A study from Curtin University in Western Australia identifies 15 activities that enhance mental health, emphasizing that the most effective ones are free and easily accessible. This research highlights the importance of actively engaging in behaviors that promote mental well-being.
Maintaining mental health is essential for coping with stress, performing well in work and learning, and achieving personal goals. The study evaluated the mental health impacts of activities such as spending time with family, engaging in physical exercise, and connecting with friends.
The research involved 603 adults, aged around 49 years, who participated in telephone interviews regarding their mental well-being and engagement in specific protective behaviors. The activities assessed included visiting family, spending time in nature, attending community events, volunteering, and socializing with others.
Two measures were used to assess mental well-being: the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS-14) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). The average WEMWBS score among participants was 52.6, indicating a generally good level of mental well-being, while 93% reported no psychological distress according to the K6.
Results showed that regular social interaction significantly increased well-being. Participants who chatted with others one to six times a week saw their WEMWBS score rise by 5.8 points compared to those who engaged less frequently. Daily conversations led to an even greater increase of 10 points in their well-being scores. Similarly, spending time in nature positively impacted mental health, with frequent visitors experiencing a 2.99-point boost in their WEMWBS score, and daily visitors improving by 5.08 points.
Other beneficial activities included meeting with friends and family, physical activity, spiritual engagement, and intellectually stimulating tasks like puzzles or reading. Professor Christina Pollard, the study’s lead author, emphasized that these are simple behaviors many people already incorporate into their lives and can easily be promoted through public health initiatives.
Pollard noted, “Regular connection with others, even a daily chat, can make a measurable difference to how people feel. Spending time outdoors or engaging in mentally stimulating activities provides a necessary mental reset.”
The study advocates for long-term investment in public health campaigns aimed at promoting mental health behaviors. Pollard stated, “When people are encouraged to engage in mentally healthy activities, the benefits are felt throughout the community. It’s about preventing mental health issues before they escalate into crises.”
The findings were published in the journal SSM – Mental Health, underscoring the value of accessible strategies to improve mental well-being.
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