The following are my “In” versus “Out” lists for Wellness in 2024!
As I saw this trend popping up on IG, it sparked an immediate negative reaction in me. For those unfamiliar, the trend entails two screenshots of the Notes app with lists. Each one tells us what is “In” and what is “Out” in for the upcoming year, respectively. The list items typically have a wellness slant:
As a wellness influencer, I understand the power of a good trend! They’re easy shorthand, often really funny, eye-catching and a great way to take a break from more “serious” content. But as a recovering perfectionist, anytime I see defined rules, even when those rules are mostly in jest, a part of me recoils. A lifetime of scheming to always be on the “good” and “right” side of things has admittedly left me a bit scarred. But a year of embracing nuance has shown me that sometimes a bit of measurement is useful. Measurement can help us track progress and reach our goals faster.
A 2023 full of shadow work has shown me the beauty of embracing things that initially make us uncomfortable. Instead of ignoring the trend (which was my initial go-to plan), I decided to use La Vie de Zee as a way to explore nuance.
In: “Healthy Dopamine”/ Out: “Cheap Thrills”
I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that I developed a somewhat unhealthy relationship to social media during the pandemic. At the time, it was my lifeline to the world, a way to feel connected despite being physically isolated. However, with that increased dependence came the undesirable side-effect of changing my relationship to pleasure and satisfaction.
The main perp was TikTok. While I love it (and it is my primary influencing platform), it trained me to look for more dopamine and serotonin with each swipe of a finger. Suddenly, things IRL that required more focus and patience felt so much harder. I found myself putting off things that could have potentially yielded long term satisfaction. Instead, I bypassed my triggered emotions by scrolling.
Recovery came in the form of reconnecting to my body. My Pilates practice was a lifesaver, showing me the value of continued effort over time, discipline and the type of pleasure and satisfaction that stretching and gently working my body could bring. Community, another form of healthy dopamine, also helped me feel safe in my body and around other people again. So key for healing my post-quarantine paranoia. Building satisfying relationships (more on that soon) and changing my relationship to pain were also game-changers. The latter warrants an entire post on its own. Realizing that displeasure is a teacher and not something to be avoided has been a crucial skill for building a healthier, more stable emotional framework.
In: Little Gestures / Out: Red Flag Culture
A standout quote that I recently came across was the following: something along the lines of “female friendships are built on little gestures.” In truth, this is applicable to any healthy relationship. Its not one big moment, but lots of small moments over time that define the quality of a relationship.
When our friend tells us that a potential suitor has been showering them with affection and gifts too early in the relationship, we’re quick to call it out as love bombing. However, when humans show us their complexities, when we are getting to know someone and they don’t say or do the exact right thing in the right moment, we take it as a red flag.
Who among us hasn’t exhibited red flag behavior at some point? Protecting yourself from harmful relationships is essential. But allowing relationships to develop over time is also important. Casting someone off at the first warning sign may not be the best approach. People may surprise you for the better when given a chance.
A better approach: Observe how someone treats you over time. How they respond when they make mistakes or in times of conflict. How they treat you in a variety of settings. Grand gestures are nice, but do they find little ways to stay connected regularly? These are the things that build healthy long-term relationships.
In: A “Pilates”Mix / Out: Pilates Puritanism
This may be a hot take, but there’s room for all types of Pilates or Pilates-inspired workouts in a robust fitness regimen! There’s so much debate in the Pilates community about what actually constitutes Pilates and which forms of workouts or studios are “pure” or not. In my humble opinion, whatever gets you moving and gets you the results you want is best.
When I started my Pilates journey, I visited [redacted] in NYC, a studio using Megaformers that had recently changed its branding to remove any mention of Pilates. As a novice, I didn’t understand the difference between Classical Pilates and Pilates-esque workouts like Lagree and Megaformer workouts. Classical Pilates seemed expensive and complicated, with its multiple machines and strange equipment reminiscent of bondage accoutrements. At the time, megaformer workouts seemed less complicated and more accessible. Fewer ropes, straps and intimidating former dancers to contend with.
Boy, was I wrong. That summer, I attended a few classes at that studio. Thankfully, my former employer — a white-shoe Manhattan law firm—footed the bill as long as I brought along a few Summer Associates that were game to take advantage of a free workout.
Each time, I felt like I was two inches away from death. Megaformer classes tend to be for people who are already in decent shape. If you can’t hold certain poses, there is a very real risk of injury. Standing up on the megaformer, I remember feeling like I was going to be pulled apart like a wishbone. The fast pace of the class means that instructors can’t really hold your hand. You are very much on your own. The experience was so traumatic for me that I swore off Pilates or anything similar until post-Pandemic when a friend of mine showed up to a lunch date looking snatched. She told me that she’d been doing Classical Pilates every day before work at a studio near her apartment.
Returning to Pilates
I joined the same studio and it ended up being a game changer. As I got stronger, I noticed that Classical Pilates wasn’t really targeting my legs (which are really strong) the way I was hoping. I decided to try a megaformer class. After a year and a half of Classical Pilates, I was able to make it through a megaformer class without my life flashing before my eyes. I have to say, Megaformer classes really helped take my body to the next level. My core is stronger than ever and my arms and legs are becoming so sculpted.
Because megaformer classes are designed to build strength, most studios don’t advise taking classes back to back. Your muscles need time to repair. In between, I love taking a Classical Pilates class or a Mat Pilates class at home. Move with Nicole is my favorite YT Channel. I would never forego Classical Pilates classes completely. They enhance flexibility, work often-neglected muscle groups and really help me connect to my breath, which has been essential for me physically as well as emotionally. I’m so happy with my Pilates “mix” and will continue with it in 2024.
In: Emotional Detoxes / Out: Emotional Bypassing
One of my favorite trends of 2023 was a call from the wellspring of society for us to embrace logic AND emotion. From the Barbie movie to my IG feed, it seemed like everyone, everywhere was extolling the virtue of leading with both your head and your heart.
In order to connect with your true feelings, you have to clear out all the “gunk.” Also known as, of the societal conditioning, the prejudices, the stereotypes, etc we collect over the years. This is where some of the spiritual teachings proliferated online can fall short. Embracing and feeling our human emotions, which can include things we’ve been taught to suppress like anger, rage, and fear can eventually lead us to the correct path. But if we refuse to engage with those feelings at all, if we bypass our emotions and shame others for embracing theirs, we miss out on the wisdom contained within that energy.
As someone who used to consider themselves a devotee of logic and rationality, I realize now that only using those tools as a way to interpret the world is limiting. Like creating a painting with only a few colors. How we feel about things can lead us in the right direction and can teach us things. It can help us connect to others and connect us to a universal sense of what’s right and wrong.
In: Bespoke Wellness / Out: “Trending” Wellness
Again, we love a trend here at La Vie de Zee! However, our bodies are beautiful, complex things that are unique unto themselves and should be treated as such. The wonderful paradox is that while we all share so much in terms of common experiences and bodily functions, we are all also very different. And what may work for you, may not work for me, and vice versa.
Anyone that’s dabbled in viral wellness trends can probably name off a few that just don’t work for them. For example, lemon water irritates my throat. And as much as I try, I can’t wear natural deodorant on a really hot day and expect to be odor-free. It goes even deeper than that, however. There are even vaccines that have been found to be less effective on certain ethnic groups because they were not trialed for their use during research and development (see, e.g., the HPV vaccine).
Trends can be a fun starting point, but make sure you’re checkin in with your body and your team of medical professionals to make sure that anything you try is going to work for your specific needs. Tracking health data, whether it be steps on your phone or using wearables like the Oura ring, can be super helpful. Testing for certain food allergies as well as noticing how your body reacts after eating certain foods or at certain times can show you patterns which you can then use to optimize your health.
In: Collective Activism / Out: Wellness Narcissism
In 2024, I’m calling on myself and everyone in the wellness community to start coming together to advocate for healthier conditions for the collective. This can mean working with peers in the wellness community. It can also look like encouraging those not in the wellness space to get involved and raise their voices to advocate for themselves and their communities, as well.
We can buy all the air filters, water filters, organic produce etc. and its not going to make that much of a difference if we keep polluting our planet and allowing lax regulations to compromise our food, water and air quality.
A multi-pronged approach is going to be the most efficacious path. One planned out over time and involving multiple stakeholders.
Wellness can and should be luxurious, but access to healthy food, clean water and clean air can and should be basic human rights in 2024 and forevermore.
What do you think of this list? Anything you’d add? Let me know in the comments!
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