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Scrolling through your phone when you stumble on the next virus trend. Influencers claim that following an incredibly strict diet can help you achieve a jaw-dropping physique. Or watch a fresh runner swearing that he can run a marathon without training.
Whether you are actively looking for wellness advice, it is Almost It is impossible to avoid hearing about the latest health trends.
Just as you might wonder if these claims hold the truth, you may wonder why people feel willing to jump into a fierce challenge.
Many of us are drawn to these extreme challenges. Because we long for radical change and hope it helps us prove something to ourselves and others, experts say.
“We always see these kinds of challenges as opportunities for growth, especially when we are at a stage of life where we let go of ourselves,” says Dr. Thomas Curran, an associate professor of psychology in London School Economics Economics and Perfectionism and an expert on perfectionism. “Maybe we feel we need to be healthier, or we have had a breakup or (major) life events.”
It’s easy to see why people are increasingly drawn to the idea that social media amplifies these movements and achieves a “perfect” version of themselves. But before diving into a new wellness challenge, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on your goals and consider where you started.
With health influencers raising bars for success, wellness spaces now feel like a space of performance where people strive to showcase their peak physical and mental strength.
It’s motivated to see other people’s achievements, but it can also be discouraged if progress does not match theirs.
Each one chases the perfect version of themselves – whether it’s a body or lifestyle, this is usually dangerous because it’s an impossible or dangerous version to achieve, Curran said. He added that this type of comparison creates a dangerous cycle in which people are constantly feeling unhappy with their progress.
“It’s fantasy in many ways, and when you start chasing it, you realize you’re constantly caught up in the sense of doubt and deficit,” he said.
Karan also noted that health challenges can be particularly harmful for women suffering from perfectionism, as they tend to be hit by impossible beauty standards and social expectations.
Renee McGregor, a UK-based dietitian specializing in eating disorders and athlete performance, encourages people to approach wellness trends with curiosity and skepticism. That’s because some influencers and celebrities may be advertising the product because they have financial benefits.
“What you ask yourself about the person you are taking advice is what they get from it,” McGregor said. “If they’re trying to get financially, you know they want you to sell lies.”
Whether you want to try new challenges or products that promise amazing results, McGregor offers to do your research and seek a variety of perspectives, including consultations with your doctor when possible.
If you are someone who thrives on challenges and pushes your limits, this does not mean you need to completely move away from wellness challenges. But before you dive in, take a step back and ask yourself if you are pursuing the challenge for the right reasons, McGregor said.
Some people want to try these challenges. Because they believe something is missing from their lives and are looking to achieve “value” or undergo verification, McGregor said.
A good way to assess your motivation is to think about whether the challenge will benefit your health, or showcase your achievements on social media or other reasons.
Before trying out new trends, make sure you have a foundation to handle them and recognize the potential risks, McGregor said.
For casual runners, this may mean signing up for 5K, but gradually build durability while incorporating other strength training exercises into your routine. For more intense challenges like marathons, McGregor encourages people to consult with experts and coaches who can monitor your progress and status along the way.
Both McGregor and Curran emphasize the importance of promoting sustainable health practices before embarking on more extreme challenges.
Rather than chasing the idea of being “healthy,” McGregor suggests focusing on actual healthy behaviors and starting less.
If you’re a very sedentary person and want to add more movement to your day, try brushing your teeth or charging through a short walk through a typical routine.
McGregor also suggests other small changes, such as eating vegetables several times a day, eating around whole grains, and eating a handful of nuts every day.
“These are small changes that will allow people to enjoy the rewards of brain and physical health, rather than drinking five juices a day. This will not be the answer to your overall health,” she said.
Most importantly, wellness is about giving people joy, not about reaching a certain number on a scale or looking for a specific way to achieve ultimate happiness, McGregor said.
“There are so many things that psychological health can do. I think we need to realize that (we) comparisons never benefit,” McGregor said. “I think it’s really important that we’re in the (moment) and take a break from what’s going on.”
