2025
By Laine Fullerton
Want to give Mum the ultimate gift this Christmas? Our Australian Head of Content Laine lets you in on her top tip. (Hint:Want to give Mum the ultimate gift this Christmas? Our Australian Head of Content Laine lets you in on her top tip. (Hint: it’s all about making memories!) ...
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. ...
Why Experience Gifts Are My Favourite Holiday Tradition
By Laine Fullerton
Skip the wrapping paper this year! ClassBento Australia's Head of Content shares why experience gifts are the best way toSkip the wrapping paper this year! ClassBento Australia's Head of Content shares why experience gifts are the best way to create lasting memories. ...
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. ...
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! ...
Inspiring Brisbane Mother's Day Gift Experiences for Every Mum in Your Life
By ClassBento Team
Treat all the amazing women in your life this Mother's Day, from grandma's to aunties and cousins, with inspiring gift experiencesTreat all the amazing women in your life this Mother's Day, from grandma's to aunties and cousins, with inspiring gift experiences for every type of Mum. ...
9 Mother's Day Gift Experiences for Remote Working Mums in Brisbane
By Kellie Maloney
This Mother's Day, gift your remote working Mum with an experience gift that will let her switch off and unwind. See ourThis Mother's Day, gift your remote working Mum with an experience gift that will let her switch off and unwind. See our experience gifts for Mums for ideas! ...
Make Your Wife Feel Special with These Anniversary Gifts for Her
By Tiffany Fung
Celebrate this amazing milestone with these anniversary gifts for her. From pottery to jewellery making, you’ll find anCelebrate this amazing milestone with these anniversary gifts for her. From pottery to jewellery making, you’ll find an endless list of options to surprise her. ...
Last-Minute Gifts That Don't Feel Last Minute
By ClassBento Team
From Sydney to Perth, we’ve scoured Australia for the best last-minute gifts to give to someone special in your life.
Why Experience Vouchers in Brisbane Make the Best Gifts
By Tiffany Fung
Whether it’s for your Dad, sister or best friend, here’s why gift experiences in Brisbane should make it to the top ofWhether it’s for your Dad, sister or best friend, here’s why gift experiences in Brisbane should make it to the top of your present shopping list. ...
Thoughtful Gifts for Couples Who Have Everything
By Tiffany Fung
Are you looking for what to get your favourite couple? Discover our curated selection of experience gifts for couples thatAre you looking for what to get your favourite couple? Discover our curated selection of experience gifts for couples that show them just how much you care! ...
Healthy Team Group Activities in Brisbane to Improve Employee Wellbeing
By Annie Symmonds
Shine a spotlight on employee wellbeing with these wholesome team building activities in Brisbane to support your team’sShine a spotlight on employee wellbeing with these wholesome team building activities in Brisbane to support your team’s health and happiness. ...
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! ...
Creative Ways to Connect with a Loved One Living with Dementia
By Kellie Maloney
We’ve put together a list of heartwarming ideas designed to help you reconnect with your loved one this Dementia ActionWe’ve put together a list of heartwarming ideas designed to help you reconnect with your loved one this Dementia Action Week and beyond… ...
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 ...
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.
Adapting the Workplace for Millennials
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Help the workplace adapt to millennials with our team building activities in Sydney! It's a great place to learn somethingHelp the workplace adapt to millennials with our team building activities in Sydney! It's a great place to learn something new while connecting with others. ...
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! ...
Why Plants Are Your Best Friend If You WFH
By Charlotte McKewen
Discover how adding plants to your workspace can brighten up your mood and your day!
Why So Serious? Hobbies Vs. Burnout
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Discover fun team building activities in Australia to enhance workplace motivation and avoid burnout in 2025 by finding hobbiesDiscover fun team building activities in Australia to enhance workplace motivation and avoid burnout in 2025 by finding hobbies that you'll love. ...
Re-energise Against Burnout
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Boost your team's morale against burnout with our exciting team building activities in Australia, from skateboarding workshopsBoost your team's morale against burnout with our exciting team building activities in Australia, from skateboarding workshops to Turkish mosaic lamp classes. ...
To Spice or Not to Spice: Can Chilli Improve Your Health
By Susana Aguilera
Find out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you withFind out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you with a focus on spicy cuisine. ...
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. ...
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 ...
Meet Sheri Vegas
By Laine Fullerton
Brisbane-based artist Sheridan Vigers AKA Sheri Vegas is passionate about sharing resin art and acrylic flow painting atBrisbane-based artist Sheridan Vigers AKA Sheri Vegas is passionate about sharing resin art and acrylic flow painting at fun creative workshops near you. ...
Meet Vanilla Zulu
By Kellie Maloney
Inspired by Chef Mel’s African heritage, Vanilla Zulu Culinary Adventures in Brisbane is an adventurous cooking schoolInspired by Chef Mel’s African heritage, Vanilla Zulu Culinary Adventures in Brisbane is an adventurous cooking school plating up fun! ...
7 Creative Ways Our Team Keeps Their Brain Sharp
By Laine Fullerton
From nature walks to knitting, the ClassBento team shares their favourite things they do to boost their brain health.
Meet Zara Avila
By Laine Fullerton
Colourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshopsColourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshops you can join in the fun! ...
Make Turkish Mosaic Lamps with Art Masterclass
By Laine Fullerton
From Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-makingFrom Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-making as a form of cultural connection. ...
10 Ways to Unwind with the ClassBento Crew
By Courtenay Turner
Despite what the $1.5 trillion global wellness industry would have you believe, taking care of your physical, social andDespite what the $1.5 trillion global wellness industry would have you believe, taking care of your physical, social and emotional wellbeing doesn’t require fancy French candles, powdered mushroom supplements or cryotherapy – unless you want it to. That's right, self-care doesn’t need to be shoppable, Instagrammable or endorsed by the beauty editor of the weekend paper – and we're here to prove it! To celebrate the many wonderful ways we can look after our health and wellbeing, we called on the ClassBento crew to share their favourite ways to relax and unwind. From nostalgic 90s re-runs and rock climbing to private dance parties, it’s safe to say there really is no “right” way to practice self-care… 1. Cook slowly, eat mindfully “My favourite way to unwind is by cooking. Making pasta from scratch, experimenting with stir-frys and curries and making apple pies are just some of the recipes I've been trying out. The most important aspect of cooking is to have a good few hours on hand and to simply enjoy the process. The key is good tunes, patience and plenty of taste-testing throughout.” – Kellie, Content Writer “Nothing beats sitting on the beach with a good book and some healthy dinner while watching the sunset!” – Adelaide, Social Media Manager 2. Travel back in time “Sometimes, I just like to watch re-runs of nostalgic shows I grew up with or look at old photos and videos. I like to take a trip down memory lane by looking at old keepsakes like drawings I did as a kid, magazines I used to read or toys I loved.” – Veronica, Designer 3. Wash the day away “On these hot summer afternoons, I jump into the ocean at the end of each day which has been sublime.” – Natasha, Community Partnerships Manager 4. Dance, cos this time, there’s really no one watching “My favourite way to unwind or get myself into a better mood instantly is to have a mini dance party by myself. No one’s there but me, and I just dance with (and for) myself. I groove depending on what my mood is… sometimes, you’ll find me jumping around with my hair out twirling and singing, sometimes I have a little slow dance with myself and give myself an embrace, other times I'll be discovering a completely new move.” – Rez, Customer Service Hero 5. Spend time with yourself “I love taking a bath and doing a ridiculously long skincare routine.” – Phoebe, Content Writer “I find taking long baths particularly relaxing because I'm forced to not use any electronic devices for a while. And I know I won't be picking any phone calls or getting any other distractions in there! There's also no pressure to do anything and it's a nice sensory experience to be surrounded by warm water!” – Iain, Co-Founder & CEO 6. Relax into your favourite reads “I like to read nf!The Happy Newspaper. It's full of really cute, funny, happy and heartwarming stories and is a nice break from the mainstream news which can be overwhelming at times.” – Laura, Head of Editorial “More often than not it’s reading a book. Hard copy books make it all the better but a Kindle Unlimited book is my guilty pleasure. If I’m not reading a book at the time (which is rare) I’m usually watching a French TV show to keep up my language skills or scouring the internet for new true crime podcasts.” – Charlotte, Content Writer 7. Do a little DIY “I knit and listen to podcasts, I'm one of those people who likes to keep my hands busy, even when I need downtime. If I could find a way to read a book while knitting and not messing up my project, that would be amazing!” – Jane, Content Writer 8. Skip the gym for the great outdoors “I like active relaxation, like going on a trek in the nearby mountains or getting up and confronting my fear of the ocean by paddleboarding or kayaking out in the sea. I also encourage my kids to do active relaxation activities after school, rather than extracurricular classes that they really don’t like. They go out rollerblading, swimming or rock climbing (the best activity out there!).” – Luis, UK Country Manager 9. Get crafty with the kids “Going for a walk, taking my kids to the park, doing a jigsaw or colouring-in books with the kids.” – Ryan, Community Partnerships Manager 10. Tend to your plant pals “Before 2020, my downtime didn’t expand much beyond binge-watching reality TV shows like Love Island and scrolling on Instagram for hours. Fast forward two years and I’m now a proud plant parent with over 30 green friends. I even have an app called nf!PictureThis to keep up with my ever-growing garden, which helps me make sure I’m meeting all their watering, fertilising and sun needs. Between Henry the aloe vera, Olive the olive tree and Hazel the sansevieria, my hands are well and truly full. Nothing feels more rewarding and relaxing than tending to my beloved plants and watching them grow and thrive!” – Laine, Editorial Manager Regardless of whether you're an avid reader, a weekend hiker or a nightly bubble-bath-taker, it pays to remember that self-care is not synonymous with self-improvement. In fact, it can be totally private, unapologetically personal and utterly un-Instagrammable. So go on, treat yourself to some true "me-time" and fill your cup! ...
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