The concept of lifestyle is a widespread concept in the social sciences. It refers to the way in which individuals and groups express their identity and define themselves. It includes the values, attitudes, behaviours and means of living that distinguish them from others. It also encompasses the ways in which individuals perceive and make use of their resources, the environment and the impact of their external context. It is therefore an essential element in sociomedical research.
The term is often used as a synonym for individual behavioural patterns and risk factors that can lead to diseases. However, it is important to distinguish between these two concepts. The concept of lifestyle is a complex construct that can be defined in various ways, making it difficult to establish a clear and objective definition. It is therefore necessary to define a broader and more inclusive approach.
Traditionally, the concept of lifestyle was developed within the field of sociology. The earliest attempts to analyse this concept were made by scholars such as Weber and Bourdieu. These approaches considered that lifestyle was a characteristic of the collective social phenomenon of status groups, which distinguished them from other social groups. These were aggregations of people who shared similar values and characteristics.
A more recent and comprehensive approach to the concept of lifestyle was proposed by Giddens. He highlighted that in a modern world that is characterised by a pluralisation of lifeworlds and the absence of ascribed identities, individuals seek to construct stable lifestyle imagery for themselves. Consumer culture is a major vehicle for this process, offering a wide range of lifestyle images that can be adopted.
In the social sciences, there is a general consensus that a lifestyle consists of the ways in which an individual organises his or her time and energy, and the values and attitudes that govern his or her actions. It includes the behavioural patterns and eating habits, the exercise regimen, the social contacts, etc. Depending on the context, the concept can be used to describe social classes, nations, subcultures or the personal life of an individual.
The concept of a healthy lifestyle varies from person to person, and there are many different opinions about what constitutes an unhealthy lifestyle. The most important thing is to identify what your goals and motivations are, and then start small when making changes to your habits. For example, if you want to change your diet, try replacing one type of refined grain each day with a whole grain, and then gradually work up to eating more whole grains. If you want to start exercising, begin by taking short walks around your neighbourhood, then increase the frequency and duration of your workouts over time. Lastly, be sure to surround yourself with positive people who are following a healthy lifestyle. This will help you to stay motivated. In addition, remember that it is normal to feel a little bit of discomfort at first as your body adjusts to these new habits, but the health benefits will be well worth it.
