Being well is more than just diet and exercise. They are essential components of health, but they represent only part of a much larger puzzle. The benefits of a healthy diet are well known, but all too often, we apply these principles in ways that are overly linear, focusing on what we eat and how we move without considering the broader context of our lives.
Take the Mediterranean diet, for instance. It’s not just about oily fish and vegetables; it’s a lifestyle. Meals in Mediterranean cultures are not only nutritious but are also lovingly shared with friends and family. The social aspect of eating, the pleasure of taking a long lunch break, and the habit of walking leisurely from A to B are integral to their way of life. Unlike the rushed schedules that define much of modern life—where back-to-back meetings dominate the workday—the Mediterranean lifestyle emphasises balance, community, and a slower pace. This approach to life could be just as important as the food on your plate.
This broader perspective on health aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) social determinants of health, which recognise that our health is shaped by a wide range of factors. These include where we live, the state of our environment, our genetics, our income and education level, our relationships with friends and family and how much we trust others around us.
Good health is about more than just the absence of disease; it's about thriving in all aspects of life.
For example, social connections and community support are crucial. People with strong social networks tend to have better health outcomes and a longer lifespan. In contrast, social isolation can have serious health implications, contributing to issues like depression and heart disease. The Mediterranean lifestyle, with its emphasis on community and togetherness, offers a model for how we might foster better social connections in our own lives. Not only are the meals nutritionally balanced, they are shared with loved ones and sprawl over long lunch breaks. The food is not stuffed down in 20 mins while we answer a few emails.
Moreover, the wider angle on health & Wellbeing highlights the importance of a balanced work-life environment. Chronic stress, often fuelled by the pressures of maintaining perfect nutrition, counting macros, and fitting in highly efficient gym sessions, can undermine our health. While these practices may benefit some, for most of us, they can add unnecessary pressure keeping us in that ever perpetuating loop of needing to rush between one thing and the next.
Instead of striving for an idealised version of health, what if we focused on what might be called "normal life plus"?
This means integrating healthful practices into our daily lives in a way that feels natural and sustainable rather than forced and stressful.
In the Northern Lights Wellness Club, where Adele @ Yoga Orkney champions a holistic approach to wellbeing, the focus is on creating balance. Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding joy in the small things, whether it’s a shared meal or recipe, a peaceful walk, or a yoga or tai chi session that leaves you feeling centred and prepare rather than to exhausted to move.
By understanding and embracing the broader social determinants of health in our normal routines, we can move beyond the narrow confines of diet and exercise to cultivate a lifestyle that supports our overall wellbeing that lifts you up rather than breaks you down.
This is the very essence of true wellness: a life lived fully, with balance, connection, and joy.
You can read about the wellness club here:
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