Gut health. Plant based diets. Cycle syncing. Intermittent fasting. These are some of social media’s latest health crazes. You might have seen doctors on Tik Tok discuss the benefits of certain exercises, or a holistic health coach on Instagram share different foods that will improve your wellbeing. While social media is a lot of different things to a lot of different people, there is one purpose it should not serve as: a personalized health guide.
It’s easy to get lost in the world of health and wellness on social media. And it all seems so overwhelming. Wake up early, drink warm lemon water, follow it up with a green smoothie, do the 12-3-30 treadmill routine everyday, take your vitamins, do yoga, practice breathwork, remember to dry brush, count your calories, and cut out screen time.
These are all great practices but here’s the thing: none of it means anything unless it works for you.
Surely a green smoothie and waking up early isn’t going to negatively affect my health. But I don’t really have interest in doing either right now. I don’t really like celery or kale, and don’t want to spend $30 on a container of protein powder. I don’t want to take the extra time from my mornings to make a smoothie and I don’t want to meal prep them every week either. I prefer to eat the veggies that I like in the food that I like, and incorporate my protein intake in other places. I don’t want to wake up earlier than I am, either. I’m a college student, and I want to enjoy having slow and lazy mornings while I can.
Health is not about implementing every trend you see come your way. It’s about balance, and listening to what your own body is saying.
What we see displayed on social media is not always balanced. It’s easy to believe that influencers with perfect bodies who wake up every single day and complete a dozen healthy habits flawlessly are perfect. This couldn’t be further from the truth. They have off days just as much as anyone else. It’s okay if one day you meditate, eat your five different veggies, and drink lemon water, and the next you wake up at 1pm and eat pizza for breakfast.
This is why it’s so important to listen to your body. Odds are, you won’t feel your best if you wake up at 1pm and eat pizza for breakfast everyday. Conversely, it’s possible all the health trends won’t make you feel your best either if it stresses you out to complete them.
Everything you do and eat to improve your health should have personal meaning. You shouldn’t take certain supplements if you’re doing it “just because” you heard it’s good. Do some research. If you feel constantly tired, focus on implementing healthy habits that may boost your energy. If you find you’re always hungry, look for ways to incorporate more protein in your diet. Different vitamins and supplements can encourage muscle growth if you are looking to increase strength.
Don’t be pressured by people online who look like they have everything figured out. Nobody does. Be cautious of any health and wellness advice you see online. Focus on yourself, and what your body needs. Only you have the power to take control of your health.
