Promotion of healthy lifestyles to improve mental health
Preventing psychiatric disorders is essential for promoting mental well-being and reducing the risk of relapses and necessitates systematic implementation at both local and national levels. Evidence-based preventive strategies, when adopted early in life, can significantly enhance mental health outcomes. Through coordinated efforts, we can foster more resilient communities and reduce the overall burden of psychiatric disorders.
While there is evidence that healthy lifestyles boost general health, there is also growing proof of their impact on mental health across different populations. Activities such as physical exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent sleep hygiene all have positive effects on mental well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity has been consistently linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and cognitive benefits. Integrating healthy lifestyle practices can supplement and amplify the effects of existing pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies.
The initiative, a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet (KI) and the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) proposes an approach to understanding and leveraging the role of physical activity in enhancing social interaction and improving mental health across different populations: psychiatric staff, patients, and the public.
The public has increasingly recognized the significance of healthy living. A growing number of individuals now participate in regular physical activity and consciously strive to make healthier lifestyle choices. While the broader public acknowledges the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, its full potential in psychiatry remains untapped. This disconnect often stems from patients' lack of knowledge about adopting and sustaining healthy habits. Many do not have tangible examples or role models from their homes or schools that illustrate the effective incorporation of physical activity into daily routines. Thus, this initiative is geared towards enhancing the emphasis on physical activity among psychiatric patients, staff, and the public.
For psychiatric professionals, regular physical activity is essential not only for maintaining physical health but also for managing stress and fostering a balanced work-life atmosphere. We plan to develop specific programs that encourage psychiatric staff to engage in regular exercise routines. These programs aim to reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve overall job satisfaction, thus promoting mental well-being and professional efficacy.
In the clinical context, physical activity is envisioned as a communal bridge between psychiatric patients and medical staff, fostering mutual understanding and support. Group exercises will be designed to not only improve physical and mental health but also to enhance feelings of equality, cohesion, and belonging among patients. This can play a crucial role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions and promoting more effective recovery pathways.
For the broader community, promoting physical activity is a public health priority that can contribute to enhanced mental health. By disseminating effective, enjoyable, and accessible exercise programs widely, we aim to foster a healthier, more resilient society. The initiative will include creating resources and support systems that encourage people of all ages and abilities to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives.
Three videos, based on the Braining project (https://rucklab.com/braining/), have been produced to guide psychiatric staff and patients on the significance of daily physical activity and good nutrition habits. Developed at KI in Stockholm, these videos provide guidelines and recommendations for incorporating exercises of varying intensity into daily routines for 3–5 min. Engaging both psychiatric staff and patients in joint physical activities can strengthen connections, promoting shared experiences, improved communication, increase empathy, reduced hierarchy, and overall enhanced physical and mental well-being.
The videos produced have been hosted on the WPA website as part of a library on healthy lifestyles, making them accessible to colleagues worldwide. These resources can be downloaded for inspiration and application in daily psychiatric practice. Members of the WPA from all continents are also encouraged to share short videos highlighting their initiatives in promoting healthy lifestyles among psychiatric patients. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration, cultural awareness, and inclusivity among all WPA Member Societies and KI.
Through targeted research and program development, this project will explore and implement the most effective ways to use physical activity as a catalyst for social interaction and improved mental health across these diverse groups. The ultimate goal is to establish a comprehensive understanding of how exercise can be a fundamental component of healthy social relationships and overall well-being. The full research and action plan can be found at WPA – Action Plan 2023–2026.