Sustainability in Wellness
Sustainability in Yoga & Wellness: Building a Long-Lasting Commitment
In today’s fast-paced and modern world, the concept of sustainability is often associated with environmental practices for our Earth, but it also can be applied to Yoga and Wellness. In the world of yoga, sustainability is a large topic beyond but also including environmental matters. Your mind and body are a part of this Earth, so yoga considers the sustainability within you. When we think about sustainability in wellness, it’s about creating habits, routines, and practices that support long-term health and vitality without leading to burnout. This is exactly what yoga is all about. Yoga is about creating habits, routines and practices that are all supporting your true self and who you want to be in the world. We might have all given it a try at some point where we indulged in some sort of quick fix to maybe learn that it wasn’t the solution. Sustainable choices mean putting your energy towards something long lasting, which can keep you committed for the long haul. This approach is found to be more effective, so let’s dive further into this topic.
The Problem with Unsustainable Wellness Practices
We can see that many of us fall into the pattern of committing to an ambitious workout schedule or extreme fitness goals, especially when January rolls around, and most of us have a hard time sticking to it. While initial motivation can be high, many people find themselves exhausted, injured, or demotivated within a few months or sometimes even sooner. Research from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) indicates that overtraining can lead to physical and mental fatigue, increased risk of injury, and even a decrease in performance—a phenomenon known as overtraining syndrome (OTS).
Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine highlights that overly rigid fitness routines often fail to accommodate life’s inevitable disruptions, leading to frustration and abandonment of the routine altogether. This underscores the importance of designing a wellness regimen that is adaptable, enjoyable and sustainable.
When we dig deep and look at what’s underneath these commitments we make, we might find that the true purpose might be lost on us. I think there’s a lot of people that might be making commitments because of the external pressures, where they believe they are “supposed to”, rather than finding the true purpose within. Doing something without having a valid purpose for yourself never seems to last. If these practices are supposed to be for our health and wellness, wouldn’t we want to commit to something that can truly impact and support this for the better?
What Does Sustainability in Wellness Look Like?
Sustainability in wellness means choosing practices that are:
Balanced: Incorporate a mix of activities, such as strength training, yoga, cardio, and mobility work, to make sure all you’re covering all your bases.
Realistic: Set achievable goals (SMART goals) that align with your current capacity and lifestyle.
Flexible: Allow room for rest days, lighter workouts, or variations as needed. Life happens and sometimes we need to just do what we need to do, and that might look different than your plan on paper. Sometimes we need to go with the flow, but still be rooted in what’s important to us.
Mindful: Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your intensity to avoid pushing through pain or exhaustion. The truth is that each practice you do doesn’t need to be 10000% effort. Some people think that every time you workout you must push it to your limits in order to see change. This is not true! Your efforts in your practices are allowed to fluctuate and this is what will make it more sustainable.
The Benefits of a Sustainable Approach
Improved Adherence: A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity found that individuals who approached fitness with a long-term mindset—focusing on consistency over intensity—were more likely to stick to their routines over a period of years.
Better Physical Health: Sustainable wellness practices reduce the risk of injury and overuse, enabling your body to recover and grow stronger over time.
Mental Well-being: Taking a balanced approach can lower stress and increase enjoyment. When fitness becomes a source of joy rather than a chore, it’s easier to maintain motivation.
Environmental Considerations: Choosing sustainable wellness practices can also have a positive impact on the planet. For example, walking or biking instead of driving to the gym reduces your carbon footprint, and using eco-friendly workout gear supports ethical production practices.
Tips for Creating a Sustainable Wellness Routine
Prioritize Recovery: Rest days are just as important as workout days. Practices like foam rolling, stretching, and even sound baths can enhance recovery and prevent burnout. Everyone is different, so it’s about finding what rest activities work best for your and your nervous system.
Set SMART Goals: You may have heard of these before, and this system still stands the test of time! Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals help you track progress without overwhelming yourself. Write these down and see what you can accomplish!
Incorporate Variety: Mix up your routine to keep it engaging. Alternate between high-intensity and low-intensity activities, or try new classes to stay inspired. Better yet, enrol in something you can learn from. If you’re learning, you may notice an increase in inspiration, motivation and creativity.
Listen to Your Body: Cultivate body awareness by checking in with how you feel physically and mentally. Adjust your routine to match your energy levels.
Find Community: Join groups or classes that align with your values. A supportive community can help you stay consistent and make wellness more enjoyable. Have you heard about the thought that surrounding yourself with people that lift you up can help with your growth? This is absolutely true. Audit your inner circle and choose to spend your time wisely.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability in wellness isn’t just about sticking to a routine—it’s about thriving within it. By designing a balanced, adaptable, and enjoyable approach to fitness, you can ensure that your commitment lasts longer and enhances your overall wellness. Instead of falling into the same of pattern of actions toward quick results, think of wellness as a marathon where the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
Remember, taking care of yourself sustainably is an act of self-love that pays dividends in the long run. So, take a deep breath, pace yourself, and enjoy the process of building a wellness routine that truly works for you.