The Healthy Living Manifesto & Principles

We are uncovering better ways of healthy living by doing it and helping others do it.
Through this work, we have come to value:

  1. Making small changes that last over sudden, drastic lifestyle changes.
  2. Discovering how healthy living fits in your life over implementing strict protocols.
  3. Being open to learn more about healthy living over having a narrow-minded view of health.
  4. Using a combo of data & tools + personal experiences to work on health over just using either one of those in isolation.

That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.

Principles behind the Healthy Living Manifesto

We follow these principles:

  1. Our highest priority is to prioritize long term health by acknowledging that choices you make every day compound over time and impact your long term health.
  2. Welcoming changing habits and being open to new insights, even late in the process. The best time to start working on your health was yesterday, the next best time is today. It's never too late!
  3. We regularly take stock of health markers by using a combination of data and personal reflection and experiences. Data examples: going to the doctor for a health check-up, using weigh-ins to take stock of your weight, using workout plans to see if you progress in the gym, counting your daily steps via your smartphone. Personal feelings/experiences examples: Reflect to see if changes you are making have a positive impact, try out new habits and find out if they are working (or not), work on your mindset.
  4. Build lifestyle changes around more than one factor. Don't rely on motivation or discipline alone. Reach inward and think about your inspiration and intentions. What would you like to change, keep, improve about your health? For whom? Why? Digging for deeper reasons to work on your health makes it more likely that you will create lasting change.
  5. The most efficient and effective method of working on your health is accepting that there are no quick fixes, no hacks. Instead, choose small steps to improve your health. Smaller changes are more likely to stick.
  6. You are worthy as you are. Work on your health out of self-love, not self-hatred. Accept where you are today with grace. Produce a lifestyle you don't hate.
  7. Continuous attention to your health and cultivating good habits enhances the chances you will lead a long and healthy life.
  8. Simplicity - the art of not making healthy living more complicated than it should be - is essential.
  9. At regular intervals, you take stock of where you are. Have your habits improved? Have your health markers improved? Reflect, and adjust your behaviour and health choices accordingly.
  10. Healthy Living promotes sustainable habits. You should be able to maintain these habits indefinitely.
  11. Sharing your journey with other people who care can help you make lasting change. You don't have to do it alone.

Did you like what you read? If you agree with the manifesto, register your interest in the Healthy Living For Desk Dwellers initiative by signing up for updates.