Confessions of A Self-Described Wellness Advocate

I have a confession to make. Though I love a wellness trend as much as the next girly, I’m beginning to wonder, are we doing too much?

It’s just that wellness is feeling, more and more, like a chore and a bit too consumerist – so not in the least bit relaxing. 

There’s always another product I ought to buy, another step I ought to implement into my 10-step (yes, 10 whole steps!) skincare routine, and I’ve found it all incredibly exhausting. 

Kristyn had written a bit about this in a Girlhood newsletter, but it is so very difficult to “be well” when you receive an influx of information online – even more so, I think, if you happen to be a woman.

Our bodies, our actions are already heavily scrutinized, and, in a sphere intended for the self, I feel increasingly as if I’m performing for others. Because wellness, somehow, has been conflated with particular body standards, each of which serve the male gaze. (I’d be more than happy to continue writing of patriarchal wellness culture in another newsletter, if you’d like.)

All of which is to write, if you feel similarly, just know I’m here with you. I’m not quite sure how we might counter the shift we’re seeing, though a simple step would be to ask ourselves, who am I doing this for?

P.S. If you’re thinking, Chloe’s too young to have read Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, think again!

Photo Source: The Cut.