According to a new survey by headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, family, friends, and physical activity are the top three sources of happiness for young Australians.
Released ahead of The Push-Up Challenge launching on 5 June, the national survey of over 3,000 young Australians aged 12-25 highlights the significant impact of social connections and physical activity on mental health.
The survey found that spending time or speaking with family and friends (17 percent and 13 percent, respectively) were the leading sources of daily happiness.
Additionally, 10 percent of respondents cited playing sports, exercising, or winning a sports game as the best ‘little’ thing that happened to them that week, underscoring the benefits of physical activity.
Rupert Saunders, headspace National Clinical Advisor, emphasised the importance of staying active for mental well-being.
“Staying active can improve your sleep, give you more energy, and help manage stress – all contributing to a healthy headspace,” Saunders said.
“Exercising can be anything that gets your body moving, like walking, playing sport, yoga, dancing, or swimming.
“Even when motivation is low, getting active can be most beneficial.”
headspace’s coincide with the start of The Push-Up Challenge, Australia’s largest annual mental health and fitness event.
This initiative encourages participants to complete 3,249 push-ups over 24 days, representing the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022, while learning daily mental health facts.
Funds raised will support headspace, Lifeline, and The Push For Better Foundation.
The Push-Up Challenge invites Australians of all ages and abilities to join in, promoting physical activity and mental health awareness.
“Changing habits can be tricky, so we encourage all young people to find something they enjoy,” Mr Saunders said.
“Setting small, achievable goals and exercising with friends can make it more enjoyable and sustainable.”
For more information or support, young people aged 12 to 25 can visit a headspace centre or access phone and online counselling via eheadspace. Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) offer 24/7 support for immediate assistance.
For more details on The Push-Up Challenge, visit thepushupchallenge.com.au/
