Impact of Lifestyle Interventions on Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review from Pakistan

Objectives: Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions contribute significantly to global disease burden, including in Pakistan where socioeconomic instability, stigma, and limited access to services worsen outcomes. Lifestyle interventions have emerged as promising non-pharmacological strategies for promoting psychological well-being. This systematic review evaluated the impact of lifestyle interventions on mental health outcomes within Pakistani populations from January 2020 to April 2025. Methodology: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies assessing at least one lifestyle intervention (e.g., physical activity, diet, mindfulness) and reporting at least one mental health-related outcome (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression, or psychological well-being). Study selection followed PCC criteria and PRISMA guidelines. Results: Twenty-one studies met initial eligibility, of which ten were verified as interventional with measurable mental health outcomes and were included for synthesis. Across studies, interventions involving physical activity, nutrition modification, mindfulness, and culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral techniques demonstrated positive effects on stress, anxiety, depression, mood, sleep, and coping. Study designs primarily included randomized, quasi-experimental, and feasibility trials. Risk of bias was generally moderate due to methodological constraints, shorter durations, and self-reported outcomes. Conclusion: Pakistani evidence supports the beneficial role of lifestyle interventions in improving mental health outcomes, aligning with international findings and highlighting scalable, low-cost approaches relevant to resource-constrained settings. Integration into primary care, educational, and community settings represents a promising avenue for mental health promotion in Pakistan.