New Study Reveals the Best and Worst Times for Your Mental Health

A recent study published in BMJ Mental Health has uncovered intriguing patterns in mental health and well-being throughout the day, week, and year. The research indicates that individuals generally experience their best moods in the morning and their lowest around midnight. Additionally, mental health tends to be better during the summer months compared to winter.

Time-of-Day Variations in Mental Health
The study analyzed data from nearly 50,000 participants over two years, revealing that self-reported mental health and well-being peak in the morning hours. Participants reported higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of worth during the early part of the day, with these positive feelings declining as the day progressed, reaching their lowest point around midnight.

Day-of-Week and Seasonal Influences
Beyond daily fluctuations, the research also found variations across different days of the week and seasons. Participants reported better mental health on Mondays and Fridays compared to Sundays. Seasonally, mental well-being was higher during the summer months, with participants experiencing increased happiness and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to the winter season.
Potential Causes and Implications
These patterns may be linked to our body’s circadian rhythms and the release of cortisol, a hormone that regulates stress and mood.

Cortisol levels typically peak shortly after waking and decrease throughout the day, which could explain the higher morning well-being. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for mental health services, as it suggests the need for increased support during late-night hours and the winter months.

Tips for Optimizing Mental Health


Morning Activities: Engage in activities that boost your mood early in the day, such as exercise, meditation, or listening to uplifting music.

Evening Routine: Establish a calming evening routine to help mitigate the decline in mood as the day progresses.

Seasonal Strategies: During winter months, consider light therapy or spending time outdoors during daylight hours to combat seasonal dips in mental well-being.


By aligning daily activities with these natural mental health rhythms, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain and improve their well-being throughout the day and year.