5 Keys To Flourishing In Mental Health Recovery

"Flourishing protects against the following problems: suicide attempts and suicidality, self-harm other than suicide, addiction, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relapse of mental illness, reduced work productivity, and premature death."

- Dr. Corey Keyes (1)

There is a growing body of research on "flourishing," but Dr. Keyes' work stands out for its long-term research on how individuals—including his mental health journey—can flourish while living with mental health challenges.

He presents five points, which he refers to as the 5 vitamins of flourishing:
 

1. Engage in Spirituality
Meaningful connection and practice. Keyes highlights that this piece fuels resilience when life is challenging.  

2. Engage in Community (Socializing) 
They don't stay isolated (other research shows this is the common denominator of mental health recovery). 

3. Engage and Learn Something New
They enjoy exploring personal growth: learning a new language, musical instrument, exploring a topical book, new skills, sport, etc. 

4. Engage in Playing
They enjoy fun activities and don't watch the clock while doing them (personal hobbies and hobbies/activities with others). This overlaps well with #2 and #3!

5. Engage in Helping Others (live outward focused)
Other studies show that people who find their lives meaningful often serve others in a valuable way (even the small acts that bring a smile).
 

.  .  .  .

The point is that these are not one-time achievements but ongoing pursuits that support your flourishing—whether you are in triumph or trial.

Each time you engage in one of the above, you are actively flourishing - thriving in motion.

Want more?

We explore these concepts through many topics in our FREE workbook, Thrive: Living Resilient and Renewed (download for free today). 

Joe Padilla | Grace Alliance

(1) Keyes, C. (2024, March 30). 5 habits of people who are flourishing, according to a sociologist. Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/91071108/5-habits-of-people-who-are-flourishing-according-to-a-sociologist