It’s an irrefutable phenomenon: younger generations are drinking significantly less alcohol than their predecessors. While some still overindulge, a “0.0 generation” has emerged that sees abstinence as a tool of physical and mental control.
From Mocktail With “Morning Waves”, the focus has shifted from late-night excess to whimsical revelry. it Gen-Z-inspired trend Well-being is part of a broader cultural obsession with clean eating And constant exercise.
If you’re tempted to follow them, keep in mind that although these habits are objectively beneficial, there is a hidden risk in taking them to extremes. When the fear of “ruining progress” in our diet, beauty or workout routines begins to dictate our social life, we lose the ability to go with the flow.
psychologist sylvia dal ben There is a case for a different approach to self-care: True wellness is not found in rigid restrictions or a socially “perfect” lifestyle, but in Balance between physical health and guilt-free social life.
This is not a choice between black and white, nor a call to return to the excesses of the past. Instead, the goal is to establish balance: a place where we can prioritize our health without sacrifice of simple pleasures Which makes life worth living.
“This kind of ‘all or nothing’ mentality is not only unrealistic but also completely unsustainable in the long run,” explains the mental health expert.
The ‘wellness trap’: When healthy habits lead to social isolation
Grabbing something to eat or going out for a night out with friends is increasingly being seen as a disruption to the daily routine, which is why it is becoming less common among young people. But it should not be a burden. In fact, going out occasionally – whether you’re drinking or not – is important for building human connections and has real benefits for your well-being.
“Socializing and going out isn’t just about relaxing; it’s about connecting with friends, getting some energy and Trigger those natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals Which comes from laughter and fun. By missing these moments, we risk becoming emotionally detached, which can easily lead to feelings of emptiness and loneliness.”
But where did it all start? The truth is, because of the societal standards that dominate the beauty and wellness industry, we have always suffered from this mentality. The new thing is that now we are giving priority to it above everything else.
© Getty ImagesThis change really took hold during the pandemic; With so much time to spend at home, many of us fell into new routines nutritious food And staying active is becoming a top priority. But this trend also had a dark side: Cases of disordered eating increasedMany people were struggling for the first time during a period of confinement.
Now that “health” obsession – from weight loss jabs workout, diet and cosmetic procedures – Wherever we look, we must stop and consider what happens when we lose control of that drive to “improve” ourselves.
Our experts note: “This may result in issues such as orthorexiaWhere the pursuit of physical well-being becomes so relentless that it actually compromises mental health. Psychologically speaking, true health is not just a physical thing – it is the balance between our physical, emotional and social lives.”
Why is your social life as important as your workout routine?
Going out can often feel like it will undo all our hard work. But while self-care is the foundation of our well-being, we need to remember that we are social creatures by nature. As our expert explains: “relationships are important To keep us grounded, to find fulfillment and to give us a true sense of belonging.”
© Getty Imageswhat does it mean Forcing yourself to socialize when you’re really not in the mood? no way. It’s all about balance: making time for others is as important as developing some quality ‘my time‘- Coincidentally, this is the perfect time to focus on eating well and staying active.
“In the world of positive psychology, we know that our relationships with others are one of the most powerful source of happiness And flexibility. Whether it’s a simple meeting with friends or a proper night out, socializing provides a much-needed break from the daily grind, strengthening our bonds and giving us a safe space to express how we’re feeling,” says Dal Ben.
“It just doesn’t help reduce stress levels; This creates a vital support network that acts as a buffer against mental health struggles.”
How to Overcome “Wellness Guilt”: 4 Expert Tips for a Balanced Life
Does this sound familiar? Do you remember a workoutAnd immediately the guilt sets in. You succumb to cravings and find yourself filled with regrets. or perhaps you overdo it when you go out at night And keep feeling guilty for the next three days. If any of these ring a bell, you’re definitely not alone. We’ve all been there, struggling to overcome that feeling of guilt that’s more common than you might think.
“Psychologically speaking, true health is not just a physical thing – it is the balance between our physical, emotional and social lives.”
The good news is that psychology offers many ways to help us deal with this. Silvia Dal Ben shares her top strategies for balancing a full life with a healthy routine, without the guilt:
- be flexible: “Let go of the idea that being healthy means sticking to a rigid regime. A truly balanced lifestyle is one that takes care of your entire self, not just your physical fitness.”
- Change your health details: “Mental and emotional well-being are not separate from your physical health; they are completely interconnected. A fit body doesn’t matter much if your brain is on fire Or you’re feeling isolated.”
- embrace imperfection: “To be healthy It’s not about getting everything ‘right’ all the time. Real self-care involves letting your hair down and allowing yourself to have fun, even if it sometimes means breaking your self-imposed rules.”
- Find a routine that fits your life: “You don’t have to choose between a social life and your health. Going out on a night out from time to time doesn’t mean you’ve neglected your diet or ruined your progress.”
“Everything in moderation” may be an old saying, but it’s a mantra worth living by. Mental health experts leave us with this final thought: “True health is a balancing act between self-care and nurturing your relationships. By making room for both, you’re not only protecting your physical health; you’re fostering a life that is emotionally rich and truly gratifying.”
About the Expert:
Silvia Dal Benn is a psychologist and clinical manager of the European online therapy service provider Unobravo.
