figuring out what works for you & relieving information overload
The concept of “wellness” can be so confusing and convoluted sometimes, especially when used in clever marketing tactics (same goes for wishy-washy descriptors like “all natural” or “anti-aging”) or when using wellness as a form of perfectionism (i.e. If I do these things to be well, then I will finally be good enough).
I myself have gotten really caught up in this spiderweb of what is “good” vs “bad” in a sincere effort not only to heal myself and the planet, but also admittedly to “fix” the things I thought were “wrong” with me.
The shame-factor in the wellness industry is another story for another time, but it’s not surprising that many of us are constantly trying new things that we’re unsure of because someone else tooted the horn of said thing, which can either A. surprisingly work out very well (whether long term or briefly – the latter resulting in another potential conundrum re: what’s next?) or B. surprisingly totally backfire.
There are so many general claims being made and supplements on the shelves and superfoods added to fancy beverages in hip cafés – we can easily believe that these things are beneficial for us because of their amazing qualities.
The fact is that different things work differently for different people at different times in their lives, no matter how healing the thing may be.
Leaders in the wellness industry might intend to educate instead of confuse us when presenting the specific foods, chemicals, herbs, lifestyle habits, and so on that are beneficial or harmful for our health, but some of this information opposes each other – like when one person says eating meat is essential while another person claims otherwise, yet both persons have studies to prove their point.When the information being presented is contradictory, the concept of and the theories behind “wellness” can become particularly perplexing…
If you’d like to simplify and personalize your own wellness intake and actions, I can recommend (randomly in 7 forms of the letter R):
- Revisiting your values – what’s important to you about the health of your mind, your body, and the planet, and why? (PSA: ecological health is inextricably interconnected to our physical and mental health)
- Reflecting on what’s going well for you right now, and what you’d like to improve – physically and mentally / emotionally.
- Reviewing the wellness people you follow and the practices you’re already doing – which ones resonate, and which ones can you move on from?
- Researching whatever doctors / health professionals and products you’re currently trying and / or would like to try in the future – make a list or spreadsheet if helpful for your reference, and contact / search them one at a time (bonus: ask trusted, like-minded friends for referrals, then deduce on your own).
- Reinstating and regularizing one or two new (or previous) practices and principles that feel good to you right now – either sticking with the routine for 1-6 months, or from week-to-week to start (maybe based on recommendations from someone you’re working with for support).
- Reconnecting often with yourself and your trusted support system to stay grounded, nourished, alert, free of overwhelm (or at least more equipped to handle it), and ready to take action (even if that action means backing off).
- Remembering to take it all with a grain of sea salt, stay curious, stay true to your intentions, not obsess about it (à la French life – more on this in my Paris City Guide), and have fun with it – it’s all an ongoing experiment, and it’s such a privilege to get to explore these options…
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How do you feel about wellness lately, and what’s been working well for you?
Take good care,
S
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