{"id":110358,"date":"2023-08-04T22:46:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T02:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=110358"},"modified":"2026-05-04T13:24:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T17:24:48","slug":"how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start Living a Healthy Lifestyle: 3 Changes to Make Today"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you a participant in today&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/productivity-culture\/\">productivity culture<\/a>? Are you ready to step off the treadmill and get a real life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <em>Do Nothing<\/em>,<em> <\/em>Celeste Headlee argues that, by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-stop-doing-too-much\/\">trying to do too much<\/a>, people are working less efficiently and suffering professionally and personally. She shares several tips for changing the way we work and making space in our life for leisure and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/the-human-connection\/\">human connection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading for Headlee&#8217;s advice on how to start living <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/maintaining-a-healthy-lifestyle\/\">a healthy lifestyle<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\">Start Living a Healthy Lifestyle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the negative consequences of a productivity-obsessed culture\u2014the inefficiency and the tolls it takes on people\u2019s minds and bodies\u2014Headlee concludes that working more than we need to support ourselves simply isn\u2019t good for us. She explains that she experienced many years of struggling financially as a single mother, and, even when her career started to provide financial stability and the flexibility of self-employment, it wasn\u2019t enough to relieve her stress around work and time. She realized that it wasn\u2019t her boss or her smartphone that fundamentally caused her problem but the cultural norms and expectations that encouraged her to willfully overwork herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Headlee\u2019s personal experience aligns with data showing that <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/122510\/Self-Employed-Workers-Clock-Hours-Week.aspx#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20D.C.%20--%20Nearly%20half%20of%20self-employed%20Americans,in%20private%20business%2C%20and%2030%25%20in%20nonprofit%20organizations.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">people who are self-employed tend to work more on average<\/a> than people who aren\u2019t. In addition to the cultural pressure Headlee refers to, this may also be because their earnings are more directly tied to the time they put into their work as opposed to someone who has a fixed salary or hourly rate.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on her own experience making positive changes to the way she lives and works, <strong>Headlee advises on how to start living a healthy lifestyle\u2014with ample leisure and social connection\u2014by being more intentional about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-do-you-spend-your-time\/\">how you spend your time<\/a><\/strong> (she refers to these tidbits of advice as \u201clife-backs,\u201d as a play on the phrase \u201clife hacks\u201d).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Although Headlee focuses on leisure and social connection as avenues for healthful living\u2014especially for people who are overworking\u2014many wellness experts differ in their view of what people need to achieve a healthy life. For example, in <a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/ikigai\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Ikigai<\/em><\/a>, H\u00e9ctor Garc\u00eda and Francesc Miralles draw inspiration from the Okinawan people of Japan to define a set of guidelines for a long and happy life. They recommend practicing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/eckhart-tolle-meditation-mindfulness\/\">mindfulness<\/a> techniques to decrease stress, doing mental exercises to revitalize the mind, doing physical exercises such as yoga and tai chi, and improving your diet by eating less food and more varied food.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-change-your-mindset-about-productivity-amp-time\">#1: Change Your Mindset About Productivity &amp; Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/the-first-way\/\">The first way<\/a> to improve your mindset around productivity and time is to <strong>increase your awareness of how you spend your time. <\/strong>Headlee says that, by keeping a log of how you spend your day, you\u2019re likely to discover that you have more time than you thought you had to get everything done. Realizing that you <em>do<\/em> have enough time to get all the essentials done will greatly reduce your stress levels and anxiety around time. It might also help you pinpoint aspects of your schedule you\u2019d like to change\u2014for example, if you notice that you spend far more time on social media or writing emails than you thought you did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next mindset shift Headlee describes is <strong>focusing on larger goals rather than the steps you take to achieve the goals<\/strong>. She explains that we often get too caught up in a goal&#8217;s metrics or stepping stones, to the point that we forget about the ultimate reason for doing something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, perhaps you want to feel healthier, so you start a strict yoga class regimen. However, if missing a session makes you feel stressed, or you force yourself to go even when you don\u2019t feel physically up for it, the activity can become counterproductive to your initial goal. Instead, it might be better for your health to keep the class schedule flexible and take days off when your body needs rest. Headlee says that while metrics <em>can<\/em> be helpful, remember that there are many ways of reaching a goal, so focus on what\u2019s important to you in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2: Change Your Scheduling &amp; Work Habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Headlee&#8217;s next tips are for changing your scheduling and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/good-work-habits-2\/\">work habits<\/a>. Her first piece of advice is to do more focused work so that you can <strong>work fewer hours while getting the same amount done. <\/strong>If you have flexibility in your schedule, she recommends working for about 50 minutes at a time, followed by a short break to recharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Headlee also <strong>recommends not working any more than your job requires<\/strong>, since the accompanying stress and exhaustion from being overworked isn\u2019t worth the career-related benefits you may or may not get from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another work-related tip is to <strong>work in groups when you can<\/strong>. Headlee says that although many people feel that working independently is more efficient, research suggests that diverse groups are more efficient at problem-solving and making optimal decisions compared to individuals. Thus, collaborating with others can save you time and produce better results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, <strong>create your dream schedule and include ample leisure time<\/strong>. Headlee says your dream schedule doesn\u2019t have to be strictly followed, but writing it down will give you something to strive for. Remember to include leisure activities\u2014anything that\u2019s purely for enjoyment like going for a walk, reading outside, doing a craft, or playing music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having these periods of <strong>rest is essential because it improves mental health and activates a state of mind known as the default mode network (DMN)<\/strong>. The DMN activates when your brain isn\u2019t working on a task, and in this state, we naturally <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-process-emotions\/\">process emotions<\/a> and decisions, reflect on memories, think about how others feel, and daydream about the future. Headlee says that the DMN sparks creativity and growth since our brain is free to consider things from new angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3: Change How You Interact With Others&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Headlee\u2019s next set of advice for achieving a healthier life centers around your interactions with others. First, <strong>avoid making unhealthful comparisons about your productivity<\/strong>. Headlee asserts that your perception of how busy other people are is likely inaccurate anyway since many people try to outdo one another when it comes to busyness. In addition, she says that comparing yourself to someone online can be unhealthful because they might have a lifestyle that\u2019s unobtainable\u2014like celebrities, for example\u2014and the comparison is more likely to make you feel bad than it is to inspire you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: One way to let go of damaging <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/what-is-social-comparison\/\">social comparison<\/a> is to engage in creative activities. According to Bren\u00e9 Brown\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/the-gifts-of-imperfection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>The Gifts of Imperfection<\/em><\/a>, doing activities like painting, drawing, creating new recipes, and writing <a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/the-gifts-of-imperfection\/part-2#using-creativity-to-fight-comparison\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fosters a sense of individuality and helps remind you of your unique skills<\/a> (since no one will express things in quite the same way that you do).)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-well-being\/\">improve your well-being<\/a> and avoid some of the pitfalls of overworking is to <strong>schedule social time and make an effort to interact in person with others<\/strong>. Headlee asserts that while many people use technology to avoid conversations and small talk with acquaintances and strangers, these small social interactions\u2014like chatting with your mail carrier\u2014improve your health and make you feel more relaxed. As we mentioned earlier, deeper relationships are also important, so set aside time to regularly catch up with friends and stay connected with loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: In <a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/digital-minimalism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Digital Minimalism<\/em><\/a>, Cal Newport echoes Headlee\u2019s assertion that in-person social time is crucial to well-being. However, given that technologies are integral to our lives, he argues that we can improve the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/negative-impact-of-technology-on-society\/\">impact of technology<\/a> on our relationships by <a href=\"https:\/\/shortform.com\/app\/book\/digital-minimalism\/1-page-summary#reclaim-your-relationships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">changing <em>how<\/em> we use devices to communicate<\/a>. He recommends using text-based communication exclusively for planning and coordinating non-digital conversations and sharing simple logistic information. For example, instead of catching up with a friend via a messaging app, you would instead exchange messages to plan an in-person meetup.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Headlee\u2019s last recommendation is to <strong>do a small act of kindness every day <\/strong>to counteract the lack of social connection and mental-well being that overworking causes. This could include cooking a meal for someone, or something small like giving a sincere compliment. Acting kindly and generously toward others not only helps the recipient but also makes the person doing the act feel happier and less stressed. Headlee explains that humans are social creatures (we thrive in communities, not in isolation), so we evolved to receive psychological benefits from altruism, which increases <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/social-unity\/\">social cohesion<\/a>. Plus, these benefits have a ripple effect because the recipient is more likely to do something nice for someone else, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Similar to the way altruism increases the chances of a community\u2019s survival and provides mental health benefits, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/compassion-for-yourself\/\">self-compassion<\/a> improves an individual\u2019s likelihood of survival due to its health benefits: One research study shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2019\/02\/190206200344.htm#:~:text=new%20research%20suggests.-,Taking%20time%20to%20think%20kind%20thoughts%20about%20yourself%20and%20loved,off%20the%20body%27s%20threat%20response\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">acts of self-kindness lower your heart rate and reduce other bodily stress responses<\/a> such as sweating, and this physical state of relaxation enables your body to heal faster.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you a participant in today&#8217;s productivity culture? Are you ready to step off the treadmill and get a real life? In Do Nothing, Celeste Headlee argues that, by trying to do too much, people are working less efficiently and suffering professionally and personally. She shares several tips for changing the way we work and making space in our life for leisure and human connection. Keep reading for Headlee&#8217;s advice on how to start living a healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":8298,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,43,30],"tags":[1123],"class_list":["post-110358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-self-improvement","category-work","tag-do-nothing","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v24.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Start Living a Healthy Lifestyle: 3 Changes to Make Today - Shortform Books<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ready to exit the productivity culture? Learn how to start living a healthy lifestyle by adopting new habits and making time for real life.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Start Living a Healthy Lifestyle: 3 Changes to Make Today\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ready to exit the productivity culture? Learn how to start living a healthy lifestyle by adopting new habits and making time for real life.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Shortform Books\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-08-05T02:46:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-04T17:24:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/living-life-breath-air.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Elizabeth Whitworth\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Elizabeth Whitworth\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Elizabeth Whitworth\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/d2928cf6c11a69ced1491d6a5b74fb13\"},\"headline\":\"How to Start Living a Healthy Lifestyle: 3 Changes to Make Today\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-05T02:46:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-04T17:24:48+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/\"},\"wordCount\":1524,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/living-life-breath-air.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Do Nothing\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Lifestyle\",\"Self-Improvement\",\"Work\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/\",\"name\":\"How to Start Living a Healthy Lifestyle: 3 Changes to Make Today - Shortform Books\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-start-living-a-healthy-lifestyle\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/living-life-breath-air.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-05T02:46:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-04T17:24:48+00:00\",\"description\":\"Ready to exit the productivity culture? 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