Good mental health isn’t just about the absence of mental illness; it’s about the ability to handle the ups and downs of daily life, to feel good and to stay as well as possible. But as we look at various elements contributing to mental well-being, we often ask: which of these is not important for positive mental health?
In this piece, we’ll examine what actually bolsters our mental well-being, and more critically, guide you to recognize what doesn’t do as much of that. Knowing the difference helps you exert your energy in the right place.
Let’s break it down in an accessible and entertaining fashion.
What is Positive Mental Health?
Before we can say what is not important, we have to accept what is: Positive mental health.
Positive mental health includes:
- The ability to handle stress
- Maintaining strong, healthy relationships
- Feeling confident and motivated
- Doing well in school, at work, or at home
Cognitive Well-being and Reason for Existence and Emotional Well-being
It’s about thriving— not just surviving. And while you can still have mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, positive mental health can help you cope with or minimize their severity.
Which One of the Following is Not Beneficial to Good Mental Health?
Enough getting to the heart of the matter.
Here are some factors frequently considered when we talk about mental well-being:
- Strong social support
- A nutritious diet
- Regular exercise
- Owning expensive material items
- Mindfulness or meditation
- Good sleep hygiene
- Constant social media use
- Purpose or meaning in life
Which of These is Not Crucial to Good Mental Health?
Buying lots of stuff and using social media do not contribute to good mental health. In fact, they can even hurt it.
Let’s explore why these don’t matter and what does.
Social Media Use: A Juggle Between Positives And Negatives
It might seem like a stress buster to spend hours scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, but research indicates that social media is making us feel more — not less — anxious, self-conscious and depressed, particularly with young people.
A little bit of social media is good to stay connected, but constantly seeing the filtered, curated lives can cause comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out) and disturbed sleep.
Takeaway: You don’t need social media to maintain mental health. Use it less, and think about it more.
You Can't Buy Happiness With Possessions
Yes, covering basic needs is essential. Because more stuff doesn’t make us happier, at least even after you have food, shelter and safety, then once you have food, shelter and safety, more stuff doesn’t make us happier.
In fact, studies show that:
- Individuals who attach utmost importance to materialism score lower in life satisfaction
- Always wanting more can cause stress, debt and anxiety
- Good for you is experiences, relationships, good for you is growth.
- It doesn’t matter to mental health whether you have the latest phone or designer shoes. It matters what you think of yourself — not what you possess.
What Really Affects Your Mental Well-being
But let’s shift focus from what doesn’t matter to what does support positive mental health.
- Supportive Relationships and Community
- Connection is one of the most powerful foundations of our mental health.
- Whether it’s family, friends, a mentor, or a support group, having people you trust:
- Reduces feelings of isolation
- Builds emotional resilience
- Gives you a safe place to vent about issues
Tip: Nurture your friendships. Invest in real conversations instead of likes and comments.
A Balanced and Nutritious Diet
Your brain and body are not separate. Your diet makes you feel grumpy, sluggish and you find it hard to stay focused.
Healthy foods like:
- Leafy greens
- Whole grains
- Omega-3-rich fish
- Fruits and nuts
…everything supports the functionality of the brain and emotional support.
Nutrition is not about dieting — it’s about fueling your mind and body
Regular Physical Activity
We tend to think about exercise as a way to transform our bodies to look good. But don’t limit yourself to looking good: It may be the most effective way to train your brain as well.
A mere 30 minutes of walking, dancing or yoga can:
- Elevate your spirits with more endorphins
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Help you sleep better
- Build self-esteem
You don’t want to join a gym. Get into your body in a way that feels good.
Restorative Sleep Habits
Sleep is kind of this reset button for your brain. Without sufficient amounts, your mood, focus and emotional control will suffer.
To improve sleep hygiene:
- Get into bed and wake up at the same time
- 1 hourno screens before bed
- Keep your room cool and dark
- Limit caffeine after noon
- Aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep. It’s far more potent than you realise.
Practicing Mindfulness and Relaxation
Mindfulness is what allows you to be present — free of judgment or distraction.
It helps you:
- Manage anxiety and racing thoughts
- Respond to stress rather than react to it
- Stay connected with your feelings
You can start small:
- 5 minutes of deep breathing
- Meditation apps with guided setup like Headspace or Calm
- Journaling or gratitude practices
Mindfulness isn’t just for monks, it’s for anyone who wants more peace of mind.
Purpose and Meaning
Those that do tend to have a strong sense of meaning in life—be it from work, going to school, having a family, religious beliefs, or even hobbies.
- Greater emotional stability
- Stronger motivation
- Higher resilience to challenges
- And even sports participation, goal setting and helping others can make a difference.
Ask yourself: Why do you get out of bed in the morning? Then lean into that.
Common Myths About Mental Health
Now, let’s debunk a few myths that can lead you astray:
MYTH 1: “You have to ‘be happy’ all the time to be mentally healthy.”
Reality: Emotions are part of mental health, even if they are not happy ones. It’s how we handle them, not what we do to avoid them.
Myth 2: “You can simply snap out of it if you are feeling low.”
Truth: Mental illness is not a sign of weakness. They need time, they need support, occasionally they need professional help.
Myth 3: “Being mentally healthy means not needing anyone else’s help.”
Reality: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure. Everyone needs support sometimes.
Your Mental Health is a Journey for a Lifetime
There’s still no instant fix for mental well-being. It’s something you have to do every day — like good physical health.
In knowing which of these factors do not matter for positive mental health, you can save yourself a lot of time not doing what doesn’t work, and start working on what does.
Here’s a quick recap:
Helpful for Positive Mental Health | Not Important or Harmful |
Supportive relationships | Owning expensive items |
Balanced diet | Excessive social media |
Physical activity | Constant comparison |
Restful sleep | Peer pressure to “look happy” |
Mindfulness practices | Material status symbols |
Purpose and goals | Number of followers/likes |
Final Thoughts of Which of These is Not Important for Positive Mental Health
So if you were asking yourself, “Which one of these things is not like the others when it comes to positive mental health?” —now you know: it has nothing to do with how much you possess or how much you scroll. It is about the way you live, the way you connect, the way you care for yourself on a daily basis.”
Start small. Be kind to your mind. And concentrate on what is essential.
Frequently Asked Question
Is wealth important for positive mental health?
No. While financial stability helps meet basic needs, wealth beyond that point doesn’t guarantee happiness. Emotional well-being comes from purpose, relationships, and inner peace.
Can social media ever help mental health?
In small doses, yes. It can connect you with support groups or communities. But constant use can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Balance is key.
Why is owning expensive things not important for positive mental health?
Because material items offer short-term pleasure, not long-term satisfaction. True happiness comes from experiences, relationships, and self-worth.
What’s one habit I can start today for better mental health?
Try mindful breathing or a short walk outside. It reduces stress and brings your attention to the present moment.
Should I talk to someone if I feel sad often?
Absolutely. Speaking with a trusted adult, counselor, or therapist is a powerful step toward healing. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to deal with it alone.