We’ve all heard about the importance of exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking to maintain our physical health. But what about our mental health? Professor Vibeke Koushede believes we are lagging behind in this area, and her mission is to change that. She introduces us to the ABC method, a simple yet powerful approach to improving our mental health.

Below, we take a closer look at this method, which promises to make us more aware of our own mental well-being and bring us more joy in our daily lives—and who wouldn’t want a happier everyday life?

Background and Motivation

Behind the ABC method is Vibeke Koushede, a dedicated professor at the University of Copenhagen. Her interest in mental health was sparked when she realized that, when people talked about health, the focus was often on physical health, while the mental aspect was overlooked. The physical factors of health are often easier to define concretely, whereas the mental factors can be more diffuse and individual. But Vibeke Koushede wants to change that with this simple method.

The Basics of Mental Health

ABC stands for Act, Belong, and Commit. Three simple yet transformative principles adapted to the Danish context.

• Act: Take action. Being active on physical, social, mental, and spiritual levels has been shown to have a direct impact on our mental health. This can range from going for a walk to pursuing a hobby.
• Belong: Do things together. Social connections are key. Making time for family and friends and participating in social activities boosts our mental well-being.
• Commit: Do something meaningful. Finding meaning in our daily activities—whether through hobbies, volunteer work, or personal challenges—is essential to our mental health.

Implementation in Denmark

The ABC approach is making its way into the lives of Danes. The budget for the coming year allocates funds to spread the message and implement the method in organizations and municipalities across the country. This will lead to a greater focus on mental well-being, and this ABC approach is intended to provide concrete solutions to make us happier in our daily lives.

The ABC method isn’t just another fad; it’s scientifically grounded and accessible to everyone. So if you want to work on your mental health, follow Vibeke Koushede’s advice: set aside your “to-do list” and let your “yay list” guide you toward better mental health.

"If you want to improve your mental well-being, these are the three things you should focus on. It’s important to remember to take care of your mental health, and these are the low-hanging fruits."