Book: Fit for Purpose

As a society we have never had so much advantage and yet been so disadvantaged by this very same society which we have built for ourselves, by ignoring our basic needs when it comes to sleep, nutrition, movement, relaxation, relationships and purpose in life. We face a rising tide of physical health problems, such as obesity and diabetes, and mental health issues such as loneliness and depression. Our medical model is a broken, disease-based one which is not fit to meet our needs, particularly when it comes to preventing health and wellbeing problems. Just as secular society is often guilty of dualism when it comes to wellbeing, focusing on the physical but ignoring the spiritual, the faith community may make the same mistake in reverse, focusing on the spiritual whilst ignoring the physical. We need to combine all these different aspects to enjoy true wellbeing and a satisfying life.

Practical recommendations

The book explores what it means to be fit for purpose in life: physically, mentally and spiritually. It describes the problems we face, both individually and as communities, and summarises the evidence for the key factors that determine our wellbeing. It lays down a challenge to avoid treating physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing as separate. Using my knowledge and experience of the worlds of medicine, behavioural change and the christian faith, I present real life case studies and provide practical recommendations for making changes whether for ourselves, our faith community or wider society.