{"id":3307,"date":"2026-01-09T08:50:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T08:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/09\/wellness-perfectionism-doesnt-exist-focus-on-these-sustainable-habits-2\/"},"modified":"2026-01-09T08:50:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T08:50:24","slug":"wellness-perfectionism-doesnt-exist-focus-on-these-sustainable-habits-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/09\/wellness-perfectionism-doesnt-exist-focus-on-these-sustainable-habits-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Wellness perfectionism doesn\u2019t exist. Focus on these sustainable habits"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/ai-article-summary\/instances\/cm8s0kay900013b6mrv3y4uk1@published\" class=\"ai-article-summary hidden \" data-article-gutter=\"true\" data-selector-brand=\"accent-ai\">    <button class=\"ai-article-summary__toggle\">        <strong class=\"ai-article-summary__title\">            <span class=\"ai-article-summary__stars-icon\">            <\/span>            <span>Summary<\/span>        <\/strong>            <span class=\"ai-article-summary__toggle-caret-up\" aria-label=\"Toggle Article Summary\"><\/span>            <span class=\"ai-article-summary__toggle-caret-down\" aria-label=\"Toggle Article Summary\"><\/span>    <\/button>    <\/p>\n<div class=\"ai-article-summary__collapsible\">\n<ul class=\"ai-article-summary__items\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<li class=\"ai-article-summary__item\">Experts warn extreme wellness challenges can create a cycle of dissatisfaction and perfectionism.<\/li>\n<li class=\"ai-article-summary__item\">Dr. Thomas Curran says some people pursue drastic regimens hoping for transformation after life changes.<\/li>\n<li class=\"ai-article-summary__item\">Dietitian Renee McGregor advises cscrutinizing influencers who may profit from wellness products they promote.<\/li>\n<li class=\"ai-article-summary__item\">Small sustainable habits like eating more vegetables offer more health benefits than extreme challenges.<\/li>\n<li class=\"ai-article-summary__item\">Focus on healthful behaviors rather than chasing perfection or seeking validation through wellness accomplishments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"ai-article-summary__footer\">            <span class=\"ai-article-summary__disclaimer-text\">This summary was AI-generated and reviewed by CNN editors.<\/span>                                <\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri176m003i2cp661cibaot@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            You\u2019re scrolling through your phone when you stumble upon the next viral trend: an influencer claiming that following their incredibly strict diet will help you achieve their jaw-dropping physique. Or you see a fresh-faced runner swearing you can run a marathon without any training \u2014 just like they did.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri1csr0002356mqn7cc6ms@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Whether or not you\u2019re actively searching for wellness advice, it\u2019s<strong> <\/strong>nearly<strong> <\/strong>impossible to avoid hearing about the latest health craze making bold guarantees of transformation.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri1csr0003356m51i7wywz@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            As you wonder if these claims hold any truth, you might also question why people often feel motivated to dive into intense challenges \u2014 when seemingly simple habits, such as getting enough sleep or eating more vegetables, often feel much harder to tackle.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri1csr0004356mivjpa9a1@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Many of us are drawn to these extreme challenges because we\u2019re craving radical change, hoping it will help prove something to ourselves or to others, experts say.<strong> <\/strong>    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri1csr0005356my2ybn3au@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cWe always see these kinds of challenges as opportunities for growth, particularly if we\u2019re in a phase of our life where we\u2019ve let ourselves go,\u201d said Dr. Thomas Curran, associate professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and Political Science and an expert on perfectionism. \u201cMaybe we feel that we need to be healthier, or we just had a breakup or (major) life event.\u201d    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/related-content\/instances\/cm8rnyw6o0003356mewmau3l8@published\" data-component-name=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content_full-width related-content_full-width--article\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<div class=\"related-content_full-width__image image__related-content\">            <\/div>\n<p class=\"related-content_full-width__headline\">            <span class=\"related-content_full-width__title-text\" data-editable=\"content.title\">Related article<\/span>      <span class=\"related-content_full-width__headline-text\" data-editable=\"content.headline\">Heated workouts and hot yoga are all the rage. But are they actually good for you?<\/span>    <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri1csr0006356mhuhxnp2e@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            With social media amplifying these movements, it\u2019s easy to see why people are increasingly drawn to the idea of achieving the \u201cperfect\u201d version of themselves. But before jumping into a new wellness challenge, it\u2019s important to take a moment, reflect on your goals, and consider where you\u2019re starting from.    <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h3\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm8ri1ote0009356m8m21000i@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"challenging-our-perceptions-of-perfection\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        Challenging our perceptions of \u2018perfection\u2019<\/h3>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri19410000356mxl2flmuh@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            With health influencers raising the bar for success, the wellness space now often feels like a performative space where people strive to showcase peak physical and mental strength.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri24a9000e356m6y54jwf7@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            While seeing others\u2019 achievements can be motivating, it can also be discouraging if your progress doesn\u2019t match theirs.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri24aa000f356m1nmukfnj@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Each person is chasing the perfect version of themselves \u2014 whether it\u2019s a body or a lifestyle \u2014 which is dangerous because this is typically an impossible or dangerous version to achieve, Curran said. He added that this type of comparison creates a dangerous cycle in which people constantly feel dissatisfied with their own progress.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri24aa000g356mcqbjxr66@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt\u2019s a fantasy in many ways, and once you start chasing after it, you constantly find yourself embroiled in a sense of doubt and deficit,\u201d he said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri24aa000h356mm3t6lze2@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Curran also noted that wellness challenges can be particularly damaging for women who struggle with perfectionism, as they tend to be bombarded with impossible beauty standards and societal expectations.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri24aa000i356mm7g1acvz@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Renee McGregor, a UK-based dietitian who specializes in eating disorders and athlete performance, encourages people to approach wellness trends with curiosity and skepticism. That\u2019s because some influencers and celebrities could be promoting products because there\u2019s a financial benefit for them.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri24aa000j356m493bo1q1@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThe thing to ask yourself about the person you\u2019re taking advice from is what do they gain from it?\u201d McGregor said. \u201cIf they are going to gain financially, then you know that they (could be willing) to sell you a lie.\u201d    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/related-content\/instances\/cm8rnzg3l0005356mplsttffu@published\" data-component-name=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content_full-width related-content_full-width--article\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<div class=\"related-content_full-width__image image__related-content\">            <\/div>\n<p class=\"related-content_full-width__headline\">            <span class=\"related-content_full-width__title-text\" data-editable=\"content.title\">Related article<\/span>      <span class=\"related-content_full-width__headline-text\" data-editable=\"content.headline\">\u2018Exercise snacks\u2019 \u2014 even a few minutes a day \u2014 can boost your health<\/span>    <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri24aa000k356m1s190eby@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Whether you want to try a new challenge or product that promises amazing results, McGregor suggests doing your research and seeking diverse perspectives, including consulting with doctors when possible.    <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h3\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm8ri278t000m356msk0cbi1e@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"mindful-wellness-challenges\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        Mindful wellness challenges<\/h3>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri22m9000c356m3jt2au6k@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            If you\u2019re the type of person who thrives on challenges and pushing your limits, this doesn\u2019t mean you need to shy away from wellness challenges altogether. But before diving in, take a step back and ask yourself if you\u2019re pursuing the challenge for the right reasons, McGregor said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri2rkp000s356m95ocpdg3@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Some people want to try these challenges because they believe something is missing from their life, and they\u2019re looking to attain \u201cworth\u201d or receive validation, McGregor noted.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri2rkp000t356mz1un1o38@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            A good way to assess your motivation is by considering whether the challenge will benefit your health or if it\u2019s about showcasing your accomplishments on social media or some other reason.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri2rkp000u356mt2rf3asa@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Before trying any new trend, make sure you have the foundation to handle it and be aware of any potential risks, McGregor said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri2rkp000v356mu6j1rr4s@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            For casual runners, this might mean signing up for a 5K but building your endurance gradually while incorporating other strength training exercises into your routine. For more intense challenges, such as a marathon, McGregor encourages people to consult with professionals or a coach who can monitor your progress and condition along the way.    <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h3\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm8ri2tmj000x356mgesncp87@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"focusing-on-sustainable-habits\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        Focusing on sustainable habits<\/h3>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri2obs000p356mkept94ip@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Both McGregor and Curran emphasize the importance of fostering sustainable health habits before embarking on more extreme challenges.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri39fr0012356mmxg622oi@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Rather than chasing the idea of being \u201chealthy,\u201d McGregor suggests focusing on actual healthful behaviors and starting small.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri39fr0013356m5qg0u2ad@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            If you\u2019re a highly sedentary person and want to add more movement to your day, try doing lunges while brushing your teeth or taking short walks throughout your typical routine.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/related-content\/instances\/cm8rny8zi0001356mivpmextp@published\" data-component-name=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content_full-width related-content_full-width--article\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<div class=\"related-content_full-width__image image__related-content\">            <\/div>\n<p class=\"related-content_full-width__headline\">            <span class=\"related-content_full-width__title-text\" data-editable=\"content.title\">Related article<\/span>      <span class=\"related-content_full-width__headline-text\" data-editable=\"content.headline\">Move better and sidestep injury with the side lunge<\/span>    <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri381r0010356mtiegbclq@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            McGregor suggests other small changes, too, including eating vegetables several times a day, basing meals around whole grains and having a handful of nuts each day.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri3hk10018356mn175urvl@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThese are little changes that allow people to reap the rewards of brain health and physical health instead of drinking five juices a day, which is never going to be the answer to your overall health,\u201d she said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri3hk10019356mamv4xoy5@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Most importantly, wellness should be giving people pleasure, not about reaching a certain number on the scale or looking a certain way to achieve ultimate happiness, McGregor said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8ri3hk1001a356mqnd69mzh@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThere\u2019s a lot we can do with our psychological health, and I think (we) need to realize that comparison never really benefits (us),\u201d McGregor said. \u201cI think sometimes it\u2019s really important for us to be in the (moment) and rest with what\u2019s going on.\u201d    <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div>This post appeared first on cnn.com<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary Experts warn extreme wellness challenges can create a cycle of dissatisfaction and perfectionism. Dr. Thomas Curran says some people pursue drastic regimens hoping for transformation after life changes. Dietitian Renee McGregor advises cscrutinizing influencers&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3308,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[120],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fitness"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3307"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3307\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hiddenhealthysecrets.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}