Lifestyle is the attitudes, ideas, behaviors, and cultural orientations of a person, group, or society. The word was first introduced by Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler in his 1928 book, The Case of Miss R. With the implied meaning of “the basic nature of a person as established at early childhood”. In this book, Adler discussed how children learned their social behaviors, thoughts, and feelings through their parents and other adults in their environment.

Since the 1970’s, many psychologists, educators, researchers, and others in the field of human development have researched the benefits of living healthy lifestyles for our mental and physical health and well-being. This has resulted in the publication of hundreds of books, articles, study reports, and other resources on the topic. Because of this, many lifestyle choices have been the object of research and become the basis of many lifestyle theories and practices. These range from diet and exercise to spirituality, social interaction, work, and family relationships.

While much of this research has centered on the benefits of these things, it should also be said that there are many lifestyle changes that are important and beneficial regardless of the topic under discussion. In other words, the ideas and concepts of lifestyle changes are not limited to those focused on improving one’s physical health or reducing risk of disease. In fact, the benefits of healthy lifestyle changes extends well beyond this.

As an example, while many people would associate eating a vegan lifestyle with eating around the meat-and-potatoes plate, there are other aspects of this lifestyle that are beneficial. Studies have shown that a vegan lifestyle can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and increase lung functioning and strength. Similarly, a vegan diet may help decrease the occurrence and severity of many forms of cancer, including colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, stomach, esophageal, and bladder cancer.

The point is that by making healthy lifestyle choices such as foregoing animal products, a vegan lifestyle can greatly contribute to a more positive overall lifestyle. If you are starting a new love affair with a new partner, then lifestyle changes that do not involve animal products and indulging in a healthy vegan diet may be just what the doctor ordered! This new relationship may be one that lasts a lifetime.

Another benefit of these lifestyles is that they are not restricted to people who live alone, but they can be enjoyed by anyone. A healthy lifestyle can encompass a solo lifestyle as well. Indeed, these lifestyles are often incorporated into what are called “solo” lifestyles, those households which have no spouse and no children living under the same roof. By combining a healthy diet and lifestyle with an active lifestyle, a solo lifestyle can also lead to a healthier and longer life.