I was watching a parody video the other day online about how it’s “trendy” to be healthy, vegan, eat clean, drink matcha green tea, and have all sorts of exercise in your lifestyle whilst wearing very cute and trendy active wear. The aim of the video was to obviously entertain. At the same time it was bringing light to the idea that most people follow these lifestyles because maybe it’s become “trendy” and looks appealing via Instagram or on other social media platforms. This may sound totally bizarre and ridiculous to those that follow these lifestyles for personal reasons, and aren’t doing merely to keep up with the latest fad and trend.
In this parody video, it teased at how Instagram and other social media channels make certain ways of healthy living look beautiful and desirable, because it was photographed and presented well. Then everyone who stumbles upon these enticing health visuals online will want to try it out too because it looks “cool”. In turn they too will want to post about it and feel connected with others by doing something similar.
Health and wellness is a lifestyle not a trend
Yes, this may sound absolutely ridiculous. It even feels a bit bizarre as I type this, but this is a reality thanks to the digital era, and social media and it’s power to influence us without even realizing it at times.
I have friends who have had to make certain life choices either because of severe health reasons, or after having a personal revelation when it comes to what they put into their bodies. They did not do it for “trend purposes”, they have been doing it for years, before it became “trendy”. It forms a natural part of their everyday lifestyle.
Healthy lifestyles shouldn’t serve your instagram. They should serve and strengthen your body.
Desiring a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t be about how good it looks, or for the soul purpose of ‘beauty’. Instead it should be about serving and sustaining our bodies well, whilst strengthening it. Which in turn will make you feel good from the inside out. Healthy lifestyles should not serve your Instagram, it should serve your heart and health going forward.
Unless, you are using your social media channels as a means of inspiring and encouraging healthy lifestyles for others, then by all means go for it. Also, before following or adopting something that may seem “new” or “trendy”, maybe pause for a moment and see if you are wanting to walk a long journey of health that you are able to sustain and commit to. As opposed to chopping and changing and moving between different health and wellness lifestyles.
Your health is an investment, not an expense.
Healthy lifestyle are a journey, there are no short cuts, as it’s a process that aims at feeding and nourishing your body, mind and soul. Investing in a healthy lifestyle is a form of self-respect, as it places value and worth on feeding and filling it with the right things, that will sustain and strengthen your body and mind, which in turn will make you feel good.