It’s often tempting to dwell on the negative, especially when it comes to mental health. The signs of mental illness, like depression or anxiety, are often the focus when we talk about our psychological wellbeing. But what about the positives?
Psychologist Chris Cheers says the term mental health itself carries a negative connotation
“Nobody takes a ‘mental health day’ because things are going brilliantly. That tells us something,” Cheers says
A more helpful framework is thinking of our mental healthcare as an ongoing process of small daily habits
So, we asked experts to tell us the signs and habits commonly associated with good mental health
You have a morning and evening routine
Cheers says you can’t control your day, but you can have some autonomy over its start and end
“I don’t just mean waking up or going to bed at a specific time. I mean having little rituals that set you up for a good day, and a good sleep,” he says
In the morning, Cheers explains, you might prioritise writing in a journal, listening to music while having your coffee or doing some stretching
“For an evening routine, it’s anything that helps you wind down: tea, calling a friend, reading, deep breathing
“These routines matter because the more predictability you bring into your day, the calmer your nervous system becomes,” Cheers says
But maintaining regular sleep times can also be beneficial
A 2025 study found that people consistent in bed and wake times had a 38 per cent lower risk of depression and 33 per cent lower risk of anxiety compared to irregular sleepers
You check in with yourself
Doing a regular check-in with your body is an easy way to see if it is telling you something, particularly when life gets busy or if you have been taught to avoid giving certain emotions airtime
“I teach almost every client – and use myself – what I call a ‘body check-in’.You take a breath, bring your attention to your body, and ask three questions: How do I feel? Why does it make sense that I feel like that? What do I need?” Cheers says
Listening to and trusting your body is a step towards good mental health, he says
You’re compassionate
Katie Dobinson, a clinical psychologist at This Way Up at St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, says an indicator of good wellbeing is unique to individuals and their circumstances
“Maintaining one’s mental health helps to prevent mental illness and worsening quality of life,” Dobinson says
One example, she suggests, is having compassion for yourself when you make a mistake. This also includes letting yourself ask for support when you need it
You have a sense of purpose
Dobinson says it’s important to have a sense of purpose or meaning in life
Research shows that people who feel a sense of purpose in their life dealbetter with stress and are more likely to experience greater mental health
“This could look like working towards a new goal at work, maintaining connection with loved ones, pursuing learning and knowledge, or practising a new skill,” Dobinson says
“[Or] being able to engage in both essential and meaningful activities. This may be in daily self-care activities, engaging in meaningful study, work or volunteering, or pursuing tasks that matter to you.”
You have a community
Maintaining healthy relationships is a crucial component of mental wellbeing, Dobinson says
“Prioritise the relationships in your life that are important, that foster a sense of safety, that are supportive, and can help you in tough times,” she says
About one in three Australians report feeling lonely.Dobinson suggests trying a new hobby or interest to meet like-minded people
A2023 study published by Nature Medicinesuggests that engaging in a hobby is good for your wellbeing. Researchers analysed studies involving more than 93,000 people across 16 countries and found those with hobbies reported better health, including fewer symptoms of depression
“Good mental health involves social connection,” Dobinson says
You’re realistic
Being realistic includes being realistic about your mental health and goal setting
“Being realistic and balanced with your thinking. This can often involve being able to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and learning to see things from a balanced perspective,” Dobinson says
It also means you have good and bad days; you can’t completely avoid negative or anxious thoughts. And realistic planning means you have something to look forward to
“Having goals and plans for the future increases our motivation, brings us happiness, and helps to focus our mind on important tasks. Planning things to look forward to, or setting a goal to overcome a past challenge, can be healthy ways to improve your general wellbeing,” Dobinson says
You have coping strategies
It’s human to experience difficult emotions or setbacks, Dobinson says, but if you have a mental tool kit of coping strategies, it’s a sign of generally healthy mental wellbeing
Fostering a sense of resilience can help you cope with life’s difficulties
“This doesn’t mean you don’t experience negative emotions or stress, but that you’re able to navigate these stressors, ask for help, and adjust over time,” Dobinson says
Another indicator is being comfortable seeking support from a health professional when needed. So never be afraid to ask for help
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Abby Seaman is a digital producer and lifestyle writer at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
