Purposeful activity

It has long been believed that artistic activities can help provide personal meaning and boost mental health, and now, recent research is showing evidence for this. These beneficial effects are true of all art forms – like music, dance, visual arts or expressive writing – and can occur whether you are doing the art yourself, or observing the work of someone else (like going to an art gallery or listening to music). (Source)

When you are doing something challenging enough to be absorbing, but not overwhelming, and time just seems to fly by, you are in a "flow state". It could be flipping burgers for a hungry crowd, playing a piece of music, or working in your garden. Flow states are pleasurable in their own right; people seem wired to enjoy them. (Source)

Research shows that when you are recovering from a mental illness, being involved in any purposeful activity helps with recovery. This is especially the case when your levels of social support are lower. This is a very personal thing; it will vary depending on your preferences for how much social contact or physical activity is involved, and whether or not you prefer to stay at home or get out of the house more. (Source)

If you feel your work is meaningful, it can be one of the key factors that can influence your mental health. The World Health Organization says that the positive influences of meaningful work on your mental health come from a range of things like having something regular to do, connecting and working with others, and feeling good about contributing. (Source)

Sometimes people with mental or physical health issues can find it difficult to carry out their usual activities. However, stopping regular meaningful activities without replacing them with new ones can have a negative effect on mental health. So being open to new meaningful activities or doing old activities in a different way can help you manage your wellbeing. (Source)