Actively choose to surround yourself with a “tribe” of people who support your lifestyle and values, as community is identified as the number one factor for longevity, health, and happiness according to Blue Zones research.
Aim for 10,000 steps a day and consistent movement throughout the day, rather than just vigorous exercise, as prolonged sitting is detrimental to health and consistent movement is a cornerstone of happiness.
Make sleep a priority by creating a consistent bedtime routine, ensuring a dark room, reducing screen time before bed, and maintaining consistent sleep and wake times, as it impacts testosterone levels and calorie consumption.
Focus on eating more whole foods, especially fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains, to increase fiber, which aids weight loss, digestion, and immune system health, and also reduces environmental impact.
Do more things that bring you back to the present moment and cultivate a sense of self-love, recognizing that filling your own cup is essential before you can support others.
Prioritize following your heart and self-belief, even if it means going against the crowd or societal expectations, as this can lead to personal transformation and inspiration.
Shift your focus from individualistic “I” to a collective “we” to foster health, happiness, and community, moving beyond purely materialistic goals.
To ensure consistent habits, especially when motivation is low, leverage social accountability by agreeing to meet friends for activities like exercise or meditation, as the commitment to others helps you show up and perform.
Actively seek to connect with the natural world, whether through walks in a park, running in a forest, or ocean swimming, and consider fostering this connection in children.
Engage in cold water swimming (dubbed “Dr. C” for its medicinal benefits) to bring you back to the present moment, invigorate your immune system, and potentially improve mental health, followed by shared tea and conversation.
Instead of rushing, take time to sit down and savor daily experiences like drinking coffee, appreciating its origin and the journey it took, to foster gratitude and presence.
Begin any lifestyle change from where you are currently, making small, incremental adjustments rather than attempting an “all or nothing” approach, especially when introducing more fiber.
When making lifestyle changes, encourage your entire family to participate together, as individual change is significantly harder if those around you are not also making similar efforts.
Utilize social media platforms to create “of the moment” invitations that lead to physical meetups and real-world connections, bridging the digital and physical realms.
Maintain respect and connection with old friends, even if your lifestyles diverge, by adapting shared activities rather than abandoning the friendship entirely.
Ensure you enjoy your food choices, as there’s no point in eating something you dislike, even if it’s perceived as healthy; enjoyment is part of a fulfilled life.
Realize that food is only one small part of being a happy human, and avoid becoming “too microscopic” or extreme in dietary pursuits, as it doesn’t guarantee enlightenment or overall happiness.
Redefine true success as consistently engaging in foundational daily rituals like an hour of training, a sunrise swim, and spending time with family, considering anything else a bonus.
Simply saying hello and acknowledging people can be a first step to connecting with others, transforming strangers into acquaintances and potentially friends.
Consider creating inviting spaces, like a bench or swing in your garden, to encourage strangers to sit down and initiate conversations, fostering new friendships and community connections.
Consider spending time working on an organic farm to gain a deeper appreciation for where food comes from and to foster a connection with the land and nature.
Take a tasty greens powder every morning as an “insurance policy” to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs, especially in a busy world where eating whole foods can be challenging.