Lifestyle is an inclusive term that covers a variety of cultural and sociological behaviors and attitudes. The word was first introduced by Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler in his 1928 book, The Case of Miss R. with the slightly more accurate meaning of “the basic nature of a person as determined early in life”. In more modern times, however, the definition has become less focused on age and more concerned with defining the beliefs and behaviors associated with a specific social order or category.
Lifestyle is also the synonym for well-being. In many ways, the two words are intertwined: the promotion of well-being and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The United States Depart of Labor describes the promotion of a “balanced life” as one in which “all the aspects of the life of the individual are satisfied and he meets the needs of his family”. The equivalent in Canada would be the achievement of a “healthy lifestyle” as well as one that are environmentally and socially responsible. While the two words are often used interchangeably, the American emphasis on wellness and the Canadian emphasis on well-being differ greatly in their description of what a balanced life means.
Within a healthy lifestyle changes include a number of different components. These include physical activity, relaxation, controlled eating, sleeping better, stress management, weight control, alcohol or drug abuse, and tobacco use. Specific conditions or medical conditions may also be recognized as contributing to a person’s well-being, including depression, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Stress management is a key component in any type of lifestyle change and can include such practices as meditation, yoga, exercise, daily journaling, and stress management tools such as lists, diaries, and calendars. There are also other types of lifestyle changes that fall under the larger umbrella of well-being and include things like alcohol or drug abuse prevention, smoking cessation, weight loss, and skin care.
As lifestyle changes are implemented, improvements will typically follow. People will usually notice a reduction in chronic conditions (for example, osteoporosis and arthritis), heart disease, and various illnesses related to stress. However, the greatest benefit of healthy living may be in avoiding serious illness or injury. In addition, there is evidence that well-lived people tend to live longer than those with unhealthy lifestyles. This is likely due to better self-care and less exposure to harmful environmental factors, such as air pollution and other toxins, as well as a reduced exposure to violence and other negative influences.
It should be noted that most lifestyle changes take time, effort, and commitment and that the benefits may not occur right away. Therefore, it is important to be consistent in maintaining the new healthy lifestyle. Those who make changes but are not willing to commit to ongoing maintenance should consider support groups or online resources for more information on maintaining a balanced life. Likewise, those who are looking for a quick fix may find it helpful to only look at those who are successfully living a lifestyle that is similar to their own.
The power of words can drive change. Changing one’s lifestyle and how that lifestyle impacts ones social media use is a powerful way to improve one’s health and quality of life. The word lifestyle itself has been used millions of times to describe a person’s way of life. Changing your lifestyle content by incorporating “lifestyle” into the title of your profile makes it easier for users to find you and connect with you. Consider using “lifestyle content” for your profile, including a description and links to other sites and articles that describe aspects of a lifestyle that fits your personality.