Writer and podcaster Pandora Sykes discusses our obsession with wellness, exploring topics such as the negative impact of multitasking, the binary mindset of living life right or wrong, the importance of accepting and normalizing emotions, the influence of social media, the dangers of self-optimization, and the confusion within the wellness industry.
The wellness industry's marketing of trendy activities and products creates unrealistic pressure on individuals and overlooks the true concept of wellness.
The constant multitasking and overwhelm caused by the modern world can be reduced by prioritizing single-tasking and embracing ambiguity in daily life.
Deep dives
The Danger of Wellness Marketing
Wellness activities like yoga, cryo chambers, and forest bathing are not inherently wrong or harmful. However, the danger lies in the marketing and how these activities are sold as something that will make people better or improve their lives. This creates an irresponsible narrative that puts unnecessary pressure on individuals to engage in these activities. The wellness industry is also plagued with quackery, misleading consumers with false promises. It is important to recognize that wellness should not be a one-size-fits-all concept and that true wellness goes beyond trendy activities and products.
The Burden of Overwhelm in a Connected World
The modern world, fueled by technology and social media, has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to focus on one task at a time. The pressure to constantly multitask and keep up with an expanding social circle has led to feelings of overwhelm. This overwhelm is amplified in women, who tend to juggle multiple responsibilities and engagements. The constant bombardment of information and the expectation to be constantly connected contribute to a lack of clarity and presence. However, finding ways to prioritize single-tasking and embracing ambiguity can help reduce overwhelm and create a more balanced approach to life.
The Illusion of Arrival and External Validation
Society often perpetuates the idea that reaching certain goals or milestones will bring ultimate happiness or fulfillment. However, this arrival fallacy, as it is known, overlooks the importance of the process and the journey. External validation and the pursuit of goals as a means to find happiness can lead to a constant sense of striving and never truly feeling content. Instead, finding contentment in the present moment, embracing the process, and understanding that happiness is not a destination, but rather a state of being, can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
The Complex Relationship Between Fashion and Self-Expression
The fashion industry has undergone significant changes, with fast fashion and online shopping becoming predominant. The availability of a vast range of options, combined with the influence of social media and reality television, has created a culture where fashion is often seen as a way to express oneself and gain validation. However, this focus on trends and external appearance can lead to excessive consumption and a constant need for the next best thing. It is important to find a balance between self-expression and sustainable practices, recognizing that fashion should be about feeling comfortable and true to oneself rather than adhering to societal expectations.
What if all the work we're doing on ourselves is part of the problem? Pandora Sykes has been wrestling with our obsession with wellness to see if we're taking it all a bit too seriously - and in this chat with Fearne, they chat about the simple principles we can remember to keep ourselves grounded.
How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? by Pandora Sykes is published by Hutchinson
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