Modifiable Lifestyle Factors for Better Health

As a busy professional, you know the importance of taking care of yourself for greater energy, focus and creativity. But do you do it?  You may feel too stressed just keeping up with your daily task list that likely involves work, family dinners, after school sports schedules, and so forth.  It is a never ending daily grind of just managing your life. 

So how to change this grind, to fit in lifestyle factors for greater health?

First it requires a decision to do just this. Put yourself into your schedule and your daily care. It is not necessarily practical to radically overhaul your life when you have a family, career and a long list of daily to-dos. 

Start with 30 minutes per day for yourself. Whether this is early morning and you get up 30 minutes earlier or it is later in the day but find a time that will work most days for you and stick to it.  Spend this time exercising or focusing on stress management. You may need to start with putting together a plan so you can stick to a “me” schedule. My time is 4 pm each day but this may not be practical for you.  Just pick a time and stick to it. 

Here are some of the modifiable lifestyle factors to consider:

1. Diet

A customized diet plan is crucial to improve overall health and vitality. You are what you eat, and what you absorb. A functional medicine practitioner may recommend an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities, an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce inflammation, or a low glycemic-index diet to stabilize blood sugar levels. The type of diet plan depends on your individual health history, lab tests, and lifestyle.

2. Exercise

Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles and bones, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. However, not all exercises are created equal, and a functional medicine practitioner will consider the type, frequency, and intensity of exercise. For example, if someone has adrenal fatigue or hormone imbalances, high-intensity exercise may be counterproductive. In contrast, yoga, Pilates, or walking may be more suitable to reduce stress and improve mobility.

3. Sleep

Sleep is the foundation of optimal health, as it allows the body to rest, repair, and rejuvenate. However, many people struggle with insomnia or poor quality sleep due to stress, hormone imbalances, or environmental factors. A functional medicine practitioner will explore the individual’s sleep hygiene habits, such as creating a bedtime routine, reducing exposure to screens, and optimizing the sleep environment. Moreover, they may recommend supplements or herbs to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

4. Stress Management

Stress is a fundamental part of everyone’s lives today and can contribute to various physical and mental health conditions. Functional medicine prioritizes stress management strategies as part of their wellness programs. This may include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, biofeedback, or other relaxation techniques. Additionally, they may recommend adaptogenic herbs or supplements to support the adrenal glands and nervous system.

5. Environmental toxins:

Environmental toxins are pervasive in our daily lives, including air pollution, pesticides, forever plastics, and heavy metals. These toxins can contribute to chronic inflammation, hormone imbalances, and neurological disorders. A functional medicine practitioner will consider the individual’s exposure to toxins and recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk. This may include using natural cleaning products, filtering drinking water, or incorporating detoxifying foods and supplements.