Lifestyle Medicine from the Inside Out

Book excerpt: Lifestyle Medicine From the Inside Out: Using Positive Psychology in Healthy Lifestyles for Positive Health summarizes the principles, science, and practice of how positive psychology can be integrated into lifestyle medicine for positive health in health care and self-care. This integration builds physical health and well-being, buffers against adversity, and promotes personal growth after traumatic experiences. By intertwining healthy habits and positive psychology-based activities, including personal strengths and what is meaningful to each person, individuals can truly thrive. Such an approach is what the authors refer to as practicing "lifestyle medicine from the inside out." Co-authored by the lead developer of the original lifestyle medicine competencies, this book suggests positive health expansions for each competency, outlines specific questions that drive personal reflection for change and positive clinical interactions, and describes the step-by-step approach in case studies. Such innovative clinical practice that connects with what matters most to individuals is foundational to care. In a rapidly changing and increasingly challenging world, health professionals in a wide variety of roles practicing in lifestyle medicine, primary care, and across medical specialties, patients, and all individuals can benefit from the insights and practical tips outlined in this book to achieve and maintain flourishing.