World Wellbeing Week 2023

It’s World Wellbeing Week, and I thought it would be a good time to remind everyone that wellness doesn’t come from a store.

Wellness simply cannot be bought. Money can’t buy health or happiness.

However, anyone on social media will usually be bombarded by the wellness industry with sales and promotions on detoxes, teas, cleanses, supplements, shakes, juicers, diets, wearables…

The wellness industry is a worth billions.

Health is not the absence of disease. It is mental, physical, and social well-being. While it can’t be bought, there is a science to health.

A few tips:

1. Don’t feel pressured into making huge changes to your life if you aren’t ready. Small changes can make a big difference!

2. If you are ready and have been planning on a change – like smoking cessation – make sure any advice or support you have gotten is evidence-based, unbiased (someone is not selling you something)

3. The aesthetic/cosmetic industry has no place in the management of the disease of obesity. Weight is not beauty. Wellness and weight loss are often marketed together. Make sure that you are getting qualified medical opinion, and that includes getting informed impartial advice before doing medical tourism.

4. Nutribabble is everywhere. If you are considering a nutritionist, remember that the recognised expert qualification for dietetics in Ireland is INDI and CORU registration.

5. Getting healthy is hard work. Far more than “eat less, move more” (I hate that phrase!) Support is available. But be wary of anything or anyone promising quick results, short cuts, or using testimonials as evidence.