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What is mental health? -

Mental health, according to the World Health Organization, is a state of mental well-being where people are able to better cope with stressors as well as realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute overall to their community.

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What is wellness? -

Wellness is practicing healthy habits daily in order to obtain better physical and mental health outcomes. Think of the word thriving instead of just surviving. 

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A recent study's key findings -

The study suggests that people's mental health as well as their wellbeing can fluctuate throughout the day. Additionally, on average, people seem to feel best earlier in the day and worse at night.

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Study details -

Researchers analyzed University College London data on 49,218 people who were surveyed more than a dozen times between March 2020 and March 2022.

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Where was this study published? -

The study was published in the journal BMJ Mental Health.

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Limitations of the study -

In this study, a correlation was found but currently, researchers can't say definitively that it was the time of day that caused people to have improved mental health and well-being.

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The role of mental state -

It's not impossible that the time of day could affect people's mental state however, results could have been skewed depending on when respondents chose to answer the survey.

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Are more studies needed? -

Yes, scientists and researchers need to conduct subsequent studies to know more. The information gathered in this study is helpful but not the final say.

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Overlapping constructs -

Mental health and well-being are considered to be "overlapping but distinct constructs." It's important to remember that mental health is only one component, albeit an important one, of well-being.

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WHO’s definition of well-being -

According to the WHO, well-being is a positive state that is determined by factors including social, economic, and environmental conditions. It includes quality of life and a sense of purpose.

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Previous studies -

Most of the previous studies that are at least similar actually focused on mood instead of mental health and well-being.

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What is mood? -

Mood is a temporary affective state where mental health and well-being are broader, more stable conditions. 

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Availability of mental health resources -

Given this preliminary research and other studies done, it might be helpful for mental health support providers to consider adjusting resources to match the different needs throughout any given day.

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Best time for challenging tasks -

Late mornings may be ideal for handling more complex problems and tasks as usually, your mood is somewhat stable during this time period.

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Decision fatigue in the afternoon -

Decision fatigue can occur in the afternoon and make it even more challenging to focus on complex tasks and decisions.

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Seasonal effects on mental health -

While plenty of physiological changes occur throughout the day, bigger correlations also take place according to the time of year.

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Factors beyond time of day -

Additionally, "stress, autonomy, social support, and environmental conditions" can all impact your mood.

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What if I’m not a morning person? -

This research doesn't mean you need to uproot and completely change your life.

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Adjusting to personal rhythms -

Personal experiences vary from person to person and if you seem to function better at night, it isn't cause for alarm. 

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Tough things to try and accomplish in the morning -

The following slides will include some potentially tough things you can try to accomplish in the morning that could help with your overall mental health and well-being.

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Eating right -

Making the decision to wake up early and cook a nutritious breakfast could help improve your mood and energy levels which can, in turn, help you improve cognitive function and feel better overall. 

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Planning for the day -

Organizing your day in the morning could help reduce stress and help you prioritize all your tasks so things get done on time. This might help you feel less stressed.

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Being honest with yourself -

Reflecting on any personal challenges you may be experiencing can help clear your mind. It can encourage self-awareness and hopefully help with emotional stability.

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Exercising -

Physical activity improves mood and can reduce stress. Try hitting the gym first thing in the morning to help boost your focus for the rest of the day.

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Organizing your space -

A clean, organized space can promote clarity which might help you feel less anxious and at home.

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Key takeaways -

Mental health and wellness can fluctuate throughout the day for many people. It's important to understand and account for things like your personal rhythms, possible seasonal effects, and other potential factors.

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Tailored to your needs -

Mental health strategies should be tailored specifically by you, for you. Prioritize your well-being and mental health in hopes of living a more fulfilled and happy life.

Sources: (CNN Health) (World Health Organization) (Wrike Blog)

See also: Study identifies the age at which we start adopting our parents' habits

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