A lifestyle refers to the interests, habits, and behavioural orientations of an individual. The concept was coined by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in 1929. Adler initially defined lifestyle as a “basic character” formed in childhood. In 1961, Adler expanded the definition to encompass the concept of “way of living.” A person’s lifestyle is a combination of behavioural and mental factors related to social status, individual preferences, and values and outlooks.

The term lifestyle is often used in discourses about sustainable development. It can refer to a variety of topics, including consumerism, greenhouse gases, security, risk, and self-identity. Despite the broader definition of lifestyle, it can be viewed as a societal problem and a solution to individual problems. In many cases, a lifestyle that promotes the consumption of resources and goods creates environmental problems and a large amount of waste. Some people’s consumption habits lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and cognitive impairment.

The basic lifestyle includes activities that do not add much to a person’s daily activities. Activities like getting dressed for work, feeding the dog, cleaning the house, and going to bed are standard, routine, and have little social value. Moreover, these activities are often seen as judgmental and do not contribute to a positive image of a person. Thus, a person may want to adopt a more creative lifestyle, and a more artistic or creative way of life.