Daijiworld Media Network – Perth
Perth, May 10: A recent study conducted by Curtin University in Western Australia has revealed that simple, everyday activities like chatting with others and spending time in nature can significantly boost mental well-being.
The research, which evaluated 15 daily activities for their impact on mental health, found that those requiring little to no cost were among the most effective. “These aren’t expensive programs or clinical interventions they’re behaviors that are already part of many people’s lives and can be easily encouraged through public health messaging,” said lead researcher Professor Christina Pollard from the School of Population Health.
The study involved 603 adults, with an average age of 49, who were surveyed about how frequently they engaged in behaviors like socializing, exercising, volunteering, and attending community events. The results showed that mental well-being was highest among those who chatted with others daily and spent regular time outdoors.
Chatting daily raised mental well-being scores by 10 points, while spending time in nature each day boosted scores by over 5 points. Other beneficial activities included meeting friends, visiting family, doing physical or mentally engaging tasks, and helping others.
“Regular connection with others, even a simple chat, can make a measurable difference,” Pollard noted. “Activities like reading, learning something new, or enjoying nature offer important mental resets.”
Using standard tools like the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), the researchers found that 93% of participants reported no signs of distress. Still, those who engaged more frequently in protective behaviors scored significantly better in terms of mental well-being.
The study emphasizes that mental health promotion should focus on prevention. “It’s about helping people stay mentally well before they reach crisis point,” Pollard added, calling for stronger investment in community-wide mental health initiatives.