WELLNESS REDEFINED
WATCH THAT SLIPPERY SLOPE
Manilka Ediriweera cautions that social media can turn wellness upside down
Wellness is and has always been a hot topic. You could think of it as a modern concept with roots in ancient times. From spirituality and ancient knowledge, to physical and mental health, wellness takes various shapes and forms.
It has evolved from philosophies and practices – such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that emphasised a balance between mind, body and spirit – entered mainstream conversations.
With the modern wellness movement kicking off during the latter half of the 20th century, its practice has seen a boom in fitness, workplace wellness programmes, and the emergence of celebrity wellness and self-help experts.
In the 21st century, it reached a tipping point globally. Contributing to this dramatic expansion is none other than social media. And with that element in the mix, the multibillion dollar wellness sector is set to grow rapidly.
Worldwide, it has become a lifestyle that’s being embraced by many. It’s also hard to escape wellness (even if you wanted to) because social media feeds are flooded with relevant content ranging from fitness routines to mental health advocacy.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a pivotal moment in the wellness sector. With almost all of us confined to our homes, the consumption of wellness content experienced a surge. When everything else looked bleak and uncertain, influencers and creators began building communities centred on wellness.
From workout routines to mindfulness exercises, they became the go-to voices for inspiration and motivation – and they gave people a much needed sense of belonging.
Today, the online arena is flooded with wellness influencers. From certified trainers to yoga instructors and registered dieticians, social media has become a stage to share insights, tips, personal stories and evidence based advice that empowers people.
However, there’s the issue of the democratisation of influence where any persons with a following can call themselves a ‘wellness influencers.’ They could spread misinformation or offer inappropriate advice, which can harm those seeking genuine guidance aimed at transformation.
Given an increasing engagement with wellness content, there’s an obsession with the concept today.
But there’s a catch! And that’s about how quickly wellness can turn into another form of pressure – something to tick off your checklist or makes you feel you aren’t good enough. When things get to this point, it can lead to toxic outcomes.
Perhaps this happens because of the diverse meanings we associate with ‘wellness.’ While a standard definition of wellness would be ‘the state of being in good health,’ it now means many more different things.
For some, wellness is about eliminating consumables such as sugar, dairy and social media. And for others, it’s about working out every day – and strict lifestyles and green juice every morning.
Being mindful of what you eat? Great! Moving your body daily? Excellent! And the green juice? Great again (but only if you like it)…
That’s what many people think when they contemplate wellness. But it can also look like having French fries and pizza without feeling guilty, skipping a workout when you feel exhausted and not having that green concoction you dislike.
Because perceptions vary, what might work for a wellness creator may not work for you. And it isn’t simply about discipline; instead, it must include pleasure and enjoyment.
Wellness should never feel forced nor should it make you feel bad about yourself. Carl Cederström, who coined the term ‘wellness syndrome,’ talks about how our obsession with self-improvement has twisted into something that’s toxic and ends up leaving us feeling worse.
What began as a positive movement has entered dangerous territory – fuelling unrealistic standards, obsessive routines and constant comparison. And on social media, it’s everywhere – endless posts about 5 a.m. workouts, clean eating and perfect morning routines.
For some, it’s inspiring; but for others, it triggers insecurities, anxiety and a feeling you are never doing enough.
Lately however, younger generations have been pushing back, and challenging the rigid and perfect idea of wellness. They are rewriting what wellness truly means and making it about doing whatever makes you feel good.
It’s being redefined as a practice that embraces imperfection, inclusivity and individuality. Because wellness appears different to everyone, not all those who are offering advice on fitness, vitamins or supplements online actually know what they’re talking about.
So while social media is an inspiring place, it can also become a slippery slope of diet culture, comparison and wellness influencers. It’s up to you to take what inspires and leave what drains you.
Wellness has always been a hot topic
