Open Thread: What Does Wellness Mean to You Right Now?

My wellness routine is incredibly practical, though my apartment might suggest otherwise. My home is an oasis for houseplants, my kitchen is stocked with CBD oils, and I keep a jade roller in my freezer. I even have a crystal (or five) hidden throughout my bedroom. However, if I take a moment to reflect on the routines and habits that truly make me feel well, none of the aforementioned things immediately come to mind. Growing up in a relatively low-income household, nurturing my relationship with money to the point of financial wellness has granted me more comfort and joy than any workout class or facial. Somewhat similarly, I consider the relationships I have with my friends, family, and partner a huge part of my personal wellness routine—together they act as my emotional safety net, which I’m constantly trying to strengthen and maintain.

A lot has been said about wellness—and the practices and products that surround it—in the last few years, but, for me, the most interesting aspect of the movement has been how uniquely it can be defined. Even the most wellness-obsessed can define “being well” in vastly different ways, and on the other end of the spectrum, many people are reluctant to use the term to refer to the habits and choices that keep them feeling whole. The movement and industry are both complicated, and the conversations around them can be powerful.

I’ll be talking more about the complexities of wellness at Man Repeller HQ this Thursday, as part of our Good Evening event series. I’m moderating a panel of three women who have made wellness a large part of their everyday lives and careers. Before the event (you can get tickets to it here), I wanted to start a conversation about wellness and the different relationships we have with it. So I asked the panelists, Bianca Valle, Sara Elise, and Tara Aura to kick off the conversation by sharing how they define wellness. Here’s hoping your inspired to share your own.

“Wellness is about anything that adds a pep to your step, clears your mind, and keeps you feeling optimistic every day.”

Bianca Valle, Certified Holistic Nutritionist

View this post on Instagram

Don’t take yourself too seriously!!!1!!! It’s not that serious I promise!!!!11!:))))) follow my day at Copenhagen fashion week on @manrepeller’s IGGGGGGGG