I recently ran a poll (OK, not peer reviewed with over 200 votes) on X with the below question.
What’s the biggest obstacle to vibrant health?
Fascinating responses over 50% stated mindset. It is pinned to my X account check it out. I’ve written previously about mindset and yes; it plays a major role in our health as do many factors of course. Something related and not talked about enough: Are influencers negatively impacting our health? Could this be compromising YOUR mindset?
What exactly is an influencer? Grok’s definition:
An influencer is a person who can shape other people’s opinions, tastes, or behavior—especially what they buy—because an audience trusts them.
With additionally:
In everyday use the word now usually means someone who has built that trust on social media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and so on) by posting content in a niche such as fashion, fitness, tech, food, or finance. Brands often pay them to mention or use products. (Bold Mine)
If people feel mindset is an impediment to vibrant health, are we being manipulated and coerced into a certain “health” belief by such influencers? I’m not saying all social media influencers are bad, but one must ask is it truly beneficial for us, is it pertinent to me at my age and my individual health desires? Is it supporting my overall health and wellbeing?
There are many ways one can influence another, I’ve had numerous teachers and coaches throughout my life that had an overwhelmingly positive impact on my development, both personally and professionally. Strong role-models and mentors thorough out the lifespan is crucial to human growth and vitality.
When it comes to our health, making good decisions needs space to process and time to evaluate. This is not possible in our 24/7, click bait, act before thinking world. This is where the challenge of listening and absorbing constant internet material via various platforms needs attention.
Here’s a few cautionary tips, followed by some actionable ideas on how to manage the influencer impact. Ultimately your health is your choice. What works for one person may not apply at all to you. Using your critical thinking skills to see if this is even remotely applicable to your goals, age, needs, personal ambitions and overall wellbeing. This also applies to those influencers who have a medical or other degree behind their name.
Words of Caution
- Does the health advice require a product/supplement purchase?
- Does the individual have the life experience related to the advice?
- Does the individual practice what they preach?
- How realistic and attainable is the proposal?
- Does it fit your budget and lifestyle?
- Would you be willing to sustain this long-term?
Actionable Tips
First and foremost, if what you’re doing is working keep doing it. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
- Look for individuals that have similar age-appropriate goals
- Follow those with life and real-world work experience, not just theory
- Have something specific you hope to achieve by the change and monitor results
- Take time to read and re-read to fully understand what is doable
- Change only one thing at a time, otherwise you’ll never know if it works
- Be kind to yourself in words, deeds and actions
- Reward consistency and dedication which may not win a prize
Quick example
As a 69-year-old female whose desire is to be fit and vibrant for as long as possible, I’m picky on the time given or rather advice followed from certain fitness and longevity gurus. Case in point, Dr. Peter Attia (male age 53) has stated his weekly exercise routine is around 10 hours a week. Kudos to Peter.
Me, I work full time 40 to 50 hours a week. Have a lovely husband who I like to spend time with. Prioritize getting on average +/- 8 hours sleep a night. I’m extremely content with my 2 resistance trainings a week, none more than 40-45 minutes maximum. During the week at least 2 walks pre or post work and one longer outdoor hike or swim in the weekend. All this coupled with little mini “exercise snacks” like turning upside down that take a minute or less. Total that all up and I’m close to 5 hours a week devoted to exercise.
So no, I’m not going to “feel bad” about my routine. And not to dis Attia’s. This is what works for me and until it doesn’t, I’m good with it. How I judge results is a combination of things: Metabolic Health Markers, Body Composition, Energy, Mood, Muscle Capability and yes how I look. Is it perfect, heck no. Does it work for me, heck yes. That’s what matters no matter what “THE” influencer says, does or recommends.
Bottom line, take everything into consideration as mentioned above in the actionable tips. Be careful how much and how often you take on “advice.” If feeling overwhelmed, back off, take a social media break. Just because there is new content daily doesn’t mean it should overrun your ability to enjoy life to its’ fullest.
“If you can build a muscle, you can build a mindset.”
~Jay Shetty
