09/01/2025
Adam Grant once wrote in Think Again: “I believe that good teachers introduce new thoughts, but great teachers introduce new ways of thinking.”
That line has stayed with me. When I practice and teach lifestyle medicine, I’m not trying to introduce anything brand new or revolutionary—I’m simply drawing from evidence and reminding us of truths we often forget. It’s less about proving we have it all together, and more about admitting that we are all a work-in-progress. That humility is what opens the door to real change.
On August 7, 2025, I had the privilege of joining Dr. L Ronald Durham again on JOY106.3FM to talk about National Wellness Awareness Month. Our focus was self-care—a theme that couldn’t be timelier. You can listen to the full interview here: Radio Interview Replay.
The Heart of Self-Care
Too often, self-care is dismissed as indulgence, but in reality, it’s the opposite. It’s the foundation of showing up for ourselves and for the people we love. And while August is officially Wellness Month, the truth is that self-care is needed every single day of the year.
When we look at the six pillars of lifestyle medicine through the lens of self-compassion, they become less about rigid routines and more about gentle practices. Defining our “Why” makes choices feel aligned rather than forced. Small anchors—a deep breath after morning coffee or tea, a stretch before opening the laptop—can ground us in ways that last far longer than lofty resolutions.
Transformation comes not from grand gestures, but from small, repeatable actions, carried out with kindness toward ourselves.
A Living Menu of Care
I often describe self-care as a menu, not a checklist. There isn’t a single right way to do it—there are options. Nourishing foods, restorative movement, restful sleep, calming breath-work, time outdoors, laughter with loved ones, moments of service, or simple mindfulness.
The point isn’t to do everything at once. It’s to choose one or two practices that speak to us in this season. Just like savoring a meal, self-care is most powerful when we take it in slowly, with presence.
What Wellness Really Means…
Wellness isn’t an endpoint. It’s not a “final destination” we reach and declare I’ve made it. Wellness is a JOURNEY, an everyday practice of caring for the body, mind, and spirit.
It might look like cooking a colorful, plant-filled dinner. It might look like a walk with a friend, turning off technology earlier at night, or laughing until our sides ache. These ordinary moments, practiced consistently, are where true wellness lives.
Staying the Course…
Change can feel overwhelming, especially when our emotions are heavy. Stress is an unavoidable part of life—but it is also transformable. One tool I share often is my D.E.S.S.E.R.T.S. method: Deeply breathe, Exercise consistently, Sleep soundly, Surround ourselves with supporters, Eat foods that love us back, Relax mindfully in nature, Try something new, and Share stories & laughter.
These rhythms remind us that wellness is not about perfection, but presence. And connection makes it sustainable. Having a loved one to check in with, a group to belong to, or simply someone who celebrates our small wins can help us stay steady when life feels unsteady.
A Final Word
As our radio conversation came to a close, I reflected on this simple truth: Living healthfully doesn’t have to be complicated. It begins with small steps, repeated with care, and supported by community.
When we plant these seeds—whether through food, rest, movement, mindfulness, or connections—we are not only nourishing today; we are shaping the future, for ourselves and for those who will follow.
***Explore links, quick guides, and past interviews on nhimado.org (see the Pillar and Media tabs).
Here’s to a culture of self-care—one meaningful step at a time!
~Nhi Do, PA-C, IFMCP, DipACLM