Wellbeing: Balance, Peace and Inner Wisdom. Has it become too trend led?
Wellbeing, in simple terms, reflects a holistic view of health, and is a combination of a person’s physical, mental and social health and should be a place of comfort.
Yet, I’ve been noticing more lately that it is becoming overwhelming. We are seeing a huge increase in the wellness industry, which is a very positive shift, as there is greater access to information, health becoming prioritised and prevention becoming a long-term solution. The rise in social media and the instant access we now have to influencers, top wellbeing tips and trends from personal transformation stories have all increased this awareness, as well as several businesses promoting products (breakfast cereals....?!) who have also jumped on this wellness surge, with little to no relation to the true meaning, and so we need to navigate this sudden increase with clarity and understanding.
As somebody within the wellness industry, I too can find it quite confusing and misleading. We’ve been taught to look outward for answers: experts, trends, social media routines, perfectly curated lives. There’s a lot of opinions about how healing and wellbeing should look like.
Wellbeing should be simple
At it’s centre, wellbeing is simple. It is about balance. About creating enough space for the mind, body and soul to breathe. When wellbeing becomes another item on a to‑do list, or when it is presented as a ‘perfect easy fix' something has gone wrong.
Our wellbeing should be intentional, based on listening to our inner wisdom and truths. We can notice our bodies sensations, emotions, energy levels and intuition and should use this information to guide us through rest, nourishment, movement and comfort.
Simple habits and fundamentals
Often, it is the smallest habits and rituals that are the building blocks for wellness. The fundamentals of a balanced diet, regular movement, meaningful friendships, relationships and connections, emotional control and management, and restful sleep are often overlooked in favour of trends and shortcuts. Think simply:
- Eating slowly and with awareness
- Allowing rest without guilt
- Creating moments of calm through scent, sound or touch
- Stepping outside for fresh air
- Connection with loved ones.
These simple rituals ground us in the present moment and regulate the nervous system. They are sustainable and supportive and are not measured by productivity or aesthetics.
Everyone's wellness is different. Define wellness for yourself, and tailor your approach based on your stage of life, personal goals and ultimately, do things you enjoy, that’s the real heartbeat of wellness.