David O’Reilly – Writer & Coach
Founder, The Lifestyle Medicine Club
I’m a positive psychology and lifestyle medicine coach with a background in philosophy, psychology, sport, and the arts. I help people create energising, meaningful health routines—grounded in science, creativity, and real life.
My approach draws on training in Lifestyle Medicine (Royal College of Surgeons), degrees in Philosophy & Literature, and Positive Psychology. I focus on the mind–body connection, sustainable behaviour change, and reconnecting with what makes life worth living.
Through coaching, I integrate the six pillars of lifestyle medicine (healthy eating, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, avoiding risky substances) with practical tools from positive psychology, habit science, and social prescribing. My programs include music, movement, creative expression, community events, and nature-based activities—alongside nutrition planning, fitness testing, and recovery work.
The Lifestyle Medicine Club
I founded The Lifestyle Medicine Club to support people who want to feel more connected, healthy, and alive—on their own terms. Whether you're rebuilding after burnout, navigating change, or just craving more energy and purpose, we co-create strategies that work for you.
This is not generic advice. It’s coaching rooted in evidence and empathy. The Club was born from lived experience. I rebuilt my life and health in midlife — studying, training, healing, and discovering joy again through movement, writing, music, travel, cultural immersion, education and the support of like-minded people. Now I want to make those kinds of opportunities more accessible, especially for those who feel isolated, unseen, or unsure where to start.
What Is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing is a holistic, person-centred approach to health. It connects people to non-medical supports—like creativity, movement, peer connection, and time in nature—to improve mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Instead of defaulting to medication or diagnosis, it invites people to reconnect with community, the body, and the imagination - in effect to prevent illness.
As a coach and guide, I don’t just refer people to these activities — I facilitate and deliver them myself. I work with doctors, psychologists and health centres, within the ethical guidelines of The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and in line with research-based scientific guidelines from Harvard University.
What I Offer:
Coaching & Positive Health Plans
1:1 Sessions: A compassionate conversation to clarify needs and goals
Personal Health Plans: Based on your life, and led by you - not a template
Ongoing Support: Check-ins and after-care sessions.
I support people who feel:
Disconnected, anxious, or burned out
Misunderstood or isolated and want change
Tired of medicalised or throw-away answers to emotional struggles
Ready to make changes, re-engage with life, energy, and creativity
Looking to start (or continue) a healthy, flourishing journey
Together, we develop a personal health plan that can also include:
Habit Formation
Body & Movement
Creative Expression
Grounding & Recovery
Vitality & Socialisation
Resilience & Goal Setting
In conjunction with coaching sessions, and as part of The Lifestyle Medicine Club, I also offer Retreats, Programs and Activities which mainly require no experience.
Sea Swims, Dips, & Movement Sessions
Memoir Writing with Publishing Support
V02 Max & Metabolic Testing
Music Nights & Ensemble Workshops
Wine Tasting with Sunset Conversations
Hikes & Mountain Walks
Beach Yoga & Breathwork
Exercise & Heart Rate Training
Storytelling + Studio Recording
Dream Analysis & Reflective Journaling
Easel & Canvas: Art Mornings on the Beach
Organic Meals Out & Nutrition Talks
Photo Contests & Creative Prompts
Mental Health Peer Groups & Group Coaching
No prior experience is needed. Just a willingness to start and a desire to tell or change your story - for yourself and with support.
Who I Work With
People in midlife and retirement seeking energy, clarity, strength, purpose and fun
Artists, educators, and professionals feeling stuck
Individuals navigating health, grief, anxiety, trauma, or identity
Adults exploring healthy ageing and vitality
Community groups, active retired groups, schools, and organisations focused on mental and physical wellbeing
Anyone suffering with addiction issues, relationship challenges, intergenerational trauma.
Writing & Creative Work
I’m also a literary non-fiction writer with a focus on society, philosophy, resilience, and meaning. My work blends memoir, cultural criticism, humour and personal essays. I'm a member of the Irish Writers Centre, a contributor to various publications, and was part of Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts pilot.
Later in 2025, I’ll release a collection of published letters alongside a book of essays.
“Stories are the communal currency of humanity… Sharing your own story reflects your past while shaping your future.”
— Inspired by Tahir Shah & Hugh M. Dorsey