• Pressure to be healthy is causing “wellbeing burnout”
• Younger generations face more pressure than older ones
• Experts recommend small, achievable goals and stress-relief techniques

Excessive pressure to be healthy is having the opposite effect, potentially making people feel unwell, according to a new report. A global survey of over 15,000 adults revealed that nearly two-thirds of participants experienced “overwhelming societal expectations” to appear healthy and well.

Experts warn that this pressure is leading to “wellbeing burnout,” where individuals become fixated on perceived deficiencies in their lives. The report shows that younger generations, particularly those in their 20s, are more than twice as likely to experience physical, mental, and social pressures compared to individuals over the age of 60.

The data, compiled by athletic clothing brand Lululemon, also highlights that 53% of people believe there is too much conflicting information on how to achieve optimal health. The 2024 Global Wellbeing Report notes, “We are stuck in a perpetual cycle where the more pressure we feel to be well, the less well we feel.

According to the report, this unhealthy cycle is driven by three key factors: unrealistic societal expectations, contradictory information, and feelings of isolation. To help break this cycle, experts recommend practical strategies such as taking breaks from social media, engaging in meditation, moving regularly throughout the day, spending time in nature, and using physical activities for social interaction.

Data from the survey reveals that people who participate in group fitness classes report 15% higher wellbeing, while those practicing meditation experience a 9% increase in wellbeing. Furthermore, individuals who establish boundaries in their personal and professional lives report a 13% boost in their overall wellbeing.

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Dr. Murali Doraiswamy, a member of Lululemon’s Global Mental Wellbeing Advisory Board, noted that the pressure to constantly improve can lead to overthinking and fixating on what’s missing. He advised people to set gradual, achievable goals and turn the pursuit of wellbeing into a source of joy rather than stress.

The report also found that 89% of people are taking more action to improve their wellbeing compared to last year, indicating a growing awareness of the need for healthier, more balanced approaches to wellness.

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