Some people take on an hour-long meditation practice every morning, only to abandon it after a few weeks when the initial novelty wears off. Others
vow to eliminate entire food groups from their diet, leading to feelings of deprivation and eventual rebellion. In both cases, the habits are often
unsustainable, and the individual is left feeling guilty or inadequate for
not being able to maintain them.
I’ve witnessed this pattern in my own life as well. A few years ago, I decided to start waking up at 5:00 AM every day to fit in a rigorous workout routine before starting my workday. The idea was that by getting a
head start on the day, I would be more productive and have a sense of accomplishment before most people had even rolled out of bed. At first, it
felt great – I was indeed waking up feeling energized and ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.
However, as time went on, the early wake-up calls started to take their toll. I found myself relying on multiple cups of coffee just to make it through the morning, and my evenings began to suffer as a result. I’d often find myself too exhausted to cook dinner or spend quality time with loved ones, opting instead for quick fixes like takeout or Netflix.
The truth is, waking up at 5:00 AM every day wasn’t sustainable for me – at least, not without making significant sacrifices in other areas of my life. It’s a habit that sounds impressive on paper, but ultimately led to burnout and an unhealthy obsession with getting more done in less time.
I think this phenomenon is closely tied to the idea of “wellness one-upmans
one-upmanship” – the notion that we must constantly strive for more, do better, and be better than others. Social media platforms like Instagram often perpetuate this mindset, showcasing individuals who seemingly have it all together: flawless skin, chiseled bodies, and a perfectly curated morning routine.
But what about those of us who don’t thrive under such pressure? What about the people who need to prioritize rest over productivity, or those whose schedules simply can’t accommodate an hour-long meditation practice every day?
In my experience, these types of wellness habits – while impressive on paper – often ignore individual circumstances and needs. They assume a one-
one-size-fits-all approach to wellness, which is not only unrealistic but also potentially damaging.
Rather than striving for some idealized version of wellness, I believe we should focus on cultivating habits that genuinely support our unique lifestyles and priorities. This might mean embracing imperfection, acknowledging our limitations, and being honest about what we can realistically maintain in the long term.
For example, if waking up at 5:00 AM isn’t feasible for you, maybe try aiming for a more manageable wake-up time – say, 7:30 or 8:00. If you’re not a morning person, perhaps schedule your workout routine for lunchtime instead. And if meditation just isn’t your thing, that’s okay too! Maybe find another way to clear your mind and reduce stress, like taking a relaxing walk after dinner.
Ultimately, the goal of any wellness habit should be to enhance our overall quality of life – not to create unnecessary stress or pressure. By
acknowledging our individual needs and limitations, we can develop habits that truly support us in the long term, rather than trying to fit into some predetermined mold.
I’ve come to realize that true wellness is about finding balance, not striving for perfection. It’s about listening to your body and honoring its unique rhythms, rather than forcing it into an unsustainable routine. And it’s about embracing imperfection – recognizing that we’re all human beings with different needs, priorities, and limitations.
So the next time you’re tempted to take on some trendy new wellness habit,
I encourage you to pause and reflect on what truly works for you. Ask yourself: Is this habit sustainable in the long term? Does it align with my unique lifestyle and priorities? Or am I simply trying to keep up appearances?
By taking a more nuanced approach to wellness – one that acknowledges individual differences and limitations – we can create habits that genuinely support our well-being, rather than just sounding impressive on paper.
My standard for any wellness habit is simple: it must be sustainable, flexible, and aligned with my unique needs and priorities. Anything less is just noise.
This mindset has also helped me to reevaluate my relationship with goals and expectations in the context of wellness. Rather than setting lofty targets that often lead to burnout and disappointment, I’ve started focusing on making progress rather than achieving perfection. This means celebrating small wins, acknowledging setbacks as opportunities for growth,
growth, and being patient with myself as I navigate the ebbs and flows of my own unique journey.
In doing so, I’ve discovered a sense of freedom and empowerment that comes
from letting go of external expectations and instead tuning into my internal compass. It’s allowed me to experiment with different practices and habits without feeling beholden to any particular outcome or standard.
And when I do encounter setbacks or challenges, I’m better equipped to respond with kindness and compassion rather than self-criticism.
This approach has also led me to question the notion of “wellness” as a fixed destination, rather than a dynamic process. Rather than striving for
some idealized state of being, I’ve come to see wellness as a constantly evolving journey that requires adaptability, curiosity, and openness. It’s
about embracing the twists and turns of life, rather than trying to force myself into a predetermined mold.
By embracing this mindset, I believe we can create a more inclusive and compassionate approach to wellness – one that honors individual differences and acknowledges the complexities of real-life experience.