Wellness Without the Extremes:
In today’s world, wellness often comes wrapped in extremes. From 5 a.m. workouts to strict diets, the message seems clear: go all in or don’t bother. But what if true wellness isn’t about extremes but about finding balance and what genuinely works for you?
The All-or-Nothing Trap
The wellness industry, with its glossy images and celebrity endorsements, often promotes an all-or-nothing approach. You see it all the time in the media etc that to do so you have to down wheatgrass shots first thing in the morning and sit in linen clothes and meditate for an hour or what’s the point. This mindset can lead to burnout, guilt, and a constant feeling of inadequacy. This chasing for perfectionism can and will prevent long-term health and happiness.
Embracing Flexibility in Wellness
Wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. I’ve gone about this in so many different blogs with regards to diets etc. It’s about discovering practices that resonate with you and fit into your life seamlessly and just make life a bit better. Whether it’s a short daily walk, a weekly yoga class, or just taking time to breathe deeply, (just like Danny Dyer Does on the Assembly) small, consistent actions can lead to huge improvements in your well-being.
The Power of Mindfulness
Mindfulness, now this is just the practice of being present in the moment, is a powerful tool for enhancing happiness. Engaging your senses—listening to the sounds around you, feeling the texture of objects, savoring the taste of your food—all of this can ground you in the present and help build a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. What could this be for you, anything, sitting in the garden, just observing the world go by, even sat in your car at traffic lights. You don’t have to spend long on it, it’s just being there and aware of doing it.
Personalizing Your Wellness Journey
It’s essential to recognize that wellness is deeply personal. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to experiment and find practices that bring you joy and peace. This could be journaling, dancing, gardening, or any activity that makes you feel alive and centered. You don’t have to yoga everyday, drink green smoothies, meditate for an hour or live like a monk. Find those little things that work for you and just bring them into your life, you also have to remember you don’t have to do them everyday, it’s about consistent with them over time, so if you don’t do something one day just don’t beat yourself up.
Letting Go of Comparison
In the age of social media, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of comparing your wellness journey to others. Remember, these often showcase highlights, always people living their best lives and not the full picture. Focus on your path, celebrate your progress, and understand that setbacks are a natural part of growth. Just remember these people that are promoting it, are usually trying to promote something that is going to end up costing you money and lining their pockets, and they don’t live like that all the time.
Building Sustainable Habits
Instead of drastic overhauls, where you go and start up a yoga retreat in goa, aim for sustainable changes. Incorporate wellness practices gradually, allowing them to become a natural part of your routine. Doing this will reduce the risk of burnout and increases the likelihood of long-term success. Remember, live is for living, we don’t get that long on this planet in the grand scheme of things and if we are lucky we get to live.
Final thoughts: Your Wellness, Your Way
Wellness doesn’t have to be extreme or all-consuming. By tuning into your needs, embracing flexibility, and focusing on what brings you happiness, you can create a balanced and sustainable wellness journey. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and presence.
It’s not all lentils and shit, sometimes it’s rum and crisps.
