Lifestyles for the Optimum Quality of Life

Abstract

Adopting and maintaining positive lifestyles is an individual’s choice. Having and maintaining positive lifestyles is to prevent the development of the disease and to achieve an optimum quality of life (QoL). Many quotes by known philosophers and famous celebrities denote the importance of positive lifestyles to generate happiness, satisfaction in life, and survival of humankind. Adoption of positive lifestyles requires supporting environments and self-control. Evidence from the literature has shown that long-lived populations always adopt positive lifestyles such as a stress-free daily ritual, consume mainly plant-based food, and religion, have strong social connectivity, and are supported by healthier environments. Religious practices seem to promote the individuals, families, and the community wellbeing through their strong belief in the teaching of religion and moderation practices in all aspects of life. For example, Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) strongly urged Muslim followers to look after their bodies through positive lifestyles such as sleeping early and rising early, eating less and stopping before feeling full, eating slowly, eating together with others, drinking water slowly, intermittent fasting and be active physically. Lifestyles that are hazardous to health such as being too sedentary, or too stressful, unhealthy dietary practices, and substance abuse should be changed or modified to prevent the development of diseases, reduce the quality of life, and sustain a long life.