Vuyile Madwantsi
Prior to the pandemic, maintaining wellness frequently seemed like a indulgence or, even worse, something we’d think about later.
Ambition was erroneously celebrated through burnout, counseling was discussed covertly, and “handling everything” remained the unstated norm.
For numerous South Africans, wellness was an option considered solely during times of crisis.
However, five years since COVID-19 reshaped global dynamics, a transformation has occurred. Despite ongoing difficulties, increasing expenses, power outages, and growing mental health issues impact individuals, particularly younger cohorts, who seem more vulnerable.
And that gentleness isn’t weakness; it’s a
a silent revolt against survival mode.
Primarily led by younger South Africans, specifically those from the Millennial and Generation Z demographics, this trend is advancing. According to a 2023 study, 55% of individuals within these age groups have engaged in therapeutic sessions, and 40% continued seeking therapy throughout 2024.
In comparison, just 11% of Baby Boomers have made this change since the start of the pandemic. This transformation mirrors an emerging cultural trend: prioritizing completeness rather than riches, fostering connections over rivalry, and crafting lifestyles as opposed to merely handling emergencies.
Wellness is no longer limited to spa days or luxurious getaways. It has entered everyday life.
real world, becoming proactive,
personal and closely connected to our current way of life.
A fresh approach to self-care
In 2020, wellness predominantly took a reactive approach. Now, it focuses on proactive measures and deliberate decisions. South Africans are discovering well-being in routine activities like evening strolls with friends and engaging discussions, placing importance on both their psychological and physical wellbeing.
Recently, a worldwide nature survey indicated that South Africans dedicate more time to outdoor activities compared to any other country, as over 92% of participants globally emphasized the importance of spending time in natural settings.
These instances of bonding with nature are not just a passing fad; they serve as essential support in a progressively challenging environment.
Wellness has broadened to encompass essentials like sleep patterns, daily step goals, and maintaining healthy relationships.
start discussions about psychological well-being.
In group conversations, individuals are exchanging advice about therapy rather than feigning contentment. This reflects a shared move towards destigmatizing mental health issues and looking for genuine, practical methods to tackle these challenges.
However, the truth is that one out of every six South Africans grapples with conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Access to public mental healthcare continues to be restricted, as evidenced by the scarcity of professionals, with just one psychologist available for every 100,000 individuals within the government sector.
This void has led more people to seek assistance through technology. Adopting a personalized strategy enables individuals to focus on both their mental and physical well-being, which can also be advantageous for companies.
Jaco Oosthuizen, the managing director and co-founder of YuLife South Africa, notes that with the emergence of digital tools, wellness has become more readily available than ever before. He adds that South Africans do not require additional applications that set stringent fitness targets; instead, they promote adopting well-being at one’s individual speed.
Considering how integral social media has become in our everyday existence, it’s understandable that numerous individuals aim to showcase the routines, engagements, and strategies they adopt in their constant quest for overall well-being encompassing physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health.
Be it through tweets, Facebook postings, or Instagram images, numerous individuals aim to share their enhancements and guidance with the broader community.
In certain instances, though, the wish to share experiences might evolve into an urge to “showcase” one’s well-being. This shift could potentially obstruct the original objectives of the routines, actions, and customs designed for health improvement (Well+Good, 2018).
“Emphasizing well-being is not only the right thing for humans; it also makes good sense as a savvy, long-term business strategy,” Oosthuizen notes. Increasing medical expenses, treatable illnesses, and declines in efficiency all have significant impacts on businesses.
Supporting employee well-being is not just an option anymore; it’s crucial.
A cultural reset
This emerging phase of well-being signals a significant cultural shift—a shared moment of relief following prolonged periods of constant tension. What does this imply for you? It’s straightforward but profound: well-being is attainable, starting with minor, purposeful adjustments.
The key message is clear and potent: well-being is attainable, and it begins with minor, deliberate adjustments. Here’s how you can adopt this fresh phase of self-care:
1. Take it outside:
Allocate time for outdoor activities. Regardless of whether you choose a stroll through a green space or an adventurous trek, spending time outside has been shown to reduce tension and elevate your spirits.
2. Sleep smarter:
Give priority to maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Sleep isn’t merely crucial; it forms the bedrock of your general health and wellness.
3. Talk about it
Share your mental health experiences with close acquaintances or loved ones. Making these discussions commonplace aids in reducing stigmas.
Discover wellness applications or meditation resources to enhance both your psychological and bodily well-being at your own discretion. Sometimes, maintaining our health lies in the decisions we make, the limits we establish, and the instances we carve out for ourselves.
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