Why Lifestyle Matters More Than We Think
Why Lifestyle Matters More Than We Think
Reflections from Practice and the Latest NSW Wellbeing Survey
Over the years—both in working with clients and navigating my own health—I’ve come to a realisation that’s reshaped everything I do: lifestyle is not just an “add-on” to health; it’s the foundation. Physical habits, daily routines, stress patterns, social connections—they all quietly shape how well we cope, function, and feel.
That recognition has become the backbone of how I now practise. I’ve shifted away from focusing purely on symptoms or diagnoses and instead look at the whole person—what their days look like, what keeps them up at night, who they talk to, what they eat, and how they move.
Turns out, this isn’t just a personal or professional hunch. Governments are starting to catch on too.
The NSW Mental Health Commission has been digging deeper into these connections through its Community Wellbeing Survey, the latest of which was released in late 2023. It offers a snapshot of how people across the state are really doing—not just whether they’re “sick” or “well,” but how they’re feeling, connecting, and living.
The Big Picture: How Are We Really Doing?
According to the survey, around one in three people in NSW will experience a mental health concern during their lifetime. That’s a huge number—and it’s not just about clinical diagnoses. It's about how we function day-to-day, how connected or supported we feel, and whether our environments help or hinder us.
This broader lens on wellbeing matters. It acknowledges that good mental health isn’t just the absence of illness—it’s about feeling okay in yourself, having purpose, and being able to face life’s ups and downs with support.
Key Themes from the 2023 Survey
Here’s what stood out:
Loneliness is a serious issue: Social isolation was one of the strongest predictors of poor mental health. Feeling disconnected—whether you live alone, work remotely, or are just going through a rough patch—can chip away at resilience and increase risk of anxiety or depression.
Healthy routines support mental wellbeing: People who reported regular physical activity, good sleep, and healthy eating habits also reported higher life satisfaction and lower psychological distress.
A sense of community matters: Those who felt they belonged to a community—whether that’s family, cultural groups, or neighbours—tended to have better overall wellbeing scores. It’s not just about “support networks,” but also feeling seen, valued, and included.
What Can We Learn From This?
As someone who's worked at the intersection of psychology and lifestyle, this all tracks.
The data validates what many of us feel but don’t always name: that daily life has a cumulative effect. Small habits and connections either build us up or slowly wear us down.
So what do we do with that?
Check in with your lifestyle: How are you sleeping? Are you moving enough? Do you eat in ways that fuel you or flatten you? These questions matter as much as any clinical checklist.
Invest in connection: This doesn’t have to mean big gestures. A call to a friend, saying hello to your neighbour, joining a group—these are micro-investments in wellbeing.
Get support when you need it: If you’re struggling, you’re not weak—you’re human. And there’s support out there, whether it’s professional help or someone who’ll just listen without judgement.
Final Thoughts
The NSW Government’s growing focus on wellbeing shows that mental health can’t be separated from how we live. And while surveys and statistics give us the big picture, it’s the small, everyday actions that move the dial.
If you’re curious to read the full Community Wellbeing Survey or want to explore how lifestyle changes could support your own mental health journey, here’s the link to the report:
NSW Community Wellbeing Survey 2023