How to Find a Well-Being Habit You'll Actually Stick With

"When it comes to improving subjective well-being, there are lots of options that work equally well according to a new meta-analysis of 12 different well-being-focused interventions. For this systematic review ( Wilkie et al., 2026) published in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers from Swansea University's School of Psychology analyzed data from 183 randomized controlled trials involving 22,811 adults. By doing a head-to-head comparison of a dozen different well-being-focused routines, the researchers were able to identify how different approaches stacked up against one another."

"Notably, the researchers found that there wasn't a single approach to improving subjective well-being that outshined others for every person all the time. Because many of these interventions have similar levels of efficacy, adherence becomes the ultimate tie-breaker. "What this study makes clear is that well-being can be supported through multiple, evidence-based pathways," senior author Andrew Kemp said in a January 2026 news release. "Psychological interventions, exercise and mind-body practices all perform well, which means services and policymakers have real flexibility to design programs that fit different settings and preferences.""

Data from 183 randomized controlled trials involving 22,811 adults were analyzed across 12 well-being-focused interventions. Most interventions improved subjective well-being compared with inactive controls, and many showed similar efficacy. No single approach consistently outperformed others for every person; adherence and personal fit determine practical effectiveness. Exercise, psychological therapies, and mind-body practices are all effective pathways, offering flexibility for program design across settings and preferences. Mixing movement with mindful practice often enhances benefits, and simple daily habits can outperform one-time large experiences. Choice should prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and individual preference to maximize long-term well-being gains.

Read at Psychology Today