As a registered nurse with my doctorate, here's where *I* disagree with the idea of "wellness" often promoted on social media.... (kinda nervous to post this, tbh)
LOVED this - everything resonated with me, I don’t hate the up and coming ~wellness culture~ because, like you said, I think it’s coming from a good place and there are good intentions behind it - but I just don’t think it’s always attainable! I currently work 12 hour shifts and honestly don’t have the time or energy to do a big workout before or after work, so sometimes I just try to go on a walk during my lunch break (weather permitting!) loved all of these points so much! also, “dont let perfection be the enemy of progress” okay can I get that tattooed all over my body please?
All these points are so great and often not talked about so THANK YOU for shining some light. Often times I find ~wellness culture~ can be polarizing. I really struggle with embracing the gray or happy medium between western medicine (pharmacy student) and integrative medicine and felt I needed to confine myself personally and professionally to one “bucket” or the other.
Another point you talked about which really resonated with me personally was the stigma around mental health including in wellness culture. In the middle of pharmacy school I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder which requires me to take prescription medication for the rest of my life and have struggled with embracing that fact. Thank you for sharing the importance of acknowledging western medicine has a place and isn’t the root of all things evil. I now focus on how can I optimize my health alongside medicine I just so happen to take and can still belong to a community of people who strive to holistically take care of their health!
Love this so much! I work a full time job with a commute up to an hour each way so I’m already awake at 5:30am just to do the bare minimum 😂 I like working out in the mornings, but this season just doesn’t have the space for it so I go to the gym after work a few times a week and depend on walking my dog the rest of the time to be ✨good enough✨.
Haha! I’m one of those 4amers!! I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It is sooo peaceful getting out before anyone else. Plus catching the sunrise is just 😘
I cannot ever get my friends to get up that early either. Well, 1 friend SOMETIMES, but not often.
It all started when I was in college and it was literally the only time I could find to get to the local gym! And it just stuck! It’s been like 20+ years! But I do go to bed super early...like 8:30...😬
This! Yes! It's honestly SO refreshing to read this perspective. As someone who is actively working on improving my overall health and wellness - I tend to get overwhelmed quickly by the range of opinions / info out there. And oftentimes there's so much conflicting info from those I 'look up' to, that it makes me want to throw in the towel.
I LOVE the idea of simplifying things instead of overcomplicating it all. As a busy mom of young kids - I need simplicity or I just won't do it. Thank you for this breath of fresh air in an area that often feels overwhelming to me. It gives me hope that even small, simple but intentional steps forward are better than nothing.
I think the hardest thing for me is the toxic positivity that can surround wellness. Even good motivations can sometimes be really harmful. For example; I've struggled with my body image and eating disorders on and off throughout my life. At times I'll take really "posey" mirror selfies (or regular selfies) where I angle my leg, arch my back a little, flex the arm a little, tilt the chin-all kinds of contortions so that on camera I look fitter and skinnier than I am in reality. It makes me feel good to look at the photo and like what I see. But the problem with that is then I look in the mirror and it doesn't match the photo. It's not my reality. And I realize I desire that "look" because so many health influencers look that way in their photos. Now that I've been there, I can look at their pictures and notice the arm flex, the neck stretch, the angle of their hips that have been perfected to look "natural". On one hand it gives me some peace that they're not perfect either; but on the other hand it worries me what those altered realities are doing to other people who are struggling with their own image by comparing themselves to an image that isn't even real. I wish that we could all just be ourselves, truly and authentically and in the moment on social media so that the comparing can end! (or at least be a lot more realistic).
A stand out line, "Think bigger than just your physical body — if it’s consuming your mind, it may be taking away from your health, not adding to it."
I have seen people make wellness/anti-western medicine their identity...not a curated collection of healthy lifestyle practices that actually help them feel well.
Thank you ever so much Kate for your perspective on this topic. It is thee main reason I choose you as an influential voice in my wellness way of living.
This resonated with my so beautifully, I don't know how else to describe it. Finding a bridge between western medicine and integrative medicine has been really hard for me. Two years ago I went off hormonal birth control and after struggling and being in constant pain, I had surgery in February and was diagnosed with endometriosis. I've been implementing so many naturopathic approach's into my life to help with pain management but ultimately with the help of my OBGYN I decided to get a Mirena IUD for quality of life. This was such a devasting decision for me but it's brought my life back. Accepting western medicine in a world that demonizes it (especially hormonal birth control) has brought so much guilt. But it was right for me.
Thank you for cultivating such an important conversation.
Reminding myself I don't need an elaborate morning or night time routine with a toddler. I've learned to simplify my routine to what my absolutes are. These were a really good reminder, Kate. Thank you!
I resonated with so many of these! I talk about many of these things with my patients. Specifically understanding the unique circumstances that shape WHY someone may eat the way they do, or may not workout. When we can approach with compassion and understanding we can do much more to help than a shaming with black and white thinking (something is either healthy or not).
I also agree we tend to minimize the small daily choices we make. A fancy supplement can help, but it can’t undo the medicine you take 3 times per day aka your diet/food. I call it the foundations of health. It’s more nuisance than that, because sometimes people do need a supplement or even pharmaceutical first to jump start the process and in the meantime work on healing the foundations. Which is where western medicine can be helpful (but I obviously also prefer natural treatments first - if possible).
One last thing - I would argue waking up at 4 am and not getting adequate sleep in lieu of a morning routine ~may~ be more harmful to someone’s health and well-being than just getting some dang sleep. As for me, I’ll take the sleep!
Everything in this post is SPOT ON and exactly why I follow you over so many others. Thank you for saying this!!
#7 is something I wish was talked about a hell of a lot more. As someone who had an eating disorder in the past it's a fine line between being healthy and being obsessive. When I found out I had endometriosis I wanted to try to treat it as naturally as possible. So I did what folks said online and cut out well... a whole lot. Gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (which as a vegetarian didn't leave me with much), legumes, sugar, the list goes on. I was simply scared to eat because I didn't want to "cause" a flare. Years later I realized I had just been feeding into that disorder again by "being healthy" turned out I felt a hell of a lot better when I added back in things like eggs and dairy despite what folks were saying.
The idea about not doing everything perfectly, and just taking small steps to “move the needle” is so important. I also love your point about if we’re obsessing over every little thing, that’s not healthy and we’ve lost the point. Thank you for sharing these!
I was nodding throughout this whole post. Some many good points, I don’t even know where to start. I worked in Acute Care Hospital for 5 years before I switched to working remotely.. and holy moly, if the healthcare world focused more on preventative medicine and promoted that, instead of reactive medicine and dealing with SO many chronic diseases on top of acute problems.. it’s a mess.
Being healthy to me has changed so much as well, I used to think that I could only work out at a gym and go 4-5 days a week for me to feel good about myself. But once I had my boys, I swapped with a family member for their elliptical and do Pilates at home, and I invested in really good strollers- one is a double stroller, because walking outside is my medicine! I really want the boys to see that exercise is normal and just a part of life to be active.
So good!! Ive spent years being hard on myself with goals and expectations that were waaaaay too high...now my goal is to work out 2 times per week, and walk to work most days. That's it. :) I don't have kids, a long commute, or any other reason...it's just what works for me! My goal is strengthening for some weak joints, and so I feel a positive difference with 2 workouts per week. Yay!
This post is so inspirational!! I definitely have been getting caught up in labeling and trying SO HARD to live my healthiest life... but then feel paralyzed by the OVERWHELMING feeling of “how the heck do I do that!?!” Reinforcing the point that it CAN be doable in bite size pieces and it’s not an all or nothing approach means so much for a little perfectionist like myself. 🥹
LOVED this - everything resonated with me, I don’t hate the up and coming ~wellness culture~ because, like you said, I think it’s coming from a good place and there are good intentions behind it - but I just don’t think it’s always attainable! I currently work 12 hour shifts and honestly don’t have the time or energy to do a big workout before or after work, so sometimes I just try to go on a walk during my lunch break (weather permitting!) loved all of these points so much! also, “dont let perfection be the enemy of progress” okay can I get that tattooed all over my body please?
EXACTLY. And that lunch break walk *is* wellness that is realistic for YOUR life. You go girl.
All these points are so great and often not talked about so THANK YOU for shining some light. Often times I find ~wellness culture~ can be polarizing. I really struggle with embracing the gray or happy medium between western medicine (pharmacy student) and integrative medicine and felt I needed to confine myself personally and professionally to one “bucket” or the other.
Another point you talked about which really resonated with me personally was the stigma around mental health including in wellness culture. In the middle of pharmacy school I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder which requires me to take prescription medication for the rest of my life and have struggled with embracing that fact. Thank you for sharing the importance of acknowledging western medicine has a place and isn’t the root of all things evil. I now focus on how can I optimize my health alongside medicine I just so happen to take and can still belong to a community of people who strive to holistically take care of their health!
Cheers to healthy mindsets around health!
Sam
I can relate to a lot of this. Especially about feeling like wellness culture is so polarizing! So true!
Love this so much! I work a full time job with a commute up to an hour each way so I’m already awake at 5:30am just to do the bare minimum 😂 I like working out in the mornings, but this season just doesn’t have the space for it so I go to the gym after work a few times a week and depend on walking my dog the rest of the time to be ✨good enough✨.
Omg, no-- i admire the early wake-up so much. Like, for real. I always love the days when I get a headstart.
(but, the people who wake up at FOUR am, however........ I am frightened. hahahah).
I also have really had to lean into the "good enough" mentality as a new mom balancing work! It's been a good lesson for me!
Haha! I’m one of those 4amers!! I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It is sooo peaceful getting out before anyone else. Plus catching the sunrise is just 😘
TEACH ME YOUR WAYS. have you always been this way???? (tbh, the quiet morning time sounds dreamy)
(but also. i am scared of you. kidding. kind of.)
I cannot ever get my friends to get up that early either. Well, 1 friend SOMETIMES, but not often.
It all started when I was in college and it was literally the only time I could find to get to the local gym! And it just stuck! It’s been like 20+ years! But I do go to bed super early...like 8:30...😬
This! Yes! It's honestly SO refreshing to read this perspective. As someone who is actively working on improving my overall health and wellness - I tend to get overwhelmed quickly by the range of opinions / info out there. And oftentimes there's so much conflicting info from those I 'look up' to, that it makes me want to throw in the towel.
I LOVE the idea of simplifying things instead of overcomplicating it all. As a busy mom of young kids - I need simplicity or I just won't do it. Thank you for this breath of fresh air in an area that often feels overwhelming to me. It gives me hope that even small, simple but intentional steps forward are better than nothing.
Beautifully written Kate and so true!
Health is so individualized and dependent on so many issues.
As a nurse for over 43 years, I know this to be true!
I have slowly been making small changes, recommended from your course, and know the value of making something into a new habit before adding more.
You are a wise one, my daughter!
Love you more ✨🌗☀️
Love you, mom! SO inspired by how you've been taking charge of your health lately. Proud of you!
I think the hardest thing for me is the toxic positivity that can surround wellness. Even good motivations can sometimes be really harmful. For example; I've struggled with my body image and eating disorders on and off throughout my life. At times I'll take really "posey" mirror selfies (or regular selfies) where I angle my leg, arch my back a little, flex the arm a little, tilt the chin-all kinds of contortions so that on camera I look fitter and skinnier than I am in reality. It makes me feel good to look at the photo and like what I see. But the problem with that is then I look in the mirror and it doesn't match the photo. It's not my reality. And I realize I desire that "look" because so many health influencers look that way in their photos. Now that I've been there, I can look at their pictures and notice the arm flex, the neck stretch, the angle of their hips that have been perfected to look "natural". On one hand it gives me some peace that they're not perfect either; but on the other hand it worries me what those altered realities are doing to other people who are struggling with their own image by comparing themselves to an image that isn't even real. I wish that we could all just be ourselves, truly and authentically and in the moment on social media so that the comparing can end! (or at least be a lot more realistic).
A stand out line, "Think bigger than just your physical body — if it’s consuming your mind, it may be taking away from your health, not adding to it."
I have seen people make wellness/anti-western medicine their identity...not a curated collection of healthy lifestyle practices that actually help them feel well.
Thank you ever so much Kate for your perspective on this topic. It is thee main reason I choose you as an influential voice in my wellness way of living.
Angelique-- that means SO. MUCH. to me. Truly. I strive to find that balance, and I'm glad it comes across! Thank you for being here!
This resonated with my so beautifully, I don't know how else to describe it. Finding a bridge between western medicine and integrative medicine has been really hard for me. Two years ago I went off hormonal birth control and after struggling and being in constant pain, I had surgery in February and was diagnosed with endometriosis. I've been implementing so many naturopathic approach's into my life to help with pain management but ultimately with the help of my OBGYN I decided to get a Mirena IUD for quality of life. This was such a devasting decision for me but it's brought my life back. Accepting western medicine in a world that demonizes it (especially hormonal birth control) has brought so much guilt. But it was right for me.
Thank you for cultivating such an important conversation.
Ugh, YES YES YES. soooo proud of you for listening to *your* body and doing what was right for you! SO thrilled the mirena is working great for you!
Reminding myself I don't need an elaborate morning or night time routine with a toddler. I've learned to simplify my routine to what my absolutes are. These were a really good reminder, Kate. Thank you!
I resonated with so many of these! I talk about many of these things with my patients. Specifically understanding the unique circumstances that shape WHY someone may eat the way they do, or may not workout. When we can approach with compassion and understanding we can do much more to help than a shaming with black and white thinking (something is either healthy or not).
I also agree we tend to minimize the small daily choices we make. A fancy supplement can help, but it can’t undo the medicine you take 3 times per day aka your diet/food. I call it the foundations of health. It’s more nuisance than that, because sometimes people do need a supplement or even pharmaceutical first to jump start the process and in the meantime work on healing the foundations. Which is where western medicine can be helpful (but I obviously also prefer natural treatments first - if possible).
One last thing - I would argue waking up at 4 am and not getting adequate sleep in lieu of a morning routine ~may~ be more harmful to someone’s health and well-being than just getting some dang sleep. As for me, I’ll take the sleep!
Everything in this post is SPOT ON and exactly why I follow you over so many others. Thank you for saying this!!
#7 is something I wish was talked about a hell of a lot more. As someone who had an eating disorder in the past it's a fine line between being healthy and being obsessive. When I found out I had endometriosis I wanted to try to treat it as naturally as possible. So I did what folks said online and cut out well... a whole lot. Gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (which as a vegetarian didn't leave me with much), legumes, sugar, the list goes on. I was simply scared to eat because I didn't want to "cause" a flare. Years later I realized I had just been feeding into that disorder again by "being healthy" turned out I felt a hell of a lot better when I added back in things like eggs and dairy despite what folks were saying.
The idea about not doing everything perfectly, and just taking small steps to “move the needle” is so important. I also love your point about if we’re obsessing over every little thing, that’s not healthy and we’ve lost the point. Thank you for sharing these!
I was nodding throughout this whole post. Some many good points, I don’t even know where to start. I worked in Acute Care Hospital for 5 years before I switched to working remotely.. and holy moly, if the healthcare world focused more on preventative medicine and promoted that, instead of reactive medicine and dealing with SO many chronic diseases on top of acute problems.. it’s a mess.
Being healthy to me has changed so much as well, I used to think that I could only work out at a gym and go 4-5 days a week for me to feel good about myself. But once I had my boys, I swapped with a family member for their elliptical and do Pilates at home, and I invested in really good strollers- one is a double stroller, because walking outside is my medicine! I really want the boys to see that exercise is normal and just a part of life to be active.
So good!! Ive spent years being hard on myself with goals and expectations that were waaaaay too high...now my goal is to work out 2 times per week, and walk to work most days. That's it. :) I don't have kids, a long commute, or any other reason...it's just what works for me! My goal is strengthening for some weak joints, and so I feel a positive difference with 2 workouts per week. Yay!
This post is so inspirational!! I definitely have been getting caught up in labeling and trying SO HARD to live my healthiest life... but then feel paralyzed by the OVERWHELMING feeling of “how the heck do I do that!?!” Reinforcing the point that it CAN be doable in bite size pieces and it’s not an all or nothing approach means so much for a little perfectionist like myself. 🥹
Aw, Kristin... I am so glad it offered some peace & simplicity. You've got this! One small choice at a time!
Yes, yes, yes. SDOH are soooo real & I find it so deflating when wellness messages don't acknowledge that. :( Glad the message resonated.
Also *not so* patiently counting down the days for barefoot grassy days-- CAN I GET AN AMEN