Lifestyle medicine pioneer’s practical guide in your pocket

Author says sharing live more happy message now even easier

A new pocket edition of an Avondale academic’s emotional wellbeing book will help meet the goal of his “audacious” plan to lift the life of 10 million people. Live More Happy offers the opportunity to create connections with those who may have found the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic a challenge to their mental health. It is “an easy way to show you care,” says Associate Professor Darren Morton, Director of the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre at Avondale University College. He answers questions from Signs Publishing Book Editor Nathan Brown about the timeliness of sharing this practical guide.

From a wellbeing perspective, what are the unique challenges we’ve experienced over the past few months?
Social disconnection. As I heard someone say, “Even introverts like to go out on their own.” Being in lockdown takes its toll—there’s even a degree of grieving because we’re restricted from doing things that normally keep us buoyed. And when staying home, it’s easy to default to a sedentary lifestyle—with a screen or device our ever-present companion. While there are some benefits that come with spending more time with family and a slower pace of life, this has been a challenging time for most people.

How have you adapted in your work as a health educator, lecturer and researcher?
I taught one unit in face-to-face mode this past semester, so most of my work has carried on with relative normality. But I recognise this isn’t the case for many others. Some have been placed under huge financial strain, which is yet another wellbeing challenge.

Tell us about the wellbeing unit Avondale offers.
Avondale is leading the way as a provider of wellbeing in higher education. For example, we offer the only postgraduate course in lifestyle medicine in Australasia. Five years ago, we began including wellbeing education in our undergraduate courses, so students get to learn about the material in Live More Happy. We’ve now published several papers in scientific journals showing the positive impact this makes in their lives. Avondale exists to inspire and equip for service and providing for the wellbeing of students is an important part of that.

The pocket edition makes it more affordable and easier to share the book with others. Why is this important at this time?
We recently saw the appointment of Australia’s first deputy chief medical officer for mental health. Many people are struggling and this resource can give people practical strategies for maintaining and building their emotional wellbeing.

The Sunshine Coast Council used The Lift Project, which is based on your book, during the coronavirus lockdown. Tell us about the response.
The response has been outstanding, with more than 3000 residents signing up. I’d love to see other councils using The Lift Project for their residents, too.

How do you suggest we share this new edition?
Everyone loves receiving a gift. Giving a gift offers the opportunity to create connections. Sometimes we’d like to reach out but aren’t sure how to go about it. This pocket edition is an easy way to show you care.