Lifestyle is the unique behaviors, attitudes, and interests of an individual, family, group, or society. The word was first introduced by Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler in his 1929 bestseller, The Case of Miss R. with the vague meaning of “the basic nature of a person as established early on.” In more modern times, the idea of lifestyle has been refined to include the individual’s attitudes, beliefs, standards, and interactions, which can be described as his or her “general character”.

There are many definitions for the concept of lifestyle. Charles Gordy, in his book The Great Gatsby, used the word leisurely as an adjective to describe a person who enjoys doing things casually, rather than working on a project. Similarly, behavioural scientist involved with neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) identified four major dimensions of human behaviour – experience, intention, skill and behaviour. According to famous British author, Philip Pullman, our personalities are comprised of “five primitive engines: the motivator, the socialiser, the knower and the doer, each serving a crucial function in each of our lives”. In these words, pullman identifies five key elements required to create a fully functioning human being.

According to the World Health Organisation, lifestyles that are most similar include the active lifestyle, the balanced diet, the safe and proper use of medicines, the educational level, the wealth and the fair treatment. The active lifestyle implies participating in sports and other physical activities, engaging in physical fitness regimes, visiting gyms regularly, exercising regularly and watching one’s weight. The balanced diet, on the other hand, includes eating the right kinds of foods and eating in moderation. The safe and appropriate use of medicines is necessary to avoid getting sick. Educational level refers to how educated someone is. The wealth and the fair treatment include things such as having a home, access to good schools and hospitals and having a well-paid job.

A famous book which defines a new type of ‘word lifestyle’ in the 21st century is the Mental Health Renaissance by psychiatrist David Phillips. In this book, Phillips claims that there are three kinds of mental health. The first kind is called somatic or psychological wellness. This type of mental health comprises having a healthy body, mind and soul; having successful relationships and being social; having a positive outlook in life.

The second kind of mental health is called emotional wellness and the third kind of mental health is called mental vitality. The book also indicates that there are three major types of social media in our day-to-day life, namely the face-to-face social media, the online social media and the social network. The book indicates that all of these kinds of media have their own advantages and disadvantages, and that an individual needs to be aware of them. This is what makes the Mental Health Renaissance book so interesting; it basically teaches an individual psychology at its best.

The Mental Health Renaissance incorporates many aspects of the works of Florence Knoll. Some of the chapters focus on Florence Knoll’s case studies and some chapters focus on the way Mad Men was filmed by Robert Altman. The book has many illustrations and photographs. It would make an interesting addition to any library and would definitely be an interesting text for a study group. It definitely would not be a quick read but it will surely take the learning curve to the next level for any reader who is looking to find out more about the lifestyle of Mad Men’s characters.