You might disagree, but the truth is that many of us don’t hit the gym or push ourselves during workout sessions solely for fitness. A significant part of our motivation revolves around our image. More than just staying healthy, we often focus on how others perceive us, the likes a ripped photo can garner on social media, and the compliments that come our way because of our hard work.
Societal pressure and the fear of body-shaming often drive us to get a gym membership or sign up for yoga classes. Even in an age where influencers can’t stop talking about body positivity, this reality persists.
Recently, apparel maker Lululemon released its fourth annual 2024 Global Weiibeing Report, and according to it, more people are focusing on their wellbeing than ever before; 89 per cent are doing more to improve it than they did last year. But with this comes the pressure to keep up.
The report mentions that even with the growing focus on wellbeing, global Wellbeing Index Scores in physical, mental, and social areas have not changed over the past four years. The data reveals key pressure points that contribute to this cycle.
- The survey showed that 61 per cent of people feel overwhelming societal pressure to look well.
- 76 per cent of Gen Z and 71 per cent of millennials feel pressure from others or society regarding the ways they are expected to support their wellbeing, compared to 60 per cent of Gen X and 41 per cent of boomers.
- 53 per cent say there’s a lot of mixed information about the best ways to improve wellbeing.
- Not only this, but 45 per cent are experiencing wellbeing burnout.
- Additionally, 89 per cent of those experiencing wellbeing burnout identify loneliness as a significant factor.
- This pressure is taking a toll on mental health as well. 45 per cent feel the need to pretend they’re happy, even when they’re not.
- 44 per cent say that trying to fit in with societal norms harms their mental wellbeing.
According to the report, wellbeing is defined by three core elements: physical, mental, and social. The balance of these three elements makes up the core of being well and feeling your best.
“We are stuck in a perpetual cycle where the more pressure we feel to be well, the less well we feel,” states the report.
Meanwhile, Dr Balakrishna GK, HOD and senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, adds that wellbeing burnout happens when the pursuit of fitness overwhelms individuals, and its rising percentages are linked to conflicting health advice and loneliness.
The report recommends three strategies to reduce wellbeing burnout: quieting the noise, doing what feels good, and inviting others on your journey.
Pressure to keep up
“Physicians observe that societal pressure to maintain health and fitness often leads to stress and anxiety, and this constant pressure negatively affects overall wellbeing,” Dr Balakrishna GK tells India Today.
“The urge to maintain the perfect lifestyle can lead to exhaustion, both physically and mentally, because people often feel like they can never do enough to meet the high expectations set by society. The percentage of people experiencing this is increasing because society promotes the idea that people need to always look and feel their best, which is difficult to maintain over time,” says Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, consultant – general medicine and general physician, Sharda Care, NCR.
