A Sustainable Approach to New Beginnings in the New Year
Written on
Chapter 1: The Pressure of New Year Resolutions
As January draws to a close, the relentless marketing strategies aimed at fostering feelings of inadequacy are in full swing. It's quite peculiar that each year, during the dreary depths of winter, we’re expected to completely transform our lives into better, fitter, and more productive versions of ourselves. This "New Year, New Me" mentality casts a shadow of shame over many.
Just days after the year's shortest day—when even sensible creatures like bears are hibernating—society expects us to leap from our beds, embark on new diets, and start exercise regimens. The pressure is compounded with initiatives like Dry January and Veganuary, leading to an overwhelming sense of obligation.
While challenges can indeed be motivating (I’m participating in Dry January myself), this essay encourages us to reassess our relationship with wellness culture through the lens of genuine well-being.
“January often feels like the Monday of all Mondays, where one is chastised for enjoying food over the holidays and now must rapidly shed those pounds, leading to unhealthy cycles.”
Section 1.1: The Illusion of Resolutions
In the wake of holiday indulgence, the wellness industry bombards us with articles about maintaining New Year resolutions, often highlighting that only a small fraction of people succeed. This tactic only serves to amplify feelings of inadequacy. Personally, I’ve never been particularly fond of resolutions, but the relentless marketing from the January wellness industry certainly can make anyone feel low.
The wellness sector, a staggering $4.4 trillion industry, thrives on our failures. If we achieve our goals, their services become unnecessary. Restrictive diets often lead to a vicious cycle of weight loss and gain, causing fatigue and making it difficult to maintain any new regimen.
Don't worry; the wellness industry is always there with its spring promotions to help you achieve that “bikini body” just in time for summer! The onslaught of advertisements is relentless.
The first video, "Where to Begin When Feeling Overwhelmed || New Year Goals," offers insights into managing overwhelming feelings during the New Year.
Section 1.2: Meaningful Changes
Often, the most impactful transformations come at no cost and are subtle rather than grandiose. It's crucial to move away from the “all-or-nothing” mindset. I know how easy it is to be overly critical of oneself, dismissing small victories and feeling pressured to achieve results quickly.
As tempting as it is to seek out the next miracle diet, supplement, or subscription service, these solutions rarely resolve our issues. They often keep us trapped in a cycle of consumption rather than fostering genuine change.
Patience is key; embrace gradual change and allow yourself to adapt.
Wellness is more about how you feel rather than how you appear. Being slim doesn’t automatically equate to being healthy; it’s entirely possible to look great while feeling miserable.
After enduring three years of instability, marked by a pandemic and various crises, it becomes apparent that individualistic self-care culture is insufficient, particularly in today's climate.
Cartoon source: http://inkcinct.com.au/
I am not suggesting that we abandon our pursuit of wellness or ignore our health, despite the chaos around us. Instead, I advocate for a reframing of our approach.
Chapter 2: A New Perspective on Wellness
There is no quick fix. Many of the most effective strategies are free and don’t require flashy changes. True success is rarely immediate. Sustainable, enjoyable change is the goal.
Wellness should not be about self-punishment or overhauling our lives. It isn’t inherently tied to appearances. Here’s how we can shift our mindset regarding wellness:
- Rather than exercising for a “bikini body,” engage in physical activity that you enjoy. Set achievable goals like “exercise three times a week” instead of aiming for a six-pack, which is largely beyond your control.
- Instead of following restrictive diets, focus on incorporating whole foods. Experiment with new recipes and fresh produce. Transitioning to non-processed meals should be a gentle process, not a rigid regime.
- When meditating, aim to cultivate a sense of being rather than striving to eliminate stress. Our worth isn’t tied to our achievements; we should embrace our inherent value as human beings.
- Rather than attempting drastic life changes, concentrate on gradual, manageable adjustments. This prevents feelings of inadequacy that often arise from unrealistic expectations.
Real wellness doesn’t come with a price tag. It’s found in the simple joys of life: taking a sunset walk, spending time with a pet, getting extra sleep, enjoying nature, or diving into a good book.
Feeling good and living a fulfilling life is not a race or competition. We often compare ourselves to others, forgetting that there’s no singular path to happiness or success. There’s no magic bullet or quick fix to get there.
This year, consider making just one resolution: “I will practice more self-compassion.”
Thank you for reading! For more insights like this, follow my account and consider subscribing to my newsletter to receive my stories directly in your inbox!
The second video, "I'm Overwhelmed! Chinese New Year in Xi'an, China," provides a unique perspective on dealing with feelings of overwhelm during cultural celebrations.