The Biggest Misconceptions About Wellness

Wellness is a term that has gained significant popularity in recent years, with more and more people striving to achieve a state of overall well-being. However, amidst the abundance of information available, there are several misconceptions that can hinder you from truly understanding and embracing what wellness means to you. In this article, we will explore some of the biggest misconceptions about wellness, providing insights, stories, and tips to help you navigate this complex but rewarding journey.

What is wellness?

Wellness is a word you are most certainly very familiar with nowadays. But what does wellness mean?

The World Health Organization defines wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” while The Global Wellness Institute defines it as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.” So is it a static circumstance or is it an active pursuit? For me, it’s a combination of the two. I see wellness as an active pursuit of a higher state of self that encompasses an interweb of social, mental, physical, and environmental well-being.

You can’t have one without the other, you see. Wellness is a holistic approach to living life. It is not achieved by one sporadic self-care moment, one interaction, or one healthy lunch. It is an accumulation of routines and rituals that you can fall back to time and time again. Wellness is not the absence of disease, but rather the flourishing of body, mind, and spirit. It is not constant and it comes with ups and downs. Wellness is not something you achieve and then you never look back.

Wellness is understanding yourself and your inner workings so intimately that you know exactly what you need at the time you need it. Wellness starts with the intention to be unapologetically committed to yourself and make conscious choices to change your circumstances. It is a state of complete awareness about what YOU need at any given time.

What wellness is not

We’re bombarded with wellness advice these days. From the latest superfood to the perfect workout routine, it can be hard to know what’s actually good for you. But the truth is, some popular wellness trends are more myth than magic. Here are 5 common misconceptions that might be holding you back from achieving true well-being.

Wellness is Just Physical Health

One of the most common misconceptions about wellness is that it solely revolves around physical health. While physical health is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of wellness, true well-being encompasses a holistic approach that includes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being as well. Neglecting these other dimensions can lead to an incomplete sense of wellness.

With mind and body being so intrinsically connected, there is no denying mental and spiritual health is crucial to your well-being. I’ve explored the topic of the mind-gut connection extensively in this article.

Wellness is Expensive

Another prevalent misconception is that wellness is only accessible to those with significant financial resources. While some wellness practices and products can be costly, there are plenty of affordable and even free ways to enhance your well-being. Simple activities like meditation, spending time in nature, or practicing gratitude can have profound effects on your overall wellness without breaking the bank. In reality, wellness is not as much about spending money, as it is about finding what works for you. A me-moment facial does sound and feel amazing, but so does a homemade facial. A 10-day retreat in an amazing villa overlooking the sea? Lovely, I know. But practicing gratitude for the small things around you, like sunshine on your face, a blossoming flower, or a really good conversation could just be even more rewarding. When you feel at home within yourself first, you see the rest as a great bonus rather than the means to be truly happy and healthy.

Wellness is All or Nothing

Many people believe that to be truly well, they must adhere to strict diets, intense workout routines, and rigorous self-care regimens. However, wellness is about balance and finding what works best for you. It’s okay to indulge in occasional treats, skip a workout, or have a lazy day. Be kind to yourself. Wellness stems from a place of self-love, so being kind to yourself and showing yourself grace is probably the highest form of well-being. The key is to listen to your body and mind, making sustainable choices that support your well-being in the long run.

That is where routine comes in. Routine is not a rut. A routine is a series of rituals that give you a sense of comfort and stability. A starting point if you will. A starting point to your day, to your month, your year, your life. All the little things you do repeatedly add up to your routine.

What does your routine look like?

Let’s do a little exercise here. Think about your daily routine. How does that look for you? What are the little things you do as soon as you wake up? What does a normal day in your life look like? What do your evenings look like, or your sleep patterns? All these little things ultimately create your lifestyle. Now think about how many of these things help you create the lifestyle you want and how many are just holding you back.

Wellness is a Destination

Wellness is often perceived as a destination that can be reached once certain goals are achieved or milestones are met. In reality, wellness is a journey that is constantly evolving. There will be ups and downs, setbacks and breakthroughs, but what matters most is the commitment to prioritizing your well-being and making small, consistent changes that lead to long-term health and happiness.

This is again where your own routines and rituals come into play. You won’t have a good day every day but your true strength lies in how you deal with those days. You might already have some wellness pick-me-up tricks up your sleeves (mine is meditating when I get in a creative rut or I feel anxious), or you are just now figuring out what works for you. Either way, creating awareness around how you feel and why you feel a certain way is always a good start.

Wellness is the same for everybody

Now this one is one of my favorite wellness myths to bust. It might be my Ayurvedic training (it certainly is), but everyone is unique. And I don’t mean it in the way my mom used to say it when I had a tough day at school, but from a biological point of view. We are all governed by three biodynamic energies called doshas that establish a series of individual biomarkers within us, our unique body constitution. It is these biomarkers that dictate the way we look and function.

It’s pretty fascinating how accurate the ancient teachings were with this. If you are curious to know your unique biomarkers, check out the quiz.

Our unique body constitutions are the reason why wellness is not the same for everybody. While a warm oil massage might work for some, it might not be as beneficial to others. Or while some can benefit from fermented foods for gut health, others might not. Or while some need more sauna visits, others might be better off taking a cold plunge. Everyone has different needs based on their individual biomarkers, and everyone should have different wellness routines that work for them.

It’s pretty fascinating how accurate the ancient teachings were with this. If you are curious to know your unique biomarkers, check out the quiz.

In closing

I could go on, but I think I have made my point. Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and it’s perfectly okay to define what wellness means to you based on your unique values, beliefs, needs, and aspirations. So, let go of the misconceptions, explore new possibilities, and find out what works for you. When you do, go on and be fearlessly committed to sticking to it.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.