Myth Buster: Lifestyle Medicine: Is That Just Influencers Drinking Juice in Bali?
If I had a dollar for every time someone pictured Lifestyle Medicine as ‘sipping green juices on a beach in Bali’, I could probably fund my own retreat there. While that image might be beautiful (and yes, green juice can be lovely), it’s only a fraction of what Lifestyle Medicine truly is.
The Myth
Somewhere along the way, “lifestyle” became synonymous with “luxury escape.” Social media feeds are filled with sunrise yoga, acai bowls, and people working from hammocks in perfectly coordinated activewear. It’s easy to see how the idea formed that Lifestyle Medicine must be about quitting your job, moving to a tropical island, and letting the sea breeze cure your stress.
The reality? That’s not how human physiology works. A two-week escape from your routine can be restorative, but it doesn’t reverse the years of accumulated wear and tear on your body. And sadly, no matter how photogenic your smoothie bowl, it won’t balance your blood sugar all year.
The Truth About Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine is grounded in science. It’s about the daily, intentional choices that shift your body from “just surviving” into “thriving.” It’s built on six core pillars: nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, connection, and reducing harmful substances.
It’s not so much about where you live, it’s about how you live.
Yes, a beach holiday can tick a few boxes, more movement, better sleep, lower stress, but Lifestyle Medicine is about creating those conditions in your real life. It’s about ensuring your workday includes movement breaks, your meals nourish you, and your nervous system spends more time in a state of calm than in chronic fight or flight.
Why This Myth Can Be Harmful
When people believe Lifestyle Medicine is only accessible to those who can afford wellness retreats, they miss out on the small, powerful changes they can make right now. You don’t need a passport stamp to lower your blood pressure, improve your gut health, or stabilise your blood sugar.
Most of the health gains happen in the day-to-day:
Choosing nutrient-dense foods over ultra-processed options.
Swapping scrolling time for a short walk outside.
Practise deep breathing before your next meeting.
Prioritising an earlier bedtime.
These are not glamorous Instagram moments, no one’s rushing to film your 7 p.m. bedtime routine, but they are where the real medicine is.
Bringing It Home
Lifestyle Medicine works when it becomes part of the rhythm of your life. The research is clear: consistent, sustainable habits have the greatest impact on health outcomes. That means making it doable, not extreme. And yes, sometimes that includes holidays. But the goal is to feel well most of the time, not just during your annual escape.
For me, this isn’t theoretical. I live on a rural property surrounded by horses, dogs, and beehives, where nature quite literally pulls me outside every day. Whether it’s feeding animals at sunrise or checking on the hives, I’m moving, breathing fresh air, and connecting with the natural world as part of my normal routine. And, although on rainy days I dream of being in Bali sipping on juice, this is my everyday medicine, Lifestyle Medicine in action, no boarding pass required.
Your version might look completely different, sitting outside with your morning coffee, feeling the sun on your face, or simply pausing to take a soft breath while looking out the window during your morning commute. The setting doesn’t matter; it’s about weaving moments of presence, movement, and nourishment into the life you already have.
So, if you’ve been waiting until you can afford that Bali retreat to start looking after yourself, here’s your permission to start now. Your body doesn’t need palm trees to heal; it needs you to create a supportive environment every single day.
In our clinic and our membership groups, Lifestyle Medicine isn’t a side note; it’s a core pillar in our Wellness for Life philosophy, guiding the way we help you create health that lasts.
Here’s to fresh air, good food, and moments that matter,
With warmth and wellness,
K.
Kylie Cloney – Bachelor of Health Science (Complementary Medicine).
This post is for general education only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional. See our Medical Disclaimer.