Escaping the Wellness Hype: 3 Mindsets to Keep You Grounded
How often have you seen headlines such as “Meet Unicorn Green Juice: The Secret Elixir for Eternal Youth” or “Harness the Healing Energy of Moonlight with Lunar Meditation Mats” or “Turn Your Bathroom into a Zen Oasis with Crystal-Infused Toilet Paper”?
Ok so you might not have seen those exact headlines but I’m guessing you’ve probably seen something similar and probably often. And you’re probably just as annoyed by them as I am.
Mainstream media and social media like to bombard us with the idea that there is a one-size-fits-all solution to wellbeing. One day it’s all about going vegan or avoiding gluten, and then, the next it’s about some exotic herb from a remote island. There’s always a new gadget, device, behavior, or supplement being promoted. Keeping up with the latest advice can feel like trying to catch smoke with your hands. And it’s expensive.
The focus on perfectionism and extremism these media platforms often have as they dole out wellness advice can lead to feelings of powerlessness and learned helplessness. A quest for perfection can make us feel like we’re constantly falling short. Messages incessantly scream at us: “If you can’t keep up, you’re doomed.” And they forget that most of us don’t have the time or money to keep up with every new health trend. We just want to feel good in order to do the activities we love with the people we love.
When I find myself getting caught up in my perfectionist and idealistic tendencies there are three mindsets that help me snap out of it. Embrace what I can do (and accept what I cannot). Make the most of what I already have. Invest wisely when possible.
Embrace What is Possible and Accept What is Not
This mindset is not meant to be interpreted in as promoting a defeatist attitude or as an excuse to avoid striving for improvement. Rather, it is meant to release any stress that might come from not achieving your idealistic version of what health means to you, especially when it’s out of your control or the sacrifice isn’t worth it.
In a perfect world, I would love to wake up a couple hours before work to have time to exercise, read, or enjoy another form of me time before I go to work. But at this point in my life I am not naturally a morning person. While I could force myself to do this, that morning routine is completely unrealistic for me because it would mean sacrificing necessary sleep or time with people I love. It does not feel worth it. And I’m ok with that. Instead, I take 5 mins in the morning to sip my coffee or tea after breakfast with no distractions as a grounding moment before I rush off to work. I also know myself well enough to know that I am more likely to actually take the time to exercise or read if I prioritize it later in the day than if I try to force it before work.
Or here’s another example. Are there some really cool health-promoting gadgets that I think can actually help people improve their wellbeing if used correctly? Yes. And would I love to try some of them for the experiment of it? Also yes. But do I have the financial resources to do that right now? No. And I’m ok with that. Feeling stressed about what I might be missing is counterproductive to my wellbeing.
It’s important to accept that there are some aspects of improving our health that are out of our control or not feasible at this point in our lives. Getting hung up on what I can’t do makes it difficult to actually take realistic steps with what I can. Making peace with this gives me the mental space to focus on what is possible.
Make the Most of What I Already Have
In our capitalistic world we are inundated with messages yelling “buy, buy, buy”. Ads keep telling us we need the newest superfood, latest device, or miracle supplement to be healthy or protect the earth. It’s easy to get caught up in consuming more. But guess what? Usually, the greenest option is using what you already have.
For example, after learning about the human and environmental cost of fast fashion, I immediately wanted to invest in ethically-made natural fiber clothing. But the most environmentally (and fiscally) responsible option is to wear my current wardrobe until it’s threadbare. When I have a specific need for an item, then I will replace it with a more ethical alternative.
Another time I use this mindset is when I’m cooking. On days when I don’t have much in my fridge I could go to the grocery store or out to eat but I often choose to concoct a simple, healthy, and very random meal at home. Though I don’t necessarily do this every time I’m low on food (again we’re not striving for perfection here!), when I do, I enjoy the process and feel good that I am keeping food from going to waste.
Sometimes using what we already have does not feel near as exciting as a shiny new alternative. But, making a conscious decision to do so can free up mental and physical energy, allowing us to focus on the people and activities we love instead of taking the time to find unnecessary replacements. And it often leads to more creativity!
Invest Wisely When Possible
Investing in your health shouldn’t mean you have to take out a loan. However, sometimes it makes sense to spend a little extra now to support your wellbeing long term.
For example, while $100 per month on personalized vitamins is not in my budget, buying one extra type of vegetable at the grocery store each week is. I cannot build a sauna right now, but I can buy some nontoxic soap.
As someone who is relatively frugal I totally understand that it can be hard to spend a little extra for the healthier or more environmentally friendly option. And I recognize the privilege that comes with even considering the more expensive option. At the same time, when it doesn’t cost me drastically extra, I like to think of it as an investment in my future self. Hopefully, by prioritizing my health now, I won’t have to spend as much on it later. Like financial investments, the seemingly small investments we make for our wellbeing can add up.
In a world that’s pushing us toward perfection and extremes, it’s important to take a step back to breathe. Embrace what is possible for you to do and let go of what is not. Get creative with what you already have. Invest in your health when it makes sense. These mindsets may not be earth-shattering but they sure do help me stay grounded.
A gentle reminder to both you and me that it’s not about reaching a state of perfection, but about finding balance, happiness, and wellbeing in the life we’re living right now.
