lifemental

Lifemental is a neologism describing a holistic approach to mental well-being that situates mental processes within the broader context of daily life and life experiences. The concept emphasizes how ongoing experiences, environment, relationships, and routines shape cognition and emotion, and, in turn, how mental states influence everyday behavior and resilience.

In practice, lifemental encompasses cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral dimensions, drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science. Proponents describe it as a framework for maintaining mental health through ordinary activities such as regular sleep, physical activity, mindful awareness, social connection, and adaptive coping with stressors as they arise.

Origins of the term are informal; it began appearing in online wellness discourse and some self-help and coaching communities in the early 2020s. It is not yet standardized in peer-reviewed literature, and there is no universal definition. Supporters view lifemental as a systems-oriented perspective that integrates personal experiences with mental processes rather than a fixed diagnosis.

Critics note that the term can be vague and overlapping with established concepts like mental health, well-being, and life-course perspectives. Empirical research on lifemental remains limited, and measurement methods vary. In educational or clinical settings, lifemental is typically used as a descriptive or aspirational framework to promote self-awareness and practical strategies for everyday mental health.