A lifestyle is the way a person chooses to spend their time, energy and money. It includes the choices they make about work, relationships, ‘play’ (fun and hobbies), eating habits and more. A person’s lifestyle can be influenced by their beliefs, values and opinions. They can also be shaped by their environment and culture. For example, people in rural environments might have different lifestyles to those living in urban centres.
In sociological theories of lifestyle, the term is used to describe patterns of behaviour that reflect an individual’s social positioning within a society. These include the models of Weber and Bourdieu, which define the lifestyle as an expression of a social class. In contrast, the psychological perspectives on lifestyle have focused on the internal aspects of behaviour, analysing the relationship between mental and behavioural components. These concepts have led to the development of the ‘internal model of lifestyle’.
The ‘internal model of lifestyle’ focuses on the factors that influence an individual’s thoughts, perceptions and attitudes. This approach has been applied to a wide range of areas, including consumer psychology, health and wellbeing, personality theory, and organisational studies. These theories emphasise the importance of internal influences on behaviour and the role that personality plays in determining an individual’s choice of lifestyle.
Another important characteristic of a lifestyle is the role that it plays in an individual’s identity. This can be considered in relation to the various dimensions of identity, such as personal, family, and national, which are related to an individual’s lifestyle choices.
There are many ways to live a lifestyle, and it is up to the individual to decide what is most appropriate for them. Ultimately, a lifestyle should be healthy and sustainable. A lifestyle that does not support a healthy diet, adequate sleep, physical activity and a positive emotional state can have negative consequences for the body and mind.
A ‘lifestyle designer’ can help clients design a life that is in alignment with their purpose and passions, and a life that is fulfilling. The design process can involve creating a vision for an ideal life, setting goals and taking steps to achieve them.
A career in lifestyle design can lead to a variety of professional opportunities, such as becoming a business owner. Alternatively, the skills learned in this field can be applied to any industry where there is an opportunity for a meaningful and aligned life. Some examples of such careers are becoming an entrepreneur, or working in IT. There are endless possibilities for a career in lifestyle design.
