Dr. James Liu of Hackensack Meridian Health shares how his wellness philosophy focuses on sustainable healthy habits and reducing stress.
Growing up in New Jersey, James Hong Liu, M.D., always knew he wanted to stay connected to his community. And he has, building his entire medical career within the
Hackensack Meridian Health network. After graduating from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and completing his residency at Palisades Medical Center, Dr. Liu now serves Hoboken as an internal medicine physician with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group.
Dr. Liu’s wellness philosophy focuses on sustainable change. “Making one change and sticking with it is better than trying to drastically change things you won’t be able to keep up for more than a week,” he says.
His emphasis on sticking with healthy habits includes keeping yourself moving outdoors when possible, even in the cooler seasons. “I know it’s cold, but it’s still beneficial to go outside to get fresh air, a little bit of sunlight,” he says. “We need that change of environment to feel better, mentally and physically.” So, he says, bundle up and step out, even briefly.
That’s especially important for people with seated indoor jobs. Desk workers, he says, should reframe what “taking a break” means. “If you’re sedentary, your break should actually be more active,” he says, “like going for a walk.” On the flip side, someone who works on their feet all day might need to sit down and rest to decompress.
In all walks of life, stress is a major issue to watch if you want to stay healthy, he says. “We know that stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, shorter lifespan, things
like that,” Dr. Liu says. He recommends taking short breaks throughout the day to offset stress buildup.
He practices what he preaches. He enjoys making time for stationary bike workouts, lifting weights and golf. He’s working to get back into swimming and basketball. “It’s important to have activities to look forward to,” he emphasizes. “It’s a great reset.”
Besides participating in physical sports and recreation, Dr. Liu also has some helpful perspective he’s gained from other types of games: He was once a professional videogame player, ranked No. 11 in the world in Super Smash Bros. Melee. The approach he brought to gaming translates to his advice for patients - break down complex goals into manageable steps.
“Everything can be broken down into something simpler,” he says. “Tackle each lifestyle improvement one step at a time.”
Dr. Liu says it’s never too early - or too late - to start building good habits. “What you do now helps you feel better today,” he says, “but it’s also a plan for how you want to feel in the future.”
“I love it when my patients think proactively. The smartest question they can ask me is ‘What are my next steps — when should I see you again, or who should I see next?’ It helps when we all take ownership over our health.”
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: James Liu, M.D.
- Make an appointment online with Dr. Liu or an internal medicine doctor near you, or call 800-822-8905
- Learn more about primary care services at Hackensack Meridian Health.
Why Your Joints May Hurt During Rainy Weather
Joint pain worse in rainy weather? Learn why from Dr. Borzio and find relief strategies. Reduce discomfort; improve your joint health. Call 800-822-8905.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Stress
Excessive stress has a negative impact on your heart health. Here are 5 ways to reduce stress.
5 Practical Tips to Reduce Your Stress and Nurture Your Well-Being
Prioritize yourself. When you feel overwhelmed, use these practical ways to de-stress so you can nurture your well-being and improve your mental health.
Stress & Eating Habits: How to Manage
Manage stress eating habits. Learn healthy coping strategies from Dr. Tara Lally. Ocean University Medical Center offers support. Call 800-822-8905.