Experts in the U.S describe lifestyle medicine as living a life with six factors in consideration. These factors include having a social life, limiting drug and alcohol use, getting quality sleep, reducing stress, exercising, and having a balanced diet.
Studies that promote a healthy lifestyle
Many studies have shown the benefits of these practises, including one where researchers gathered more than 70,000 healthcare workers who had worked in their fields for more than twenty years. They discovered that participants who ate vegetables and fruits were less likely to develop dementia.
Other studies have looked into what it takes to live a healthy life. For this reason, Dr. Walter Willet, a public health nutrition expert from Harvard T.H School of Public Health, came up with four ways to live a healthy lifestyle.
These are moderate physical activity, a good diet, avoiding smoking, and preventing obesity. Willet believed that partaking in all these things could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 70%-80% and type 2 diabetes by 90%.
Many studies have shown that making these lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, dementia, hypertension, and diabetes. Despite the evidence, it can still be difficult for people to change.
People lack the motivation to make changes to their lifestyle
While people know that maintaining a healthy weight could increase your lifespan, most aren’t motivated. Studies have shown that focusing on losing weight could make them more likely to give up. Instead, people should set small, realistic goals.
People should also consider how they respond to emotions. Therefore identify if certain emotions make you more likely to overeat or drink alcohol. If that is the case, find healthier ways to manage your stress, such as practising mindfulness, meditation, and self-care.
Making changes can be stressful, especially if you have never done it before. For this reason, it is essential always to have a set timetable to reduce the stress that comes with making choices—planning your diet and exercise. Knowing what workout or meal you will have for the day will make it easier to adapt to your new lifestyle.
