101 Lifestyle Examples

A lifestyle is a “way of life”, reflecting the range of habits, norms, rules, rituals, and behaviors that make up a person’s daily activities.

While a mainstream lifestyle is dictated by dominant culture, cultural norms, and conveniences of modern living, many people choose alternative lifestyles.

Alternative lifestyle choices can be as simple as the weekend warrior – people who head to the outdoors each weekend to make the most of their free time – through to extreme choices that dictate every aspect of life, such as the Amish, who choose to reject modern technologies such as electricity and computers.

Below is a long list of lifestyles that exist in this world, mostly based on subcultures and countercultures around the world.

Lifestyle Examples

1. Minimalism: The minimalism lifestyle emphasizes simplicity by reducing material possessions. It focuses on intangible values, creating more time and space for things that truly matter.

2. Bohemianism: Bohemianism involves unconventional living and thinking, typically associated with artists and writers. It rejects materialism and embraces creativity, exploration, and communal living.

3. Homesteading: Homesteading is a lifestyle focused on self-sufficiency, including growing your own food and often making your own clothes. Many homesteaders live in rural areas and aim to reduce their dependence on the mainstream economy.

4. FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early): The FIRE lifestyle is dedicated to saving and investing heavily with the goal of retiring significantly earlier than traditional ages. This lifestyle emphasizes the reduction of expenses and increasing income to enable financial independence.

5. Active Lifestyle: An active lifestyle involves integrating regular physical activity into your daily routines. It can encompass structured exercise or incorporate activity into habitual tasks, leading to significant health benefits.

6. Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle centers around habits that promote health and prevent disease, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from harmful behaviors. Tuning mental health and stress management are also vital components.

7. Rural Living: Rural living refers to life in non-urban areas, often characterized by low population density and extensive open spaces. It is typically associated with farming, though residents might also work in other industries.

8. Urban Living: Urban living typically involves residing in cities, where population density is high. This lifestyle offers advantages such as access to amenities, job opportunities, and diverse cultures.

9. Nomadic Life: The nomadic lifestyle involves continual or regular travel, often to follow good weather or resources. Modern nomads might work remote jobs while exploring various parts of the globe.

10. Sustainable Lifestyle: The sustainable lifestyle involves habits and choices designed to minimize an individual’s environmental impact. This can include eco-conscious consumption choices, a plant-based diet, and reducing, reusing, and recycling materials.

11. Veganism/Vegetarianism: The vegan/vegetarian lifestyle involves abstaining from consuming meat and animal-derived products. While vegetarians may still consume products like eggs and dairy, vegans exclude all animal derivatives from their diet.

12. Middle-Class Lifestyle: A middle class lifestyle often entails a comfortable standard of living, stable employment, and the ability to save for the future. It typically encompasses an ability to own a home, a car, and provide a good education for children.

13. Empty Nesters: Empty nesters are individuals whose children have grown and left home, leading to a significant lifestyle shift. This typically provides more freedom and flexibility, often allowing for new hobbies, travel, and other pursuits.

14. DINKS (Double Income No Kids): DINKS refers to couples who work and have no children, leaving them with a substantial amount of disposable income. This lifestyle enables increased flexibility, discretionary spending, and the opportunity to focus on personal goals.

15. Workaholic: A workaholic is someone whose life revolves around their work, often to the detriment of their personal life. This lifestyle may lead to professional success, but can risk imbalances in physical health, relationships, and mental wellbeing.

16. Digital Nomads: Digital nomads are individuals who use technology to work remotely and live an independent, nomadic lifestyle. They often travel to different places while maintaining their careers online.

17. Grey Nomads: Grey nomads are typically retirees who choose to travel extensively, often in campervans or motorhomes. This lifestyle enables them to enjoy their freedom, explore new areas, and enjoy a variety of experiences.

18. Luxurious Lifestyle: The luxurious lifestyle indicates abundant wealth and comfort, often characterized by high-end possessions, experiences, and residences. This lifestyle can involve travel, gourmet dining, and a lack of financial constraints.

19. Family-Centeredness: Family-centeredness is a lifestyle that prioritizes family time and relationships above all else. Important aspects include shared meals, activities, and prioritizing the welfare of the family unit.

20. Solo Traveler Lifestyle: Solo traveler is a lifestyle where individuals travel and explore the world alone, giving them complete control over their journey. This unique experience promotes self-reliance, flexibility, and the opportunity for self-discovery.

21. Extreme Adventure Lifestyle: Adventure lifestyle is characterized by a love for thrill-seeking activities such as rock climbing, skydiving, or extreme sports. It involves an innate desire to push boundaries, explore, and experience the unknown.

22. Slow Living: Slow living advocates for a slower and more intentional approach to aspects of everyday life. This lifestyle involves savoring the present moment, reducing stress, and focusing on quality over quantity.

23. Zero Waste Life: Zero waste lifestyle aims to minimize the amount of waste one produces. It involves shifting consumption habits to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost, and prioritizing products that can be reused or recycled.

24. Frugal Lifestyle: The frugal lifestyle involves intentional spending and saving, with the aim to reduce waste and unnecessary expenses. A frugal person prioritises long-term financial security over immediate material consumption.

25. Spiritualism: Spiritualism is a lifestyle that prioritizes intangible elements of existence, such as purpose, values, and inner growth. Spiritual individuals often practice rituals and activities that foster self-connectedness and universal understanding.

26. Buddhism: Buddhism is both a religion and lifestyle focusing on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life. Central to Buddhism are the notions of karma, rebirth, and the practice of meditation.

27. Christianity: Christianity is a lifestyle and religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. It places emphasis on love, forgiveness, and following ethical codes centered on the Ten Commandments and the lessons in the New Testament.

28. Judaism: Judaism, both a religion and way of life, is based on the covenant relationship between God and the Jewish people. It involves following religious laws, participating in rituals, and observing ethical standards as outlined in the Torah.

29. Islam: Islam is a lifestyle and religion based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It emphasizes devotion to Allah through the Five Pillars: faith, prayer, giving alms, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

30. Ski Bum: A ski bum is someone who prioritizes skiing or snowboarding over traditional careers. This lifestyle often involves living close to a ski resort, and may include seasonal employment.

31. Jainism: Jainism is a lifestyle centered on the principles of non-violence, truth, and asceticism, often accompanied by strict vegetarianism. Jain monks and nuns exemplify this lifestyle, though lay people pursue these values to a lesser extent.

32. Hinduism: The Hindu lifestyle and religion involves following dharma (duty, ethical conduct), artha (prosperity), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation). It includes rituals, yoga, meditation, and adhering to laws as mentioned in scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads.

33. Intentional Living: Intentional living involves making conscious choices about how you live, work, and interact with others. It aims to align daily actions with personal values and long-term goals.

34. Off-Grid Living: Off-grid living requires self-sufficiency in all needs, disconnected from the electricity grid and often relying on renewable energy sources. It often includes growing one’s own food, collecting rainwater, and generating power with solar panels.

35. Tiny House Lifestyle: Tiny House living involves residing in a small, often mobile, home to simplify life and reduce financial burden. This lifestyle emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and the beauty of minimalism.

36. DIY Lifestyle: The DIY (Do It Yourself) lifestyle consists of individuals taking on tasks themselves instead of hiring professionals or buying finished products. It can include home repair tasks, crafting, or cooking, and often results in self-reliance, creativity, and financial savings.

37. Beach Bum: A beach bum lifestyle involves spending a great deal of time at the beach, relishing the leisurely pace of beach life. Those embracing this lifestyle may enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, or simply sunbathing.

38. Fashion-Forward: The fashion-forward lifestyle involves a keen interest in the latest fashion trends and a dedication to remaining on the cutting edge of style. Individuals with this lifestyle often see fashion as a form of self-expression.

39. Holistic Lifestyle: A holistic lifestyle involves a comprehensive approach to wellbeing, considering physical, mental, and spiritual health. It typically includes wholesome nutrition, regular physical activity, meditation, and natural remedies.

40. Boat Living: Individuals who adopt a boat living lifestyle reside on a boat rather than in traditional housing. This allows for travel flexibility, close proximity to nature, and unique daily challenges.

41. Intellectualism: The intellectual lifestyle revolves around a deep appreciation for learning, understanding, and questioning. Those practicing this lifestyle prioritize thinking, exploration of theories and concepts, and intellectual interactions.

42. Party Lifestyle: A party lifestyle involves frequent social engagement, particularly in nightlife and parties. It includes attending social events, enjoying music, and dancing, but care should be taken to maintain balance and avoid unhealthy behaviors.

43. Jet-Setting Life: Jet-setting is a lifestyle characterized by regular travel, often for both business and pleasure. Those with this lifestyle are likely to frequent various cities and countries, experiencing a range of cultures and locales.

44. Amish Lifestyle: The Amish lifestyle involves a commitment to simplicity, family, and community, with a heavy emphasis on manual labour. Adherents forsake modern conveniences and technology, live in close-knit communities, and follow a strict code of conduct centred on their religious beliefs.

45. Mennonite Lifestyle: The Mennonite lifestyle is characterized by simplicity, peace, and community, similar to the Amish, but adoption of modern technologies may vary among communities. Mennonites place great importance on service, non-violence, and brotherly love, as directed by their Anabaptist Christian faith.

46. Volunteerism: The lifestyle of volunteerism involves investing substantial time into helping others without expecting remuneration. Such activities contribute to community building, self-satisfaction, and can provide practical experience and skill development.

47. Student Life: The student lifestyle involves attending classes, studying, and engaging in social activities in a university or school context. This phase of life often encompasses personal development, intellectual growth, and the pursuit of long-term career goals.

48. Military Family Lifestyle: A military family lifestyle means living in a family where a member serves in the military. This lifestyle often involves frequent moves, periods of separation, and adaptation to different cultures and environments.

49. Entrepreneurialism: An entrepreneurial lifestyle involves founding, developing, and managing a business venture. It often requires a high-risk tolerance, resilience, and a strong commitment to seeing projects through to their end.

50. Climbing the Corporate Ladder: This lifestyle involves ambitious pursuit of upward mobility in a corporation or industry. It may necessitate long hours, professional development, networking, and strategic career planning.

51. Van Life: Van life entails living out of a van or similar vehicle, and often traveling extensively. This lifestyle is marked by freedom, minimalism, and a close connection to nature.

52. Expat Life: The expat lifestyle involves living in a country other than your country of origin. This lifestyle requires adapting to new cultures, learning languages, and navigating the complexities of a foreign environment.

53. Island Life: The island lifestyle typically involves slower paces, coastal living, and strong community ties. People living this way often value simplicity, nature, and the unique features of island geographies.

54. Farming Life: The farming lifestyle is marked by a connection to land, the raising of livestock or crops, and the rhythms of agricultural seasons. This way of living often involves early mornings, hard manual labor, and close-knit communities.

55. Coffee Culture Lifestyle: Coffee culture involves appreciating the art and science of coffee. From brewing techniques, understanding different beans’ origins, to frequenting cafes – it’s a lifestyle involving a love for all things coffee.

56. Outdoorsy Lifestyle: An outdoorsy lifestyle involves a love for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and bird-watching. It is characterized by a deep appreciation for nature and an adventurous spirit.

57. Athlete: An athletic lifestyle involves regular involvement in sports or fitness activities. This lifestyle emphasizes physical fitness, healthy eating, and often includes competing in athletic events.

58. Musician: A musician’s lifestyle centers on the creation and/or performance of music. This could mean practicing an instrument regularly, writing songs, performing gigs, and immersing oneself in music culture.

59. RV Living: RV (Recreational Vehicle) living involves residing full or part-time in an RV. It provides mobility and flexibility, and is often associated with travel and adventure.

60. Night Owl: The night owl lifestyle refers to individuals who prefer staying awake and active during the nighttime hours. This lifestyle is often characterized by late-night productivity or social activity, and late waking hours.

61. Early Bird: An early bird lifestyle involves waking and starting activities early in the morning. At times correlated with increased productivity, adherents generally retire to bed earlier to ensure ample sleep.

62. Prepper: A prepper lifestyle focuses on preparedness for potential emergencies like natural disasters or societal collapse. Preppers stockpile food, water, medical supplies, and often have plans in place for various emergencies.

63. Bibliophile: Bibliophiles are individuals with a deep appreciation for books. Their lifestyles frequently involve reading, collecting books, attending book clubs or discussions, and delving into the world of literature.

64. Child-free Life: A child-free lifestyle is a conscious decision not to have children. This lifestyle can lend itself to greater flexibility, economic freedom, and the ability to pursue personal interests or careers more intensely.

65. Pet Mom: A pet mom lifestyle involves treating pets as family members, often providing them with extra care and pampering. This lifestyle can involve wholesome pet-centered activities, buying special products for the pets, and high involvement in the pet’s well-being.

66. Gamer Life: The gamer lifestyle revolves around a significant engagement with video games, either as a leisure activity or professionally. Gamers spend many hours mastering game mechanics, participating in online communities, and sometimes attending conventions or tournaments.

67. Foodie Lifestyle: A foodie relishes in the exploration and enjoyment of food, often seeking new culinary experiences. This lifestyle may involve trying different cuisines, experimenting with cooking, and sharing food experiences with others.

68. Gardener Lifestyle: The gardener lifestyle involves a love for nurturing plants and watching them grow. Gardens may be ornamental, edible, or a mixture of both, and gardening activities provide both physical exercise and a sense of accomplishment.

69. Yogi Lifestyle: A yogi lifestyle involves incorporating the principles of yoga—such as mindfulness, balance, and holistic wellness—into daily life. While regular yoga practice is a key element, this lifestyle also often includes mindful nutrition and a commitment to personal growth and tranquility.

70. Biker Lifestyle: The biker lifestyle is characterized by a passion for motorcycles. Bikers often take pride in maintaining their motorcycles, enjoy long rides, and participate in biker cultures, which can include clubs and events.

71. Skater Lifestyle: The skater lifestyle involves a significant commitment to skateboarding as both a sport and means of creative expression. Skaters often spend much time practicing tricks, hanging out at skate parks, and identifying with skater subculture.

72. Surfer Lifestyle: The surfer lifestyle is based around surfing and the beach. Beyond the physical activity of riding waves, it’s an ethos that values nature, freedom, and a certain laid-back approach to life.

73. Polyamory: Polyamory is the practice of engaging in multiple romantic relationships with the consent of everyone involved. This lifestyle requires communication, honesty, and open-mindedness.

74. Monogamy: Monogamy involves the practice of having a romantic relationship with one person at a time. It is common in many cultures and often brings social stability and deep relationship commitment.

75. Work-from-home Lifestyle: The work-from-home lifestyle involves working remotely, not in a traditional office environment. This lifestyle provides flexibility, but requires discipline to maintain productivity and balance work and personal life.

76. Film Buff Lifestyle: A film buff lifestyle involves a deep appreciation of cinema. Film buffs often watch a variety of genres and periods, participate in discussions or clubs, attend festivals, and engage in other movie-related activities.

77. Festival-goer Lifestyle: Festival-goers often travel to attend a variety of festivals, including music, art, food, or culture. They thrive on the energy of large crowds, enjoy diverse experiences, and value the community that surrounds each festival.

78. Cosplay Culture: Cosplay culture involves dressing up as characters from movies, books, or video games, often for events or conventions. It requires creativity, crafting skills, and a passion for the source material, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.

79. Animal Rights Advocate: An animal rights advocate lifestyle involves the promotion of the belief that animals should not be exploited or harmed by humans. Advocates often adopt plant-based diets, participate in protests, and campaign for legislative changes to protect animals.

80. Freelancer Lifestyle: Freelancers work independently, taking projects or jobs from clients rather than working consistently for one employer. The freelance lifestyle provides freedom and flexibility, but it also requires self-discipline and strong professional boundaries.

81. Cooking Enthusiast Lifestyle: Cooking enthusiasts not only love to cook, but they also appreciate the science and art of culinary creation. This lifestyle can involve experimenting with new recipes, learning about different cuisines, and sharing meals with friends and family.

82. Traditionalist Lifestyle: The traditionalist lifestyle often involves clustering to long-established norms and customs within a given culture. Adherents often value historical continuity, established roles, and times-honored practices.

83. Naturalist Lifestyle: The naturalist lifestyle involves a close connection and deep appreciation for the natural world. Naturalists often enjoy outdoor activities like camping and hiking, and they may be interested in studies such as biology or environmental science.

84. Laid-back Lifestyle: A laid-back lifestyle is characterized by a relaxed, low-stress approach to life. It involves slowing down, taking time for leisure activities, and emphasizing work-life balance.

85. Pescatarian Lifestyle: Pescatarian is a diet that includes fish but not meat. People choose this lifestyle for various reasons, including health benefits, environmental concerns, or a stepping stone to vegetarianism.

86. Homeschooling Lifestyle: The homeschooling lifestyle involves educating children at home rather than in a conventional school environment. It allows for flexible schedules, individualized learning, and often incorporates life skills and practical experiences into the curriculum.

87. Communal Living: Communal living involves a group of people sharing living spaces and responsibilities. It is characterized by shared resources, consensus decision-making, and often a focus on sustainability, cooperation, and social cohesion.

88. Cult Lifestyle: A cult lifestyle involves membership in a group that shares intense admiration or adoration for a particular person, idea, or thing. Often characterized by charismatic leaders and a committed, insular community, it typically entails strict obedience to group norms and belief systems.

89. Occultism: An occultist lifestyle involves a fascination and exploration of secret or esoteric knowledge. This might encompass practices or studies in alchemy, divination, spirituality, or supernatural phenomena.

90. Hippie Lifestyle: The hippie lifestyle, originating in the 1960s, emphasizes peace, freedom, and environmental sustainability. Key values often include communal living, creativity, and the rejection of conventional social norms.

91. New Age Lifestyle: The New Age lifestyle involves a blend of beliefs and practices from various religions and philosophies, including reincarnation, astrology, and energy healing. Adherents often focus on spiritual exploration, wellness, and an enhanced consciousness.

92. LGBT Lifestyle: The LGBT lifestyle encompasses the lives and experiences of those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. This community values acceptance, freedom of expression, and advocacy for equal rights.

93. Orthodox Lifestyle: An orthodox lifestyle adheres to traditional religious beliefs and practices. Based on scripture and long-established rituals, it often involves strict and literal observance of religious laws.

94. Artisan/Craftsman Lifestyle: Artisans and craftsmen dedicate their lives to mastering and creating handmade goods. Passion, creativity, and commitment to quality characterize this lifestyle, which often involves selling goods at markets or online.

95. Renaissance Fair Enthusiast: This lifestyle involves participation in Renaissance fairs, events that recreate historical periods with performances, feasts, and crafts. Enthusiasts often dress in period attire and engage in period-appropriate activities.

96. Car Culture/Car Enthusiast: This lifestyle revolves around a passion for automobiles, whether that means collecting, restoring, or simply appreciating them. Car enthusiasts often attend car shows, races, and engage with related social networks.

97. Paleo Lifestyle: The Paleo lifestyle emulates the diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. Participants often pursue fitness regimens too, reflecting the active lifestyles of early humans.

98. Eco-warrior Lifestyle: An eco-warrior dedicates their life to the protection of the Earth, advocating for sustainable practices, conservation, and action on climate change. They often participate in protests, grassroots organizing, or direct action to achieve their goals.

99. Gym Rat/Fitness Junkie: This lifestyle is committed to regular physical fitness and often involves frequent trips to the gym. Enthusiasts might participate in a variety of exercise routines, focus on healthy eating, and prioritize caring for their bodies.

100. Bodybuilding Lifestyle: The bodybuilding lifestyle revolves around the pursuit of muscle growth and definition. It typically involves intense workout routines, strict diets, regular competitions, and often, extensive knowledge about human anatomy and nutrition.

101. Bachelor Lifestyle: The bachelor lifestyle typically involves living alone and may be characterized by independence and flexibility in daily routine. Those living this lifestyle may also prioritize personal interests, career, or social life without the commitments of a partner or children.

Conclusion

There are countless possible ways we can create a lifestyle. Generally, it’s oriented around a set of values or principles that shape your day-to-day actions and behaviors. It can be based on a principled diet, philosophy, religion, passion, hobby, or anything else that shapes your personal identity and therefore the way you go about your life.