“The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Though this defination paints a clear picture of what health is, good health still means something different to different people.
For example, Patient Bond’s psychographic segmentation classifies five distinct types of people and their beliefs towards health and wellness: Self-Achievers, Balance Seekers, Priority jugglers, Direction Takers and Willful Endurers.
- Self-Achiever may define ‘healthy’ as well-controlled chronic conditions and continuous effort towards the goal of feeling good.
- Balance Seekers may focus on alternative (non-medical) approaches to maintaining good health.
- Priority Jugglers may concentrate their efforts to enable them to keep up with the demands of busy careers or family lives.
- Direction Takers may rely heavily on the advice of medical professionals to guide them toward ‘healthy’ practices.
- Willful Endurers may define ‘healthy’ as avoiding the doctor and not having to give up what they enjoy for the sake of health.
Notwithstanding, a healthy lifestyle takes a holistic approach to living. It is not just about avoiding illness or obesity but also requires a certain level of physical, mental and social well being, which I classify into five categories called the five Fs of life. The Five Fs are the five most important things people struggle to balance daily. Depending on who you are and what you do, your preferred order in terms of priority will vary greatly.
So what are the five Fs of life? They are: Faith, Food, Fitness, Family, and Finance. How are you doing in each of these area? Let’s discover together…
Faith
Do you know that thoughts shape reality and not just for ourselves but for the people around us too? Yes, our thoughts and belief shapes our experiences in life. I am a bible believing Christian. My beliefs are grounded in what the bible says. I believe in my purpose to encourage and inspire people to live their lives with purpose and intention. Everything I do links to my belief and purpose. Many people go through life wondering why they are on earth. Because they lack purpose, they end up living aimlessly. Don’t let that be you. Strength your faith and relationship with Jesus if you are a Christian. Spend time developing your beliefs. Fill your mind with positive and empowering thoughts these are ways you can add meaning to your life and find your purpose.
Food
Most people have a weight loss goal and tend to always be on some diet. But the real issue is not with the weight, it’s with the mindset towards eating. I personally believe in the goodness of food and I don’t write any food off as bad. But the diet culture has robbed us of the real value of food to the point that we categorize food into healthy or unhealthy food. What you actually need is to develop a good relationship with food. That means to learn to eat for the reason of nourishing your body and not to satisfy an emotional hunger. The best diet is the one that incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables and leaves your body feeling refreshed and energized.
Free Balanced Living Guide
Want to get more details on balance and healthy living, you can download our free balanced living guide compiled by Ade Suah, a ecornell trained Nutrition and Healthy Living Consultant or join our workshop
Fitness
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. While exercise alone will not cause you lose weight, there are so many health benefits associated. “If you’re physically active, your heart gets trained to beat slower and stronger, so it needs less oxygen to function well; your arteries get springier, so they push your blood along better; and your levels of “good” HDL cholesterol go up, etc. So if exercise is not a part of your normal routine, start thinking of how you can fit it into your schedule.
Family
Family includes close relatives and friends. Having strong relationships with relatives and friends will ground you, give you a broader focus on life, help you develop positive self-image, and keep you sane. Humans are social beings and we need each other to survive. Having social support means having friends and other people, including family, who you can turn to in times of need or crisis. . As the saying goes “you will go fast if you go alone but you will go far if you go together”. Don’t neglect building quality relationships with people. Social support enhances quality of life and provides a buffer against adverse life events.
Finance
Many of people, especially women (no offense) do not have a healthy source of income or savings. This is a major stress trigger for many people. Not being able to afford the bare necessities of life can lead to extreme stress and even depression. Now is the time to start assessing your finances. If it’s not what you want it to be start thinking of what you can do to improve it. Here are some suggestions: Pay attention to your spending and spend less than you make; save with intention; find alternative sources of income; stop borrowing unnecessarily.
Healthy living requires awareness of each of the five Fs. It’s not just about eating healthy and exercise but also building mental, emotional and spiritual awareness. It’s about connecting with the world around you and being present. Its about having realistic expectations about people and not projecting your individual biases on others. It’s about making an impact in your world. It’s about living with purpose and reaching your full potential.
So, considering all of the above, can you confidently say that you are living a healthy lifestyle?
Balance with Ade 