Today, it seems like health trends and fads spread faster than we can actually think about them. Before you can look at the details, the latest diet has swept across your Facebook and Pinterest pages. As a result, health fads can become a widespread practice before anyone has even stopped to think about whether or not they work—and in some cases whether or not they’re safe.
That’s because some of the health trends that sweep our nation are hard to think about. Some are confusing and complex. They can even be a little manipulative at times. And they’re all cluttered with emotional cues and calls-to-action that seem appealing, but also easy.
Ultimately, though, these health fads can be a huge waste of time. They rarely provide the results they promise in as easy a manner as they claim. In fact, they can actually inspire you to take steps backward on your health journey due to the disappointment and negative feelings about a lack of results.
The last thing you want is to have your wellness program overtaken by misinformation. The best thing to do is avoid the health fads all together. Instead, get back to the basics. Get rid of the clutter and focus on the tried and true behaviors that have been helping people get healthier since the beginning of time.
Eat
Nutrition will always be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, it can be the most difficult part. Especially in a culture where we’ve gone to outstanding lengths to create foods that taste delicious, all the while sacrificing any nutritional value those foods once had.
The most basic concept of a nutritious lifestyle is to remember that food is fuel. What you eat fuels your body and what you can do. That’s why it’s important to pick foods that pack a nutritional punch. Try to fill your diet with fresh ingredients and lots of variety. Avoid processed foods filled with ingredients you can’t even pronounce.
Move
If you want your body to work, you’re going to have to do a bit of work as well. That means getting your body moving. You don’t have to join the hippest gym or even try the latest social workout challenge. All you have to do is move on a regular basis.
That movement is completely up to you. Maybe you move your body by staying active throughout the day and avoiding long periods of sitting. You might move your body by running in the morning before you come to work. Or perhaps you enjoy unwinding after work by heading to a yoga session with your friends. All of those are great ways to get your body moving. It doesn’t have to be complex, confusing or dangerous. Just get moving!
Live
Finally, the glue that holds your nutrition and exercise habits together is simply to live your life. Enjoy the everyday, strike a balance and find people and hobbies you genuinely like. All of these things can help with the more abstract aspects of health like mental health, social well-being and financial wellness.
Ultimately your health is about you. You make the choices. So find choices you’re excited to make. Live a life you can learn to love and to be proud of. It doesn’t have to be perfect, strict or aligned with the latest mindful breathing fad. It only has to be what feels right for you.
Talking about health and wellness at work can be difficult. Don’t let misinformation and health fads make it even harder. Focus on what works by getting back to the basics and letting your employees run towards their healthy lifestyles.
