A new study shows that mental health professionals have significantly underestimated the importance of lifestyle factors as contributing factors to treatment, for fostering well-being, and for preserving and optimizing cognitive function.

An article in American Psychologist, by Roger Walsh, suggests that 'Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes' make a difference in both mental and physical health.

Dr. Rich O'Neill, Psychologist at Upstate, says that six lifestyle choices---smoking, poor diet, alcohol/drug abuse, lack of exercise, social isolation and out-of-control stress tie in with seven of the top ten causes of dying or becoming disabled before our time.

'Feeling good' can also be accomplished, says O'Neill, by making an effort at having good relationships and staying physically healthy, and recreation, stress management, religious or spiritual involvement and service to others, as well as spending time in nature are ways to reach that emotional goal.

The complete, advance publication text of the study is online.