And how it *really* contributes to your well-being.
A new Lululemon survey reveals the 'health paradox' where we say we want to be healthier, but in reality we feel less and less. Here's how to overcome this contradiction to live stronger and longer.
Whether it's an ambitious New Year's resolution to be the first to exercise five days a week, or a promise to order a salad over dinner with friends after work, most of us have better health plans...but they're not permanent. to them. . Hey, we got it. Sometimes the snooze button rings or the burger and fries ring and life needs to be enjoyed too.
But the gap between intention and action is not an isolated phenomenon, and the effects of this dichotomy leave us feeling deeply defeated, according to Lululemon's 2023 Global Wellbeing Report. The sports brand kicked off 2021 with the release of its annual report to summarize the feelings of nearly 14,000 adults around the world about their physical, mental and social health.
We can expect the collective response to 2021 to be at least somewhat optimistic given that this was the peak of the epidemic, especially since we have more conversations about holistic health and inclusion and have more resources for health information than when- ever before. distribution. .
However, one in three respondents to Lululemon's 2023 survey admitted that their well-being was at an all-time low, although more than 67 percent considered their health a priority. In fact, only 12 percent of respondents believe their well-being is "where it should be."
So why is there such a large gap between our current state of health and our desired state of health, and how can we take action without changing our lives? We spoke to trainers, nutritionists and psychiatrists to get the answers.
Related: How 2023 will affect your health, well-being and relationships, according to astrology
What is health? And how good are we really?
This might sound like a trite question-and-answer session, but even Gail Saltz, MD, clinical professor of psychiatry at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and host of the How Can I Help? It's difficult,” the iHeartRadio podcast admits.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'well-being' as 'general health and happiness' in the emotional, physical and psychological domains. This multifactorial aspect is inherent, Corey Lewis, CPT, CSCS, a former pro football player from New York, certified personal trainer, and co-founder of the 1AND1 mental health and fitness program, tells SHAPE . "People often focus only on physical health and ignore mental and emotional well-being," he said. "Mental and physical health are linked, so neglecting one can negatively affect the other."
If you're not feeling well mentally, meaning you're struggling with a bad mood, severe anxiety or other stressors, you're not feeling well, the doctor explains. Salz. These feelings extend to how social you feel, how you move and energize your body. "When people prioritize health, it often doesn't mean treating mental health issues, but rather they mean eating a more balanced diet, sleeping better, exercising more, or following the current 'health' trend on TikTok," the doctor said. Salz. .
Related: Lululemon's 10 Best Sports Bras for Any Activity
That last aspect is a big problem because there is so much potential misinformation out there that might not help you. TikTok trends can actually harm you, or at least cost you valuable time and money, while making you feel like you're doing something positive for your well-being, when in fact you're not. (Um, the "diet dance" and the dry burp...)
"I think the dilemma has to do with access to science- based information, access to a good attitude, and not having too many negative realities in life," says Dr. The comparison trap is all too real online, adds Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, a certified sports nutritionist in Miami.
Maybe that health influencer, "health coach" or celebrity you follow on social media is following a rigorous schedule of meditation, intense exercise, and $17 Erewhon smoothies...and that's before it even starts work or school day. "The average person may not have time in the morning to do these things before a busy day, and therefore feel like they can't achieve true health," says Ehsani. "Or someone may need help to better understand their mental health, but don't have the resources or money to invest in seeking professional help." (ICYMI, here's how celebrity social media is affecting your mental health and body image.)
In 2021, people felt that the pandemic could help shed light on their mental, physical and emotional health issues. As stay-at-home restrictions ease and the health threats associated with this virus ease, we'll all be better off, right?
But by 2023, "there will no longer be any belief that this pandemic is the cause of the extreme stress many people are experiencing, whether it's financial, racial, cultural, relational or political," said Dr. Salt "The stress is still there, but it's 'normal' now, so there's no hope of improvement, and there are still mental and physical health consequences."
Lululemon's research backs this up. More than four in 10 respondents said they feel hopeless about the world's situation. According to the report, there are several barriers that prevent them from achieving their health goals.
30 percent said they don't have enough time to think about and implement health-promoting measures
51 percent lowered their health goals because they were too expensive to achieve
39 percent felt too much pressure to conform to societal norms, which affected their mental health
58 percent feel bad when feeling bad
In the past 12 months, the average respondent missed 5 days of work or 7 days of school due to poor physical, emotional, or psychological health. “Many common healthy habits take time and money to implement, and many people push themselves to the limit. Many people find themselves in financial difficulties. Also, we spend a lot of time on social media, which is essentially a waste of mental health. "It's also highly addictive, so it's hard to stop so you have more time for real, useful attention," says the doctor. Salt, for health purposes or other things that are important to you.
7 Ways to Improve Your Feelings (Even When Times Are Tough)
However, there are signs of progress and hope, and those who report that their overall well-being is wavering may give us some clues as to how we can all achieve our ambitions – for real this time. Here are some strategies you can try if you want to improve your feelings.
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Engage with other people if you can, and if you can't, try using positive tunes to lift your spirits. "Exercise can help increase the production of endorphins, powerful feel-good hormones that can help improve your mental state," Ehsani explains. Other people help you take responsibility. "Loneliness takes a toll on well-being, and exercising with other people can be very beneficial," adds the doctor. Salt it.
Make time for those around you
A Lululemon survey shows that 40 percent of people in the highest health category are spending more time with their loved ones than before the pandemic. Those with the lowest health rating. About 30 percent. "Good relationships fight loneliness. a serious public health problem. "Close relationships are a priority for happiness," says Dr. Haram
To be honest
According to Lululemon, expressing all emotions, not just the positive ones, is another key factor that sets wellness champions apart. Being able to talk about troubling feelings can reduce distress and encourage you to seek professional help if needed.
According to Dr. Saltz, "When you keep your emotions in check, you tend to feel more isolated, lonely, and generally worse." If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, high levels of anxiety, or just want to talk to an unbiased source, see a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, Dr. Salz. Consider one of these 8 online therapy services or follow these tips to find affordable therapy near you (or digitally).
Set better goals
Are you not sticking to your health goals because they aren't right for you? “The key is to develop strong habits that align with your goals. By building a solid foundation of a healthy routine, you'll develop lightning-fast focus and be able to overcome any distractions that come your way,” says Lewis. This time, skip the SMART goals and find FUN goals that align with your goals.
Prioritize production
A study in the April 2018 issue of Frontiers in Psychology suggests that eating more fruits and vegetables can improve mood. If you're feeling a little sluggish, try adding other fruits and vegetables to your day, like a serving of Brussels sprouts for dinner or a bowl of berries as a snack, Ehsan recommends. “Once you've successfully added at least one of these into your day, try to keep it up. "Once you feel like you've got the hang of it, start eating two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day," he said.
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As mentioned, social media can be a distraction, but it can also be a way to connect with others, find recipe inspiration, or just relax. So you don't have to uninstall all the apps. Instead, "make plans for any disruptions that may occur." "One way to avoid getting distracted from your goals is to use apps that help reduce the time you spend on your phone," Lewis said. Try apps like One Second and AppBlock. Or simply adjust the timeout settings in certain programs that you use frequently.
Celebrate small successes
Living long and strong is a marathon, not a sprint. Try to be patient with yourself and try to notice and celebrate small successes along the way. "Change takes time and consistency," Lewis emphasized. "Think about improving by one percent each day instead of trying to redo your entire routine."
Related: 15 Best Lululemon Leggings of 2023, Tested and Ranked
By taking a holistic approach to health, paying attention to your mental, physical and social well-being, and implementing these expert-backed tips, you'll be on your way to a healthier and happier 2024.
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Read the original article on Shape.