Experts say THESE simple, daily habits can boost mental health; here's how

Mental health is as important as your physical health, but often we tend to put it on the back burner. Many people only start paying attention to their mental well-being when they're already feeling overwhelmed or burned out. But that’s not how it should be. A study suggests that incorporating simple activities and habits in your daily routine can have a significant impact on your mental well being.

A study by researchers from Curtin University found that everyday actions and behaviours are linked to better mental well-being. The study is published in SSM Mental Health. The study revealed that nurturing mental health doesn't always require professional intervention; in fact, simple, everyday actions might make all the difference. And the best part is, you don’t even have to spend a penny for it! These activities include regular chats with friends and spending time in nature, among other things.

For the study, the researchers surveyed more than 600 Western Australian adults. They found that the participants who chatted with others daily scored 10 points higher on a standard mental well-being scale than those who did so less than once a week.

The study also found that spending time in nature every day is associated with a five-point increase. Activities such as frequent catch-ups with friends, physical activity, practising spirituality and helping others are also linked to improved mental well-being.

The lead author Prof. Christina Pollard from Curtin’s School of Population Health noted that such activities provide clear evidence that low-cost, accessible actions can play a meaningful role in maintaining good mental health and well-being.

“These aren’t expensive programs or clinical interventions - they’re behaviours that are already part of many people’s lives and can be easily encouraged through public health messaging. Regular connection with others, even a daily chat, can make a measurable difference to how people feel. Similarly, spending time outdoors or doing something that requires thinking and concentrating, like doing crosswords, reading, or learning a new language, provides an important mental reset,” Prof. Pollard said.

The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, despite the gloomy period, 93% of participants were unaffected by the psychological distress.
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Prof. Pollard noted that the study provides a strong case for long-term investment in population-wide mental health promotion campaigns that go beyond awareness and empower people to take meaningful action. “This research confirms that when people are supported and encouraged to engage in mentally healthy behaviours, the benefits can be felt across the community. It’s about prevention, not just treatment - helping people stay mentally well before they reach crisis point,” Prof. Pollard added.