The pre-budget Economic Survey has highlighted the adverse impact of ultra-processed junk food, excessive social media use, lack of exercise, and poor workplace culture on mental well-being. Citing a study by the Sapien Labs Centre for Human Brain and Mind, the report emphasizes that lifestyle choices made during childhood and youth play a crucial role in shaping mental health and, ultimately, India’s economic growth.
The survey found that individuals who consume ultra-processed and packaged junk food regularly tend to have poorer mental health than those who avoid such foods. Healthier dietary habits are linked to greater mental resilience and fewer work absences. Additionally, a lack of physical activity and excessive time spent on social media were identified as major risk factors for mental distress, particularly among children and adolescents. The report notes that the rise in mental health issues among young people is often attributed to internet overuse, a concern also raised in Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation.
Workplace culture plays a significant role in mental well-being. Employees who spend 12 or more hours daily at a desk report higher distress level, and those with poor relationships with managers or low pride in their work experience increased absenteeism. The report warns that hostile work environments and excessive desk hours not only harm individual mental health but also slow down economic productivity.
The survey also underscores the importance of family relationships and social connections in fostering mental well-being. Individuals who lack close family bonds are more likely to struggle with mental health challenges. Encouraging real-world interactions, outdoor activities, and meaningful family time could help mitigate the effects of social media overuse and support healthier lifestyles.
Recognizing mental well-being as a national economic priority, the Economic Survey calls for preventive strategies over post-facto treatments. It recommends promoting healthier lifestyles, improving workplace environments, and implementing school and family-level interventions to reduce excessive digital exposure among children. The report concludes that India’s demographic dividend depends not just on education and physical health but also on mental well-being, urging a return to traditional values of strong family ties and active lifestyles as a path to a healthier and more productive society.