In recent years, the pursuit of health has gained significant fervour, becoming a cultural phenomenon. With new wellness boutiques popping up on every corner and social media feeds filled with curated routines—showcasing everything from cryotherapy to alkaline diets—this landscape can make wellness feel less like a personal journey and more like a public performance. As we navigate this space, moderation often takes a back seat and it’s easy to feel compelled to participate constantly, raising the question: how can I navigate the wellness industry in a way that is authentic, fulfilling and sustainable?
Remember Health Is Not a Moral Imperative
When we tie our self-worth to health status, we risk harmful comparisons and feelings of guilt, which can ultimately undermine our efforts to care for our well-being. The commodification of health often promotes the message that perfect health is accessible to everyone and that, with enough willpower or the right product, we could and should achieve it. This viewpoint overlooks the complex social and genetic factors that influence health. Recognising this fosters a more compassionate and realistic understanding of ourselves and others, enabling us to take more personalised and effective steps toward supporting our bodies and minds—IF that is what you wish to focus on.
Consider Health as a Vehicle, Not an Endpoint
The wellness industry taps into our desire for self-improvement and personal growth. However, embracing the idea of endless optimisation of our health can lead to feelings of always being a step behind and struggling to fully align with our values. When we view health as an end goal, we may find ourselves fixating on arbitrary targets that often lack scientific grounding or have minimal positive impact on our quality of life.
Instead of seeing health as a destination, consider it a vehicle that allows you to engage fully in life. Good health supports the pursuit of our passions, nurtures relationships, and enables us to participate in activities that bring us joy. Reflect on why you are focusing on a particular area of your health; for instance, are you working on strength and flexibility to excel in your favourite sport or to lift your grandchildren without pain? Similarly, perhaps your sauna session with a flatmate helps you decompress and foster connection. Shifting this perspective allows us to prioritise well-being in ways that enrich our life rather than constrain it.
Signs Your Health Journey May Not Be So Healthy
It’s natural to question your choices in today’s complex wellness landscape. Most people embark on their journeys with good intentions, but many find themselves feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or disconnected from their personal values. With constant messaging surrounding well-being, it can be tough to cut through the noise and evaluate what exactly is or isn’t sitting right with you. Here are some signs that your practices may no longer be serving you:
- Misaligned Motivations
Do your motivations feel disconnected from your personal values, instead rooted in self-scrutiny or societal pressures around thinness, “natural” beauty, idealised lifestyles, or hyper-productivity? - Mental Health Struggles
Are you experiencing mood changes, such as anxiety or guilt, when you miss a workout or view your food or other choices as “unhealthy”? Has your focus on wellness diminished your enjoyment and spontaneity in life or worsened existing mental health challenges? - Rigidity in Wellness Practices
Are you overly focused on measurable outcomes and rigid routines, often neglecting your body’s signals for rest? Are you increasingly relying on external cues, like apps, to dictate how you should eat or how hard and frequently you should exercise? - Obsession
Do you find yourself constantly worrying about whether certain foods, movements, or products are “good” for you or will help you reach your wellness goals, making it challenging to know how to nourish your body, engage in physical activity, or embrace life’s pleasures? - Strained Relationships and Isolation
Is your focus on health eroding your support network and causing isolation, making it harder to connect with loved ones? Are you prioritising wellness activities over important social obligations or self-care, or even hiding your choices from those close to you? Do you find that you care less about things that once mattered to you? - Harmful Choices and Financial Strain
Are you engaging in activities or spending money on products that you know may harm you, such as training when injured or investing in wellness practices that strain your budget? Are you prioritising these over your well-being or financial stability?
Tips for Engaging with the Wellness Industry on Your Own Terms
There are many exciting ways to support both your body and mind—whether through sauna sessions, dynamic gym classes, or new and interesting foods. Navigating the wellness sphere mindfully can ensure your wellness practices are aligned with your genuine needs and values. Consider these guidelines for a balanced and informed approach:
- Prioritise Enjoyment, Experimentation, and Connection:
Exploring wellness trends can be an engaging way to foster community, attune to your body, and enhance your overall health. Embrace a mindset of exploration and curiosity. Choose activities that you will genuinely enjoy, rather than those that feel obligatory or trendy. Consider trying something new that you may not excel at. Including family, friends, or potential friends can further enhance your experience. - Stay Informed
Approach new wellness trends with curiosity, considering the credentials of those endorsing or offering a service. Critically evaluate their claims, especially those that imply everyone is starting from a place of ill health without their product or practice. - Be Flexible
Your body will change over time, and that’s perfectly okay. Stay open to new experiences and let go of practices that no longer serve you. Your needs may shift from day to day or month to month. Be wary of any package, advice, or product that endorses fixed rules about eating, exercise, and health behaviours. - Set Boundaries
Allow yourself to engage with wellness on your own terms. What works for others may not be right for you. It’s perfectly acceptable to take breaks and step back to reevaluate. Be wary of wellness culture overshadowing other important areas or relationships in your life. - Attunement and Curiosity
Pay attention to your physical and emotional needs. Reflect on what would enhance your sense of well-being. For instance, if you are a new parent, prioritising time for rest may be essential. An office worker confined to a chair all day might consider finding opportunities to spend more time outdoors.
Still Not Sure?
It’s understandable to face challenges in today’s wellness landscape. If you’re feeling confused or stressed about your health, or if you’ve noticed troubling physical changes, starting with your GP is a good first step. A mental health professional can also help you explore whether your health practices support your well-being. At Practice371, our team of clinical psychologists, counsellors, and dietitians offers specialist services to help individuals understand their relationships with food, exercise, and health. We support those living with eating disorders, those concerned about friends or loved ones, and provide consultation for workplaces and health professionals.