Redefining Health: Why Feeling Good Matters More Than Looking Good

In today's world, the pressure to achieve a specific physical appearance is immense. Our social media feeds are flooded with images of perfectly sculpted bodies, quick-fix workout routines, and dramatic “before and after” transformations. The underlying message is clear: health equals appearance.

But is that truly the complete picture?

What about your inner feelings—how your body makes you feel every day?

As a coach with over 20 years of experience, I have witnessed the toll that an obsession with looks can take. This fixation often leads to cycles of frustration and self-doubt. While looking good can certainly boost confidence and make a positive first impression, the reality is this: how you feel in your body is what truly drives a healthy, resilient, and fulfilling life.

Why "Feeling" Is Harder to Sell

Promoting the aesthetic side of fitness is straightforward because visuals are compelling. That's why fitness companies saturate social media with glossy images and flashy videos. However, feelings such as energy, confidence, and resilience don't fit into a picture-perfect frame. They are personal experiences that are tough to quantify.

Reflecting on my own journey, I find that I actually feel better now in my 50s than I did in my 20s. At this stage of my life, my energy is higher, I'm stronger than ever, and my digestive health has significantly improved. To illustrate this, I once struggled with fatigue for years but now, thanks to better health practices, I feel revitalized every day.

Recently, during a road trip across Canada, I went hiking in the Rocky Mountains, ran along beautiful trails, and even kayaked in the Pacific Ocean. I didn't think about how I looked while doing these activities. I was simply focused on feeling alive and engaged in the moment. This is the essence of building health resilience—having the freedom to truly enjoy life without worrying if your body can keep up.

The Pressure of Perfection

The societal pressure to conform to specific beauty standards is overwhelming. From magazine covers to influencer posts, the “ideal” body is often presented as the ultimate goal. Pursuing this relentless ideal can lead to harmful habits, including extreme dieting, obsessive exercise, and mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression.

Perfection is an illusion. Each person possesses a unique set of genetic traits, body shapes, and sizes. Embracing your individuality is crucial for overall well-being. Rather than chasing an unrealistic ideal, focus on activities and habits that make you feel good.

The Importance of Feeling Good

Feeling good in your body transcends mere aesthetics. It involves a holistic approach encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. When you prioritize how you feel, you unlock the potential for a more fulfilling life.

Physical Health

Physical health is often measured by common metrics like weight, body fat percentage, or muscle mass. However, true physical health is about how well your body performs. Are you able to go for a bike ride without feeling winded? Do you have the stamina to keep up with your children during playtime?

Concentrating on functional fitness—exercises that improve your ability to carry out daily activities—can enhance your overall health. For instance, incorporating exercises like squats and lunges not only improves your strength but also ensures you can move more freely when doing everyday tasks.

Mental Well-Being

Your mental health is just as critical as your physical health. Constantly comparing yourself with others can lead to feelings of inadequacy. When you shift your attention from appearance to how you feel, you cultivate a more positive mindset.

Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude can significantly enhance mental well-being. For example, a simple daily practice of noting three things you are grateful for can shift your focus to the positives in your life, helping you appreciate your body for its strengths instead of its flaws.

Emotional Resilience

Emotional resilience is the capacity to bounce back after setbacks. In instances where you feel good and strong, you are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

Building this resilience involves creating a solid support network, practicing self-compassion, and learning effective stress management techniques. When you focus on what makes you feel good, you lay a strong foundation for emotional health.

Henry’s Story

I want to share a story about one of my clients, Henry. He came to me caught in the cycle of striving for a specific look. Every new diet or workout plan he tried emphasized losing weight, carving out a six-pack, or fitting into a smaller shirt size. Despite his best efforts, he often felt tired, restricted, and frustrated.

After our work together, we shifted our focus from appearance to how he truly felt. We included activities he loved, such as hiking and swimming, and emphasized balanced, nutritious meals. Over time, Henry noticed a remarkable change—he felt more energetic, confident, and alive.

He learned that the joy of moving freely and the satisfaction of nourishing his body far outweighed the temporary happiness of fitting into a smaller size.

The Role of Community

Having a supportive community can greatly influence your path toward feeling good. Being around like-minded people who prioritize health and wellness can inspire and motivate you.

Consider joining a local fitness group, participating in community events, or engaging in online forums focused on health. Sharing your journey with others can foster belonging and accountability, making it easier to stick to your goals.

Practical Tips for Prioritizing How You Feel

1. Listen to Your Body: Tune into your body’s signals. If something feels off during a workout, don’t ignore it. Recognizing pain or discomfort is crucial for long-term health.

   
   

2. Set Non-Aesthetic Goals: Instead of zeroing in on weight loss or appearance, create goals around performance, like running a 5K or improving your flexibility.

   
   

3. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Understand that everyone has challenges and it’s okay to have days when you don’t feel your best.

   
   

4. Engage in Activities You Love: Find hobbies that excite you. Whether it's dancing, hiking, or playing basketball, doing what you love supports your overall well-being.

   
   

5. Nourish Your Body: Focus on whole foods that make you feel energized. Try preparing a new healthy recipe each week to keep your meals enjoyable and nourishing.

   
   

6. Limit Social Media Exposure: If scrolling through social media negatively affects your mood, it might be best to take a break or curate your feed for uplifting content.

   
   

7. Celebrate Small Wins: No victory is too small to acknowledge. Celebrating even minor achievements can help reinforce a positive mindset and keep you motivated.

   
   

Embracing Your Unique Journey

In a culture that often equates health solely with appearance, it’s vital to redefine what health means to you. Prioritizing how you feel in your body can lead to a more gratifying and resilient life.

By focusing on physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being, you can break free from the tight grip of comparison and self-doubt. Remember, the path to health isn't about fitting into a box; it's about embracing your unique story and finding joy in the journey.

As you embark on this journey, remember that feeling good is the ultimate goal. Embrace who you are, celebrate your progress, and enjoy every moment. Your body is capable of remarkable things—focus on what it can achieve, and satisfaction will naturally follow.