Lifestyle is a broad term that covers many different aspects and day-to-day habits. However, for the sake of clarity, we will focus on six core pillars in this article. These pillars form the foundation of the principles of lifestyle medicine which focuses on helping individuals to eat more healthily, stay active, sleep better, improve social connections and mental well-being, and reduce harmful substance use.
According to the Oxford Reference a healthy lifestyle “includes activities and habits that encourage the development of total physical, mental, and spiritual fitness, and which reduces the risk of major illness. Healthy activities and habits include regular exercise; a balanced, nutritious diet; adequate sleep and relaxation; abstaining from smoking and taking nonessential drugs; and moderating the intake of alcohol”.
Self-acceptance: Fully embracing your true self, recognising both strengths and areas for growth, and being comfortable with who you are.
Sense of purpose: Feeling connected to a broader purpose or community, which provides a sense of belonging and meaning in life.
Accurate perception of reality: Recognising that our thoughts are not always accurate reflections of reality, and avoiding assumptions or mind-reading.
Desire for growth: Continuously seeking opportunities for personal development, learning, and self-improvement, which fuels progress and adaptability.
Emotional resilience: Building the ability to recover from setbacks and adversity, maintaining mental fortitude in challenging situations.
Pursuing interests: Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfilment, enriching your life and providing a sense of purpose.
Optimism: Cultivating a hopeful outlook and believing that positive outcomes are possible enhances resilience and motivation.
Taking action: Proactively making decisions and taking steps to improve your situation, rather than adopting a passive approach and waiting for change.
