Small
Sustainable
Positive Lifestyle Changes…
One step at a time
Join me on my lifestyle journey. Here I’ll share my experiences and highlight some resources I’ve found informative and useful in the hope that you too may find them helpful.
Making Positive Lifestyle Changes
During the pandemic I read a book that opened my mind to ‘Lifestyle Medicine’. This terminology was new to me, but the concepts were not. As a healthcare professional by background, it really hit me - I knew all the stuff I needed to do for a long, healthy and happy life - so why wasn’t I doing it?
When looking at lifestyle, it is well documented that the key areas to focus on are:
Nutrition - eating more healthily
Physical Activity - staying active
Sleep- better sleep
Connections- improving social connection and relationships
Stress- managing stress and looking after our mental health
Reducing harmful substance use
Therefore in the Summer of 2020 (yes… in the middle of the pandemic) I began to look at these aspects of my life and gradually make small, sustainable improvements where I could.
It is a journey. The road is windy and sometimes I go off track - but I am finding the way back to the path easier each time.
Two key things I’ve realised (and I wish I knew at the start!)
Small changes make a difference (some results you’ll see quickly, some take more time)
&
It’s easier to look at other aspects once you start and embed good habits in your life
What’s it got to do with Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking was part of my journey in making positive changes to my lifestyle - you can read more about that in my first blog post.
However, what I have realised is
Nordic Walking can have a positive impact on all these lifestyle behaviours
- it can make a real difference to your life….
Nordic Walking has a DIRECT POSITIVE IMPACT ON:
Physical Activity - staying active. The evidence on moving more and being in nature is huge.
Connections- improving social connection and relationships- I also like to add in connection with nature here.
Stress- managing stress and looking after our mental health. Nordic Walking has a positive impact not just on physical health but wellbeing too.
My experience is that Nordic Walking can also have an INDIRECT POSITIVE IMPACT ON
Nutrition - The more I move, the better I feel the more I feel able and motivated to be more mindful of what I eat and drink.
Sleep- By being more active, my body is appropriately tired and I sleep better.
Reducing harmful substance use- I have only experience of alcohol here. The more I am enjoying being active and outdoors, the less time I want to waste with a hangover. Give me a sunrise Nordic Walk any day!
Resources
I’ve found useful, informative and have had a positive impact on me in one way or another
Dr Rangan Chatterjee- his first Book ‘The 4 Pillar Plan’ was that book I mentioned above that started this for me. His other books are great too and I am a regular listener to his podcast ‘Feel Better Live More’
NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeing
British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
Atomic Habits by James Clear- a must read. You can read more here
Think like a monk by Jay Shetty
The 6minute diary - really helped me understand and embed gratitude into my daily life. I now only use a notebook and jot 3 things every morning I’m grateful for but this diary had so much theory and insight that I would still recommend it as a fantastic starting point. Info here.
Alex George - have found his children books great for my kids . Making such a positive impact in mental health. Info here.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr Julie Smith- I’m keeping this on the shelf for may kids when they are older.
Prof Steve Peters; The Chimp Paradox, The Silent Guides and My Hidden Chimp all top reads in our house. More info here.
The Happy Pear - I’m not vegan but I have taken elements of their cooking and ADDED many things into my diet. LOVED visiting their shop in Greystones, Ireland.
Michael Moseley - Just One Thing podcast
Barefoot shoes - I’ve been wearing these off and on for a while but recently made the move to Nordic Walking in Vivobarefoot in their Magna Forest ESC - blog to follow soon.
Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken - next book I’m planning to read.