Practicing Wellness as a Privilege

If you’ve ever attended a yoga class for your mental health or sipped on a sugar-free, oat milk matcha latte because you were reducing your caffeine levels that month, you’ve attempted a go at this ‘wellness’ game.

I’ve existed on both ends of the spectrum. One, abiding by a strict, almost vegan regimen and attending all types of workout classes under the sun. And the other, hoarding free pizza from college events in my mini fridge and downing $1 coffee for the caffeine fix.

What I can tell you is this. Regardless of how broke you think you are, if you can afford to do something for the sake of wellness, that is a privilege in itself.

I don’t see privilege as a bad thing, though I must admit I can’t help but hide the contempt when I hear seemingly privileged people complain about the most trivial things (hmm they accidentally put half a banana in my acai bowl when I asked for no banana).

What I like to direct your attention to, is the instances in your life you tend to view as a hindrance, rather than as something to be appreciative of.

I’m not saying to go and compare yourself to someone living in an impoverished nation, but rather, to understand that there’s not much that separates you from someone who lives on the streets, other than the circumstances that shaped and helped you become who you are today.

Here are some helpful reminders ….

Not everyone can control how much they sleep

There’s always this great emphasis on sleeping habits in the wellness community- how it’s essential for ‘optimal’ brain function and the reduction of health problems down the line. 

There is equally as much debate around the window of time to sleep and the number of hours.

Here’s the truth. The majority of the population doesn’t have control over when they go to bed or when they rise. They run on alarm clocks, that are set up upon the fear of missing work in the morning.

Some work graveyard shifts or opening shifts at peak hours in the morning. Many, even double shifts where they barely have the energy to eat before they plunder into their beds after a shift, only to wake up to get ready to go to work again.

If you can choose when you want to rise, and when you want to go to bed, this is a privilege that you should not take for granted.

Statistically, if you get adequate hours of rest each night, you’re positioned to be healthier and live longer than those that can’t afford this simple luxury.

What we put in our bodies

Depending on my financial situation, what goes into my digestive tract varies. If I have more of an abundant budget, I’ll be eating healthy and hearty meals— less processed, lower amounts of preservatives, plant-based, sugar-free, keto..you get the drift.

When I’m on a little more of a budget and I’m busy, I tend to reach for quick and more affordable options on the go. These tend to be less healthy options.

It’s ironic that a bowl with vegetables and fresh leafy greens at a restaurant tends to cost more than let’s say, a plate of fries or even a burger.

If you’re fortunate enough to buy foods that are good for your body without having to worry about the costs, you are privileged.

How we move our bodies

One thing I’ve observed in the fitness revolution over the years is…variety.

It’s not enough to exercise outdoors (because god forbid you get your outfit wet from the rain) nor will basic gym equipment cut it.

Working out is ‘boring’ or ‘hard’ for most, so why not make it more entertaining but increase the prices for providing new equipment or workout techniques like barre (which is a mix between ballet and pilates) or integrate fifty stationary bikes into a large room with sweaty people screaming to the top 40 club hits.

Jokes aside, if you can afford to A. Fit workouts into your life and B. Spice up your routine with these new gimmicks, you are more privileged than ever.

These days, classes in any type of these studios can cost upwards of $250/month. And don’t even get me started on the trainers!

We made exercise, something that’s naturally and biologically accessible, into something we’re meant to spend more than we need to on.

The Products we Choose to Use

Everyone loves sustainable products these days. Let’s face it, you feel better about yourself when you buy something eco-friendly, either because you actually care about the deteriorating conditions of Mother Earth, or simply because you don’t want those nasty “toxins” penetrating your cell membranes, or what not.

The price tags of these products are also sometimes double the conventional ones.

And companies know this. They know they can charge a premium if they label something as organic, grass-fed, toxin-free, sustainably made..etc.

Just take a look at H&M, the king of fast fashion trying to promote their sustainable products that are double not triple the prices of their generic products.

So, if you can afford to buy that sulfate-free shampoo or goat milk and honey soap bars from the farmers market, then, you, my friend, are in great luck.

Keep on Practicing Wellness, but Be Mindful

Next time you want to preach to someone about your wellness habits, or some new detox they should absolutely try, think for a second.

Is this something that’s practical in this person’s life?

For example, would you really try to preach a good sleeping routine (Of 8 hours or more) to a mother of a newborn? Nada. Inappropriate.

So although I am a complete advocate of holistic wellness (mental, physical, spiritual), I also know I’m privileged enough to be able to laugh at my own privilege.

I hope at least some parts of this post put a little smile on your face.