updated September 28, 2025
Articles, blog posts, and social media messages suggest we have too much stuff and that our lives would be better with less stuff. This philosophy goes by different names- decluttering, simplifying, minimalism.
These idea promise less stress, more peace, and more time to enjoy activities that give us pleasure and satisfaction.
I could not agree more and am trying to apply the idea to my life and home. But there are some things we need more of.
We need habits that promote renewal, energy, fitness, and wellbeing. By decluttering, simplifying, and changing our priorities, we will have more time to develop them.
SLEEP
Too many of us treat sleep like a luxury or a waste of time rather than as the necessity that it is. Some of us need more quality sleep; many people are chronically tired due to undiagnosed sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea which aren’t recognized without medical evaluation.
FOOD
We need to eat more nutritious food- fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, dairy- anything that isn’t processed or full of unnecessary sugar or excessive fat.
CONNECTION
We need to spend more time with our family and friends, keeping in touch physically and emotionally.
GENEROSITY
We need to cultivate generosity and give more, whether it’s of our money, time, talent or possessions.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
We need to move often , including sports, exercise, chores, walking, even just standing up more than we sit. Here are guidelines recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
MENTAL ACTIVITY
We need to read, learn new skills, start or resume a hobby, learn another language, maybe even start a blog. You might even want to read about health; here are some suggestions.
CONVERSATION
We need authentic communication with other people.
Social media, phone calls, text and email messages substitute when necessary, but they don’t replace face-to-face time with others.
Which habits do you need more of?
Which of these resonates with you?
What will you need to change to make room for any of these in your life?
What will you gain if you have more of it in your life?
How will you get started?
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watercress words by Dr Aletha 
Hi Dr. Oglesby! I truly appreciate u mentioning and sharing my blogpost! I look fwd to catching up and following your posts. It’s always nice to meet other physician bloggers who have special interest in a more holistic way of practicing medicine 🙂
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You’re welcome. I am excited to meet young physicians like you who care about patients and are working to take medicine back from the bureaucrats, and let us all get back to the HEART of HEALTH. Happy writing.
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