Beyond the Wellness Bubble: My Take on Living a Balanced Life

The Current Wellness Trend

In recent years, there has been a strong emphasis on living well. People are increasingly open to exploring ways to maintain their well-being and enhance their quality of life. This trend often prioritises physical fitness and health, sometimes at the expense of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Additionally, there is a rigid interpretation of what it means to be "zen," raising the question of whether "zen" is even meant to be a constant state.

I myself prefer to follow what feels right for me. This means that any endeavours I undertake should not be confined to a strict framework. Instead, I choose to explore various paths and methods, ultimately developing my own unique approach. After all, we are all unique individuals, and a one-size-fits-all approach is not how we should operate. Fixed frameworks can restrict our self-expression and preferences, potentially causing us to overlook parts of ourselves that do not fit neatly into certain categories. This limitation can hinder us from reaching our full potential. Revelations can emerge when we challenge existing norms. As creative beings, we are meant to question, experiment, create, and hopefully improve what already exists. This is why I find tuning into our intuitive faculties to be an excellent way to navigate through life. It is only when we listen to ourselves and tap into our creativity that we can continue to innovate and grow.

The Role of Stress and Mental Wellbeing

Research now clearly shows that stress is a key factor in many common illnesses. It can weaken our immune system, making us more vulnerable to viruses, and contribute to chronic pain and other health conditions. If we fail to address stress in our pursuit of well-being, no amount of vegetable juice or fitness routines can prevent long-term harm to our bodies.

A friend recently discussed how certain lifestyles affect our well-being, suggesting that living well and staying fit require strict adherence to specific practices. However, when we closely examine the concept of well-being, we must ask: Do physically healthy individuals truly escape illness? More importantly, by focusing solely on physical health, we risk overlooking our emotional state, which can create significant disharmony within our bodies.

The mind is where stress-induced thoughts originate, often stemming from past experiences. We tend to use our imagination to amplify our fears and concerns about the future based on those past emotions. The mind often replays events tied to strong feelings, creating a magnetic pull that tempts us to relive painful memories, worst-case scenarios, and predicted outcomes. These overwhelming thoughts lead to increased cortisol levels—our stress hormone—triggering a cascade of stressful emotions that can keep us locked in a fight-or-flight response, making it difficult to reset and recover.

Breaking Free from Rigid Rules

I personally feel the narrative around living well often places an emphasis on control. This can manifest in controlling food intake, taking numerous supplements, following strict vegetable-based or raw food diets, or adhering to rigid eating schedules. There are even suggestions to completely abandon nightlife.

In my opinion, as long as we strive to achieve balance—meaning we avoid excessive behaviours, including extreme clean living—we are on the right track. When a lifestyle becomes too rigid, it can create resistance driven by the need for control. This often leads to anxiety when we fail to meet certain expectations. Instead of merely setting the intention to live well, we may inadvertently create more stress through excessive restrictions and inflexible guidelines.

So, what’s my perspective on living a balanced life?

Trust Your Body's Wisdom - Listen to your body; it knows best. What works for others might not necessarily work for you. If something causes significant discomfort or pain, your body is signaling that an alternative approach may help create better balance. This principle also applies to your diet. I strive for a balanced diet; some days I primarily eat vegetables, while other days I include meat when my body craves it. Because I am prone to iron deficiency, I pay particular attention to maintaining adequate iron levels through my food choices. I have a sweet tooth, so I don’t deprive myself of treats, but I’m careful not to overindulge, viewing them as occasional pleasures rather than everyday necessities.

Emotional Healing as Foundation - Healing our emotional wounds is one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of overall well-being. While physical health practices are important, research increasingly shows that emotional well-being directly impacts our physical health. Studies have demonstrated that emotional trauma and chronic stress can affect our immune system, hormone balance, and even gene expression. This emphasises the importance of taking time to acknowledge and heal our inner wounds, recognise patterns of negative self-talk, and address self-sabotaging behaviours that we may have carried for years.

Through my own journey, I've learned that emotional healing isn’t just about feeling better temporarily; it’s about creating lasting changes that allow us to manage stress more effectively and find genuine emotional freedom. This process might involve evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy, EFT tapping, mindfulness-based stress reduction, journalling, or other healing modalities that resonate with you. The key is to commit to the process, understanding that emotional healing, while sometimes challenging, can offer long-term solutions.

Conscious Social Choices - I value a healthy social life while being aware that crowded places can drain my energy. I’ve become more selective about attending social events. Dancing has always been a part of my life, so nightlife is still important to me; however, I choose to go out only when the music genuinely appeals to me, rather than attending due to fear of missing out (FOMO). When my energy feels depleted, I ensure I take adequate downtime to recover and reset.

Nature Connection and Grounding - Knowing when to recharge is crucial, and spending meaningful time connecting with nature and practising grounding is even more effective. This approach allows us to attune to nature's rhythm and reset our energy simply by being present in natural surroundings. Research shows that spending just 120 minutes per week in nature is linked to good health and well-being.

Mindful Movement - Staying active is essential, regardless of how busy my work schedule becomes. I ensure that I exercise at least five times a week. If I miss a session because I'm tired or overwhelmed, I don’t criticise myself. As mentioned earlier, the key is to listen to your body. If I’m already under stress, excessive exercise may not be the solution—a leisurely walk in the park might be the best way to recover.

Daily Meditation Practice - Meditation cannot be emphasised enough. A simple five-minute meditation first thing in the morning can work wonders. Since stress often originates from our thoughts, it is essential to regularly declutter our minds. Quieting and calming a restless mind helps us regain balance and clarity. Studies have shown that even brief daily meditation sessions of 5 to 10 minutes can reduce stress and improve attention span.

Quality Sleep Routine - Good quality sleep is essential, and it’s a habit I consistently monitor as a natural night owl. Getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night—though individual needs may vary within this range—helps me maintain focus during the day, supports clear thinking, and allows my body to repair and rejuvenate.

Finding Your Balance - My Personal Take 

This is simply my perspective on living a balanced life, shaped by my own experiences and observations. It's not about following rigid rules or someone else's blueprint for wellness. For me, it's about discovering what resonates with my body, mind, and spirit, and then creating sustainable practices that enhance my life rather than restrict it. I’ve found that flexibility is key—listening to my inner wisdom is essential, and it’s important to remember that balance is dynamic; it shifts and changes as we do. While this approach works for me, I deeply respect that everyone’s path to balance is unique. By sharing my journey, I hope to encourage others to explore and find their own authentic way of living well, whatever that may look like for them.