Last Updated on December 19, 2024
Although mental wellbeing is an essential part of a healthy body and mind in general, it is often a neglected aspect of overall health. However, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-overdue emphasis on the importance of mental wellbeing has finally received more recognition. As some sources claim, this is due to the prevalence of anxiety and depression increasing by 25% during the pandemic. However, the importance of prioritizing mental wellbeing should not be highlighted only during such severe scenarios but should be considered a natural part of overall health.
According to the World Health Organization, mental wellbeing meaning encompasses the ability to cope with life’s challenges, fulfill one’s potential, and contribute to society overall. It is more than just the absence of mental health conditions; it is a complex experience that individuals can perceive differently depending on their social, cultural, and economic background.
The following article will first provide a mental wellbeing definition by differentiating it from mental health. It will then explain various external and internal factors and challenges, such as anxiety or burnout, which may influence mental wellbeing. The article will then propose different techniques and approaches that help not only improve mental wellbeing but also help maintain it.
The Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing
According to Laurie Children’s mental wellbeing and mental health are two distinct phenomena. Mental health refers to a person’s current mental state, including conditions like anxiety or depression. A mental well-being definition, on the other hand, encompasses a broader, proactive approach to managing emotional balance, resilience, and life’s challenges. In this sense, mental health can fluctuate depending on stress and illness, while mental wellbeing involves the constant development of coping strategies and a positive mindset that helps individuals thrive in day-to-day life. Mental wellbeing is thus not just a method of avoiding mental health conditions but a proactive approach for building resilience.
Similarly, an article from 2024 emphasizes that mental health refers to the overall psychological state, including emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. Due to various factors, it can fluctuate daily. Mental well being meaning, on the other hand, refers to skills that are connected to resilience, such as the ability to handle stress, enjoy life, and maintain balance. Although these terms are related, mental health is more centered on managing various conditions, while mental well-being is centered on living well and thriving.

Factors that Influence Mental Wellbeing
It’s important to understand that various external and internal factors may influence mental wellbeing. Recognizing these influences enables individuals to proactively manage their emotional health, develop resilience, and make informed choices that support long-term mental balance.
External Factors
Various external factors can influence mental well-being, including environment, social connections, and workplace conditions.
A positive environment, for instance, such as access to green spaces, can promote relaxation and stress reduction. An interesting study from 2004, for example, explains that environmental factors such as living conditions, noise levels, housing quality, and the physical layout of urban spaces significantly influence mental health and mental wellbeing.
Moreover, strong social connections provide emotional support, fostering a sense of belonging and security. The workplace environment can also significantly influence mental wellbeing since a significant part of the day is spent at work. However, the workplace also impacts wellbeing through job demands, work-life balance, and supportive colleagues. Because of this, external elements can either diminish or enhance an individual’s mental wellbeing.
Internal Factors
When considering mental wellbeing meaning, internal factors like thoughts, emotions, and personal coping play an important role as external factors. Positive, balanced thoughts and emotional regulation can help manage stress and adversity. Similarly, personal coping strategies, like mindfulness, problem-solving, or self-care practices, equip individuals with the right tools to react calmly in stressful or demanding situations. Negative self-talk or poor emotional control, on the other hand, can lead to anxiety or depression. Essentially, working on and improving these internal factors helps individuals maintain a positive mindset and mental well-being in the face of external pressures.
Challenges to Mental Wellbeing
Burnout
Unfortunately, due to longer working hours, increasing work demands, and stressful working environments, burnout has become a significant challenge to mental wellbeing. It can lead to emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and feelings of detachment. Because of this, it is necessary to recognize and act on early signs, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. In many cases where burnout is not addressed, it can lead to severe mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

Anxiety
As with burnout, often stemming from either stressful and demanding working environments or personal pressures (although it may have a variety of causes), anxiety is another major challenge for mental wellbeing. It is characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. However, it can also manifest as physical symptoms like increased heart rate or tension and often leads to avoidance behaviors. If left unmanaged, anxiety can severely impact daily functioning, relationships, and the overall quality of life.
Loneliness
Despite constant online interactions, loneliness is becoming an increasing concern and challenge to mental wellbeing in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world. Many people tend to experience a lack of deep, meaningful connections, leading to feelings of isolation. This isolation can lead to emotional disconnection, which can then result in anxiety, depression, and decreased life satisfaction.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, for instance, claims that loneliness has a significant negative impact on mental health, particularly among adolescents. The study explores the numerous detrimental effects of loneliness, including the development of mental health conditions such as depression, psychological distress, poor sleep, and higher stress levels.
Life Transitions
Life transitions may include moving, starting a new job, or experiencing changes in relationships. All of these scenarios can pose a challenge to mental wellbeing since they disrupt routines individuals get used to and create feelings of uncertainty. This can consequently lead to stress, anxiety, or feelings of loss, as adjusting to new circumstances takes a significant amount of time. Navigating these situations can take an emotional toll on the individual and impact their self-esteem, and stability, causing feelings of vulnerability and discomfort.
How to Improve and Maintain Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness
Many studies, as, for example, a study published in 2019, emphasize that mindfulness positively affects mental wellbeing. According to this study, students who practiced mindfulness experienced improvements in self-awareness, focus, and stress management. Moreover, the study also states that mindfulness is an important tool for workers in demanding or stressful fields since it helps maintain composure.
To practice mindfulness, focus on the present moment by observing your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. Engage in deep breathing to center yourself, notice surrounding sounds and sights, and redirect your focus if you start to get occupied with something else.
Developing Positive Thinking Habits
Thinking habits influence how we respond to and interpret life’s challenges. Because of this, developing positive thinking habits is an integral part of mental wellbeing. Reframing negative thoughts into constructive thinking patterns through practices such as gratitude helps develop these positive thinking patterns. This positive outlook then increases awareness of negative thought patterns and enables healthier responses, reducing stress and increasing resilience.
Moreover, it is also crucial not to compare yourself with others, as observing your progress encourages personal growth. Overall, these habits build a more optimistic mindset and represent the foundation of mental wellbeing.

Creative Activities
Engaging in creative activities is an effective way of boosting mental wellbeing as it allows self-expression and provides a break from daily routines. These activities can help process emotions, reduce stress, increase resilience, and promote relaxation.
A 2018 paper explains that engaging in creative activities such as art therapy, singing, or crafting improves coping abilities, reduces negative emotions, and enhances self-confidence. In particular, the paper emphasizes participation in arts programs as an efficient way of elevating mood and developing a sense of community. Because of this, arts programs and creative activities are both valuable tools for improving mental wellbeing.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Balanced nutrition and physical activity are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Balanced nutrition is essential for both body and mind, helping regulate mood and energy levels. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, hormones that reduce stress and improve resilience.
Moreover, a regular sleep routine is also vital since it contributes to focus, emotional stability, and recovery from daily stressors. Limiting substances like caffeine and alcohol and focusing on sufficient water intake supports cognitive function and is also important for emotional balance.
Conclusion
Mental wellbeing is an integral part of overall health and quality of life, encompassing aspects such as resilience, emotional balance, and the ability to manage life’s challenges effectively. As opposed to mental health, which focuses on managing various conditions, mental well-being meaning includes proactive efforts to maintain a positive mindset, healthy coping skills, and fulfilling relationships.
Although challenges like burnout or anxiety can provide obstacles to mental wellbeing, approaches and techniques like mindfulness or positive thinking patterns not only improve mental wellbeing but also ensure that individuals respond to difficult situations with resilience.