Research conducted by Jolanta Burke and colleagues at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences reveals a significant gap between the recommendations of wellbeing experts and their own practices. While many professionals advocate for structured activities to enhance mental health, such as daily gratitude journaling or performing acts of kindness, the study highlights that these experts often do not implement these strategies consistently in their own lives.
Interviews with 22 practitioners in the field of positive psychology, some with over a decade of experience, underscored this discrepancy. Participants shared that they frequently advise clients, friends, and family on various wellbeing activities tailored to individual needs. Yet, when asked about their personal engagement with these practices, it became clear that they primarily utilized them during challenging times, rather than as a regular part of their lives.
The study proposes a new concept termed the “meliotropic wellbeing mindset.” This term, derived from the Latin word “melior,” meaning “better,” and the Greek word “tropism,” referring to movement towards, encapsulates a flexible approach to wellbeing. Experts reported that they do not view wellbeing as a checklist of tasks to complete but rather as an integral aspect of daily life. This perspective allows them to accept the ups and downs of life without the pressure to chase happiness or positivity.
Participants frequently engaged in activities that contributed to their sense of purpose and balance, such as reading, volunteering, cooking, or practicing yoga. Unlike typical advice given to clients, these activities were not performed solely for the sake of wellbeing; they were part of the experts’ identities. Additionally, these individuals prioritized their physical health by ensuring adequate sleep, nutritious food, and regular exercise, which they believed directly influenced their mental wellbeing.
The research also shed light on how these experts actively managed their environments. If a work situation became stressful or if a social relationship felt draining, they did not hesitate to seek alternatives or limit their contact. This proactive approach extended to finding joy in everyday moments, such as one participant who described feeling uplifted by the simple pleasure of walking barefoot on grass while waiting to pick up her child from school.
Despite the growing presence of wellbeing apps and corporate programmes aimed at enhancing mental health, the overall impact of these initiatives remains modest. Some reports suggest that certain wellbeing programmes may even produce negative outcomes. Burke’s findings may help clarify why the effectiveness of these programmes varies widely. They indicate that traditional methods may not resonate with individuals who already embody wellbeing practices in their lives.
The implications of this research are significant. Instead of promoting lengthy wellbeing programmes or the pursuit of happiness, experts in positive psychology might benefit from shifting their focus toward understanding the long-term effects of more natural and integrated wellbeing practices.
For individuals seeking to improve their mental health, Burke’s study serves as a crucial reminder: there is no need to engage in constant self-improvement or to chase after happiness. Wellbeing does not require dramatic life changes or adherence to structured programmes. Rather, it involves nurturing a mindset that aligns with personal values and experiences, gently moving towards what makes life fulfilling.
In a world where the concept of wellbeing is often commercialised and oversimplified, embracing this more holistic and flexible approach could lead to deeper, more sustainable mental health benefits for everyone.
