New research from Curtin University shows that everyday behaviours like chatting with friends, spending time in nature and doing mentally stimulating activities are linked to improved mental wellbeing.
The study looked at over 600 adults in Western Australia. It found that people who spoke with others daily scored 10 points higher on a standard mental wellbeing scale compared to those who spoke to others less than once a week.
Spending time in nature every day was linked to a five-point increase.
Other beneficial activities included meeting friends, being physically active, helping others and practising spirituality.
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These actions were all associated with stronger mental health.
Professor Christina Pollard from Curtin’s School of Population Health said the findings show how simple and accessible actions can help people feel better.
“These are not expensive treatments or specialist programmes.
They are things many people already do and could be encouraged more through public health messages,” she said.
“Having a chat each day or being outdoors for a while can make a real difference. So can doing something that keeps the brain active like reading, learning a language or doing a crossword.”
The study examined 15 behaviours promoted by the Act Belong Commit campaign.
It found that mental wellbeing improved with the number of positive behaviours a person did regularly.
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Awareness of the campaign was high, with 86 per cent recognising it.
Nearly everyone agreed that mental health should be looked after just like physical health.
The research was done during the COVID-19 pandemic when social interaction was limited.
Even so, 93 per cent of people reported no signs of psychological distress and average mental wellbeing scores were similar to international norms before the pandemic.
Professor Pollard said the findings make a strong case for investing in public health campaigns that encourage people to take action to stay mentally well.
“This is about preventing problems, not just treating them. Helping people stay mentally healthy means fewer will reach a crisis,” she said.
