Do We Make Health Too Complicated?

In today's world, where information is just a click away, the concept of maintaining good health seems to have become overwhelmingly complex. While the wealth of resources and expert advice available online is meant to guide us, it often leaves us feeling more confused than empowered. Have we made our approach to health and wellbeing too complicated?

Scrolling through social media, I’m frequently bombarded with ads and posts about the latest health trends. These range from diet plans and fitness regimens to supplements and mental health strategies. While these ads claim to offer the ultimate solution to health challenges, the truth is, they often contribute to a cycle of overwhelm and inaction. Each ad tells us about the "next big thing" in health, creating a pressure to constantly keep up. But is this barrage of information really serving us?

I’ve noticed that, for many of us, the sheer volume of health advice has created more confusion than clarity. The algorithms on our devices show us what they think we want to see, based on our search habits and viewing patterns. For example, because I have a keen interest in health and wellbeing, my feed is filled with advice on everything from managing perimenopause to optimising mental clarity. While some of this content is helpful, much of it feels disconnected from my real needs, yet it lures me into thinking maybe if I sign up to that program I will have the health that I have been wanting. Or if I take that supplement I will feel mentally clearer and the examples never end.

This constant influx of information can create a sense of urgency or fear that we are not doing enough or are missing out on a critical aspect of our wellbeing. As a result, we may jump from one solution to another without committing to any, or we become so overwhelmed by options that we do nothing at all. It's what is known as "paralysis by analysis"—being so caught up in trying to find the perfect solution that we end up doing nothing.

Looking back on my own journey with health and fitness, I can see how my perspective has shifted over time. From my days as an elite athlete to my current focus on balanced wellbeing, the core principles have remained the same: eat well, stay active, rest adequately, and maintain a healthy mindset.

However, the landscape of health has changed dramatically. We now have immediate access to the latest research, which, while beneficial, can also make it seem like we’re constantly playing catch-up with the latest trends.

So, what’s the solution to this complexity? It’s simpler than you might think: listen to your own body and trust your instincts. It’s about tuning out the noise and focusing on what you know works for you. Health is personal; what works for one person may not work for another. It’s about finding the strategies and habits that align with your lifestyle and your interests and sticking with them.

Remember, the best strategy is the one you'll actually use.

Simplify your approach. Instead of getting caught up in the latest trends, focus on fundamental practices that you can maintain consistently. Maybe it’s a daily walk, a balanced diet, or setting aside time for mindfulness. Whatever it is, make it simple, make it practical, and most importantly, make it work for you.

If you feel overwhelmed by the complexity of health advice out there, remember that overwhelmed by the options that we end up doing nothing at all and can leave us stuck in a cycle of indecision.

Maintaining health doesn't need to be so complicated. As someone who has always valued fitness and wellbeing and through my work as an Occupational Therapist and Coach I have seen firsthand how simplicity often leads to the best outcomes. Growing up, health advice was straightforward: eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. While these basics still hold true, modern media has clouded them with an overload of additional advice and products.

It's easy to get caught up in the idea that we need to adopt the latest diet, buy the newest fitness gadget, or follow a complex regimen to be healthy. However, this often creates unnecessary barriers. The reality is that the most effective health strategies are those we can sustain. This could mean something as simple as a daily walk, a balanced diet, or regular moments of mindfulness.

Health and wellbeing should not be about chasing perfection or adhering to the latest trend. Instead, it should be about tuning into our own bodies and finding what works best for us as individuals. Each of us has unique needs based on our lifestyle, age, and personal circumstances. What works for one person may not work for another, and that's okay.

The key takeaway here is to simplify your approach.

Ask yourself, what is one small change I can make today that will positively impact my health?

It could be drinking more water, taking a walk, reading before bed or just getting a good night’s sleep. Start small, stay consistent, and build from there.?

Remember, the best health strategy is the one you actually do.

Your in health,

Angela

Wellbeing Advisor, Occupational Therapist, Distracted Podcast Host