New Research: Everyday Habits That Boost Mental Wellbeing 🌱💬

A new study from Curtin University surveying over 600 adults in Western Australia has delivered a positive message: simple, everyday actions can significantly improve our mental wellbeing.

With more and more people suffering mental health challenges, these findings offer some advice and solutions for all of us to take notice.

The research evaluated 15 behaviours promoted by an “Act Belong Commit” campaign (scroll down for video) and found mental wellbeing increased consistently with the frequency of participation in these behaviours:

🗣 Daily Chats Matter: People who chatted with others daily scored 10 points higher on a standard mental wellbeing scale compared to those who did so less than once a week. With more of us working solo from home (and maybe not leaving the house), this reminds us the importance to be social.

🌱 Spend Time in Nature: Being in nature every day was linked to a five-point increase in mental wellbeing. Taking a walk in the park or time out in your garden can give us a mental reset. Or how about meeting someone for a walk and gain the benefits of social, mental and physical wellbeing.

🧠 Using your noggin: Activities that require thinking and concentration like crosswords, reading, or learning a new skill were also associated with better mental health. Maybe we’ve got too comfortable with passive entertainment like watching TV and need to find more options how we detach from stress.

➕Positive Behaviours: Frequent catch-ups with friends, regular physical activity, practising spirituality, and helping others also all contributed to improved overall wellbeing.

This research has highlighted the importance of being pro-active to stay mentally well, not just reacting with treatment after problems arise.

Lead author Christina Pollard summarised her findings saying 

“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”

Small, everyday actions like chatting with friends, spending time in nature, and challenging your mind can help keep us mentally healthy. 

Which behaviour could you be focusing on today to give yourself a wellbeing boost? 🌳🤝🧩

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I’m Jonny, a National Board Certified Health Coach and High Performance Consultant

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#stress #sleep #nutrition #exercise #behaviourchange 

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Source:

Christina Mary Pollard, Rosa Alati, David Lawrence, Meg Clary, Andrew Walton, Jennifer Dunne, Sharyn Burns, Lynne Millar. The association between participation in mental health protective behaviours and mental well-being: cross sectional survey among Western Australian adults. SSM - Mental Health, 2025; 7: 100441

If you are struggling with your mental health in Northern Ireland, there are a range of opportunities you can take and support services available:

1. Speak to Your GP

Your first point of contact should be your GP. They can assess your needs, provide advice, and refer you to appropriate mental health services if necessary. If it’s an emergency or outside normal hours, you can contact your GP’s out-of-hours service or go to your local Accident & Emergency department.

2. Crisis Support

If you are in crisis, feeling in despair, or having suicidal thoughts, you can contact:

• Lifeline: 0808 808 8000 (24/7 crisis helpline)

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)

• ChildLine (for under 19s): 0800 1111

These helplines offer confidential support and are staffed by trained counsellors who can help you talk through your feelings and find a way forward.

3. Local and Specialist Support Services

There are many organisations in Northern Ireland offering support, information, and practical help, here are a few (For a full directory of services, visit Minding Your Head):

Aware NI: Support for those affected by depression (Belfast 028 9035 7820, Derry 028 7126 0602, help@aware-ni.org)

Inspire Wellbeing: Offers housing, advocacy, and education services (028 9032 8474)

MindWise: Wide range of support services (028 9446 0873)

Beat Eating Disorders: Helplines for adults, students, and youth

Praxis Care: Support for mental health, learning disabilities, and dementia (028 9023 4555)

SANELINE: 0300 304 7000 (6pm–11pm)

Lisburn Wellbeing Hub: For people in the Lisburn area, offering talking therapies and support (028 9598 8003, wellbeing.hub@setrust.hscni.net)3

4. Talk to Someone You Trust

Sometimes, sharing how you feel with a friend or family member can provide relief and support.

5. Online Resources

Websites such as Minding Your Head, Family Support NI, and the Mental Health Foundation provide information, advice, and self-help resources.

6. Occupational Health

If you are employed, your workplace may have occupational health services that can offer support.

Remember: You are not alone, and help is available. Whether you need immediate crisis support or ongoing help, there are services and people ready to listen and support you in Northern Ireland