Lifestyle Medicine Pillars


Although the principles of Lifestyle Medicine are similar across institutions and societies, there are minor differences in proposed pillars. We selected our seven Lifestyle Medicine pillars: movement & fitness, healthful nutrition, restorative sleep, stress management, social engagement, gratitude & reflection, and cognitive enhancement. Recommendations are based on the rigor of evidence-based science and the potential for meaningful behavioral change.



Click each pillar to learn more!
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MOVEMENT & EXERCISE

Movement is essential for physical and mental health. Fitness can be fun, and with some creativity, can be integrated into everyday life. Cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening activities help optimize health and longevity.

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HEALTHFUL NUTRITION

Nutrition science highlights a large range of dietary habits that can support long-term health. We highlight recommendations from trusted sources to empower individuals to make educated and delicious nutrition decisions.

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RESTORATIVE SLEEP

Sleep is key for full body restoration. Developing a framework to optimize sleep can improve health outcome, intellectual function, and mood. Simple sleep lifestyle modifications can decrease risk for chronic disease.

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STRESS MANAGEMENT

Stress that continues without relief can upset the body’s equilibrium. Long-term stress can contribute to or worsen chronic disease. Evaluating external stressors and learning stress management techniques can modulate the stress response.

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SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Humans are social beings. We are wired to connect with one another. Social connection can extend to include family, friends, community, or even strangers. Health benefits from social connection extend from longevity to chronic disease prevention.

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GRATITUDE & REFLECTION

New research has found that practicing gratitude has significant positive effects on our physical and mental wellbeing, helps you sleep at night, and even bolsters your immune system. An increasing body of research shows that practicing gratitude and reflecting on positive aspects of our lives regularly may increase our life satisfaction and our quality of life.

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COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT

As our bodies age, our brains age as well. Cognitive enhancement refers to interventions aimed to enhance or preserve our brain's processing pathways, which naturally degrade over time. In doing so, our memory, concentration, attention, and information processing can be improved.