APS2025 - Lifestyle

Integrating Lifestyle Medicine and Psychology

On 18 May 2025 Mark Anns Gave a presentation at the Australian Psychology Societies Festival Of Psychology.

I recently had the opportunity to present on a topic that’s close to my heart — how Lifestyle Medicine and Psychology can work together to offer more holistic intrerventions.

While Australia has no shortage of well-developed national strategies — covering everything from obesity and chronic disease to alcohol and drug treatment, loneliness, and dietary guidelines — the challenge lies in translating these frameworks into real-world action.

I also spoke about how we can integrate lifestyle change as a foundation for better mental health — not as an add-on, but as a core part of care. When we focus on how people eat, sleep, move, connect, and find meaning, we tap into practical, evidence-based strategies that support long-term wellbeing. These changes don’t replace the need for structural reform, but they give people a starting point — a way to regain control in the face of life’s complexity.

Thank you to all those who attended the talk.

A reference list of academic papers related to lifestyle medicine can be found here.