These days, it feels like “wellness” is everywhere. From Instagram influencers posting their perfectly curated green smoothies to wellness brands promising life-changing results, the idea of being well—physically, mentally, and emotionally—has become a multi-billion-pound industry ($224 billion in 2024 to be specific, according to the Global Wellness Institute). Everywhere you turn, there’s a new trend, supplement, or lifestyle change being marketed as the key to living your best life. But if all of this wellness talk is starting to feel overwhelming, or if you’re feeling like you’re falling short of the wellness ideal, you’re not alone.
Here’s the thing: it’s okay not to be obsessed with wellness. In fact, it might even be better for you in the long run. Wellness has become such a big deal for some less than genuine reasons, and you don’t need to buy into the hype to live a healthy, happy life.
The rise of wellness is all about the pursuit of perfection.
Wellness used to be simple. It meant being healthy, eating nourishing food, and exercising regularly. These days, though, it’s become something of a status symbol. The wellness industry isn’t just about taking care of your health anymore; it’s about achieving some kind of perfect, aspirational lifestyle. People are constantly being bombarded with images of glowing skin, meticulously balanced diets, and rigorous fitness routines that are presented as the only way to live a healthy life.
Part of the reason wellness has exploded in recent years is that it’s been marketed as a way to “fix” everything. From mental health to sleep patterns to skin care, it’s sold as the ultimate solution to all of life’s problems. The message is clear: if you’re not doing wellness right, you’re missing out. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be doing everything to “perfection” to be living well.
Too many people fall into the wellness trap of comparison and guilt.
One of the downsides of the wellness obsession is the sense of comparison that comes with it. Social media, in particular, has created a culture of wellness envy. You scroll through your feed and see everyone else’s carefully crafted wellness routines, their daily yoga sessions, and their perfectly balanced meals, and it can feel like you’re falling short. Suddenly, wellness stops being about what feels good for you and becomes about what everyone else is doing.
The guilt that comes from feeling like you’re not living up to these wellness ideals can lead to stress and anxiety, rather than the relaxation and clarity that wellness is supposed to bring. The truth is, no one has it all figured out, no matter how polished their social media feed looks. Real life isn’t as glossy as Instagram, and that’s perfectly okay.
Wellness is now a trend, not a necessity.
Let’s face it: wellness has become a trend, and trends come and go. What’s “in” now might not be relevant in a few months, or even a few weeks. The rapid pace of wellness trends makes it difficult to keep up, and trying to chase them all can leave you feeling burnt out. One minute it’s about gluten-free everything, the next minute it’s the keto diet, and now it’s all about adaptogens and ayurvedic treatments. It’s a lot to keep up with—and to be honest, most of it isn’t necessary for most people.
Wellness is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person might not work for another. It’s important to tune into your body and mind to figure out what feels right for you, rather than trying to tick off every trendy wellness box. You don’t need to follow the latest trend to be healthy and happy. In fact, sometimes the best thing you can do is ignore the trends altogether and focus on what you truly need.
There’s too much pressure to always be “well.”
One of the most damaging aspects of the wellness movement is the pressure to always be at the top of your game, or to be in a constant state of health and happiness. While taking care of your physical and mental health is important, it’s not realistic to expect to feel great all the time. Life is messy. Some days, you’re going to feel stressed, tired, or anxious, and that’s perfectly normal. The pressure to constantly be “well” can leave you feeling like you’re failing, even when you’re just being human.
Wellness should be about balance, not perfection. Some days, it’s okay to skip the gym, eat something that’s not perfectly healthy, or take a break from your meditation routine. It doesn’t mean you’re failing at wellness; it just means you’re living a real life. Embrace those moments because they’re part of what makes you whole.
There’s a major problem with overselling wellness.
The wellness industry is a huge business, and like any business, it relies on selling you a solution to a problem. Whether it’s a detox tea, a fitness programme, or a new skincare line, wellness brands make their money by convincing you that you need their product to be your best self. But the truth is, no product can magically make you healthy or happy. Wellness isn’t something that can be bought; it’s something you cultivate from within.
The overselling of wellness also ignores the fact that there are external factors, such as your environment, relationships, and finances, that play a huge role in your well-being. No amount of supplements or superfoods is going to solve those deeper issues. True wellness comes from taking a holistic approach to your health, not relying on quick fixes.
Finding your own version of wellness is what it’s all about.
At the end of the day, wellness is personal. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for you, and that’s perfectly fine. Instead of trying to live up to someone else’s wellness ideals, focus on what makes you feel good, both physically and mentally. It doesn’t have to involve trendy diets, expensive products, or complicated routines.
Take time to tune into your own body and mind, and figure out what feels right for you. Sometimes, the best form of wellness is simply allowing yourself to rest when you need it, listening to your body’s signals, and letting go of the pressure to be perfect.
Wellness is about finding balance, not striving for perfection. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that support your well-being, without feeling like you have to do it all. You don’t have to be obsessed with wellness to be well. In fact, stepping back from the noise and tuning into your own needs is often the best thing you can do for yourself.
