0
0
Perth, May 10 – Simple, everyday actions such as chatting with friends and spending time outdoors are among the most effective ways to boost mental well-being, according to a new study from Curtin University in Western Australia.
The research, led by Professor Christina Pollard from Curtin’s School of Population Health, surveyed 603 adults with an average age of 49. Participants were asked how frequently they engaged in 15 different activities, including socializing, exercising, volunteering, and attending community events. The results showed that low-cost, accessible behaviors-particularly daily conversations and regular time in nature-had the strongest positive impact on mental health.
Key Findings
-
Daily Chats Make a Difference: People who chatted with others daily scored 10 points higher on the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) compared to those who chatted less than once a week.
-
Nature’s Mental Boost: Spending time outdoors each day was associated with a more than 5-point increase in mental well-being scores.
-
Other Beneficial Activities: Meeting friends, visiting family, engaging in physical or mentally stimulating activities, and helping others also correlated with improved well-being.
-
Community Awareness: The study found high awareness (86%) of mental health campaigns like Act Belong Commit, with nearly all participants agreeing that mental health should be prioritized alongside physical health.
Professor Pollard emphasized that these are not costly programs or clinical interventions, but simple behaviors that can be easily promoted 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 crosswords, reading, or learning a new language-provides an important mental reset,” she said.
Prevention Over Cure
The study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, found that 93% of respondents reported no psychological distress, and average mental well-being scores were comparable to pre-pandemic international norms. Professor Pollard argued for a shift in mental health promotion towards prevention, stating, “It’s about prevention, not just treatment-helping people stay mentally well before they reach crisis point”.
The findings support calls for long-term investment in population-wide mental health campaigns that empower individuals to take meaningful, everyday actions for their well-being.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on findings from a Curtin University study and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Individuals experiencing mental health concerns should seek support from qualified health professionals.
Citations:
