The Mental Health Benefits Backed by Science

Wellness advice is everywhere, but only some of it holds up under scrutiny. We reviewed recent research to find the habits with the strongest evidence behind them.

Movement and sleep

Regular moderate exercise is linked to lower rates of depression in large population studies, and even short daily walks help. Consistent sleep, rather than simply more sleep, appears to protect mood and concentration.

Nature and people

Time spent in green spaces and regular contact with friends both show measurable benefits for stress. The good news is that none of these require special equipment, just a little planning each week.