A lot of people are attempting to live healthier lifestyles. This may be due to a desire to lose weight, improve their diet or exercise more. There are also other reasons that could include a desire to focus on mental health, take better care of their bodies or just the need to reduce stress and spend time with loved ones. But how do you define a healthy lifestyle? Is it simply avoiding risky behaviours? Various studies and research have attempted to analyse this question. However, a consensus does not seem to have emerged yet, and the existing definitions are quite diverse.
One line of psychological research defines a healthy lifestyle as a set of day-to-day activities that are conducive to a person’s well-being. This approach, in particular, has been influenced by the work of Rokeach and his concept of value system. According to this theory, an individual’s behaviour is determined by a set of hierarchically ordered values and attitudes, which determine his or her behaviours and preferences.
Among sociological currents, lifestyle has been explored on the basis of different theories, ranging from those of Thorstein Veblen to Max Weber and Pierre Bourdieu. These perspectives examine lifestyle as a specific element of the culture of status groups that is socially recognised and distinguished through processes of identification, differentiation and recognition. They also identify the role of consumption as an important determinant of these differences.
Another perspective identifies a healthy lifestyle as an internal dimension, focusing on the personality and motivation of the individual and determining their reactions and behaviour. The underlying assumption is that each person develops his or her own personality in childhood, and the personality largely determines his or her reactions to external influences, expectations and interests. The resulting personality model represents a type of “habitus” that is socially recognisable.
On the other hand, a third perspective considers a healthy lifestyle as a process of change. This includes all the elements of lifestyle, but focuses on how these can be changed over time. It is therefore a more dynamic and flexible approach, whereas the other two approaches are characterised by rigidity and resistance.
Regardless of the type of healthy lifestyle you want to pursue, it is crucial to understand your audience. People will only be drawn to your content if they feel that you are speaking directly to them. You can do this by using personal anecdotes, incorporating pop culture references and being relatable. In addition, it is always helpful to have a clear call-to-action and compelling visuals. If you can make your audience feel a connection with your message, they will continue to visit your site and be more likely to share your content with their friends and followers. This will help you grow your brand. And, as a bonus, it will also help them achieve their lifestyle goals! —Mariah Felber, PhD, MPH is the founder and editor of Healthy Living Magazine. She is a nutritionist and health coach who loves to share her healthy lifestyle experiences with her readers.