A person’s lifestyle is a reflection of the values, beliefs, and attitudes that are important to them. It also includes their hobbies and interests. A person’s lifestyle can be influenced by their family, friends, and work environment. They may also be influenced by media and cultural trends. A person’s lifestyle can affect their physical and mental health.
In the field of psychology, there are several different theories about how a person’s lifestyle influences their behaviour. For example, Adlerian psychology defines a lifestyle as a “pattern of reactions”. These patterns can influence the way a person behaves, even when they are not aware of them. In addition, it can influence a person’s feelings, such as stress.
The definition of lifestyle is complex, as it refers to the whole of a person’s life and their interactions with the world around them. However, there are some common characteristics that can be found in most definitions of lifestyle:
Theories that favour an external interpretation of the concept of lifestyle see it as a manifestation of social class. These include Thorstein Veblen’s ‘emulation’ concept, which explains that people adopt specific schemes of ‘conspicuous consumption’ depending on their desire for distinction from the social strata they identify as inferior and their wish to emulate those identified as superior.
Other models consider the internal dimension of the lifestyle, analysing its components and the factors that determine it. These include the so-called behavioural model, developed by Daniel Yankelovich and William Wells, which considers the individual’s inclinations and aptitudes as the foundation of his or her lifestyle. This is followed by the so-called profiles-and-trends approach, based on Bernard Cathelat’s analysis of the structure of lifestyles, their evolution and their interpretation in a given socio-cultural context.
A third trend, derived from the social history of lifestyles, looks at the way in which lifestyles are adapted to changing economic conditions. Its main characteristic is the way in which it reflects the development of society, and it is this that distinguishes it from the other models.
The last major lifestyle trend is the one that analyses how a lifestyle is influenced by various factors, including the physical and social environment in which the person lives. For example, the type of exercise a person does can have an impact on their stress levels, as it can increase the release of mood-lifting hormones. Similarly, the choice of food can have an impact on the health of an individual. For this reason, it is important to make healthy choices in all aspects of a person’s life. Moreover, it is also important to maintain a positive attitude and surround yourself with supportive friends. Moreover, it is also helpful to talk through issues with a therapist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help you find new ways to reduce stress and achieve a healthier lifestyle.
