About the Guest(s):

Dr. Chad Woolner: A dedicated leader in functional medicine, Dr. Chad Woolner champions innovative approaches to healthcare through his work with "Simplified Functional Medicine." As a seasoned practitioner, he explores unique strategies that integrate simple lifestyle habits for profound health benefits.

Dr. Andrew Wells: Partnering with Dr. Woolner, Dr. Andrew Wells brings a wealth of experience in functional medicine. His focus on effective habit change empowers patients to revamp their health through manageable and impactful routines, making him an influential figure in this evolving healthcare landscape.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Simplified Functional Medicine podcast, Dr. Chad Woolner and Dr. Andrew Wells unveil the concept of "invisible routines" as pivotal strategies for sustainable lifestyle changes. Often overlooked by practitioners, these routines act as subtle yet powerful drivers of long-term health improvements by reshaping habits and altering identities. The episode zeroes in on simple morning and evening routines that can significantly enhance sleep, dietary habits, exercise consistency, and stress management—all without burdening patients with overwhelming changes.

By introducing "Trojan horse strategies," Dr. Woolner and Dr. Wells emphasize a unique approach to habit formation that prioritizes simplicity and effectiveness. With insights from James Clear's "Atomic Habits," they discuss how identity and habits form a continuous loop of influence. They explore how practitioners can help patients break free from entrenched identities through structured routines. These adaptable methods aim to imbue patients with a strong sense of control over their health outcomes, thereby fostering a proactive, internal locus of control. Simplified Functional Medicine stands as a testament to how integrative and manageable lifestyle interventions can transform patient care.

Key Takeaways:

• Invisible Routines: Simple, structured morning and evening routines can significantly improve patients' health by quietly altering habits and reinforcing new identities.
• Trojan Horse Strategies: Approachable lifestyle changes presented as 'challenges' or 'games' make adopting new habits less daunting and more engaging for patients.
• Locus of Control: Patients gain an internal locus of control as they realize their capability to consciously influence their physiological state through deliberate actions.
• Gamification and Simplicity: Ensuring the routines are easy, enjoyable, and trackable is crucial to sustaining patient engagement and compliance.
• Empowering Practitioners: These methodologies elevate practitioners' capabilities to effectively facilitate long-lasting lifestyle changes in their patients.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you can get someone to become someone different, their health issues will go away. That's a promise." – Dr. Andrew Wells
• "Identity is what reinforces habits, and habits reinforce identity. There's this infinite loop that we see back and forth." – Dr. Chad Woolner
• "Think of the actual story of the Trojan horse. You have to package it as something that's beneficial to the person receiving it." – Dr. Andrew Wells
• "You're training your brain to think and realize that you have control and you can affect the way your body feels and functions." – Dr. Andrew Wells
• "What that starts to do, in a simple and very, very small way, it starts to start cueing and priming the mind… to establish a new sense of identity." – Dr. Chad Woolner

Resources:

• Simplified Functional Medicine
• James Clear's "Atomic Habits" (referenced conceptually)
• HeartMath biofeedback device (mentioned as a resource for patient routines)

Listeners are encouraged to dive into the full episode to explore these thought-provoking insights in detail. Stay tuned for more engaging content from the Simplified Functional Medicine podcast, where innovative healthcare approaches are always on the agenda.