Beyond being an economic issue, mental well-being is the ability to navigate life’s challenges and function productively. The Survey highlights that mental well-being is influenced by a myriad of factors, including workplace culture, hours spent working, and lifestyle choices.
The Survey points out how lifestyle, work culture, family bonds, and eating habits impact the mental health of citizens. It also emphasizes the negative effects of excessive screen time and ultra-processed foods on mental health. “While promoting a better workplace culture will lead to better mental well-being, lifestyle choices and family situations also play a significant role. Results of the survey show that individuals who rarely consume ultra-processed or packaged junk food have better mental well-being than those who regularly do,” the Survey states.
Similarly, people who rarely exercise, spend their free time on social media, or are not close to their families have worse mental well-being. “Lifestyle choices and workplace culture are critical for mental well-being and, hence, productivity. If India’s economic ambitions are to be met, then immediate attention must be given to lifestyle choices that are often made during childhood and youth,” the Survey notes.
The Survey also highlights the adverse effects of hostile work cultures and excessive hours spent working at the desk on mental well-being. It warns that such conditions will “ultimately put the brakes on the pace of economic growth” in the country.
India’s Economic Survey 2024-25 calls for immediate attention to lifestyle choices and workplace culture to ensure the mental well-being and productivity of its citizens, which are crucial for the nation’s economic ambitions.
