Why True Health Is About How You Feel, Not How You Look

We live in a world that often emphasises appearance over well-being. If you browse through social media, you’re bombarded with images of perfectly sculpted bodies and extreme weight loss transformations. The message is clear: health equals how you look.

But is that really the full story?

What about how you feel every day?

After more than 20 years of coaching, I've witnessed how the fixation on looks can lead people into endless cycles of frustration and self-doubt. Yes, feeling good about how you look can boost your confidence. Yet, the heart of true health is how you feel in your own body. This internal satisfaction fuels a robust, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Someone in front of a mirror with defined abdominals.

The Aesthetic Trap

In today’s society, fitness is heavily marketed through visuals. We are naturally drawn to pictures and videos, making it easy for fitness companies to promote idealised images of health. But concepts like energy, confidence, and resilience cannot be captured in a single photo. These feelings are personal and hard to quantify.

The constant exposure to polished images can create unrealistic expectations. Many people find themselves pursuing a look instead of focusing on how they truly feel. Studies show that about 80% of people who focus on aesthetics report feeling disappointed with their fitness journey. This disconnect can lead to frustration, especially when their experiences fall short of the glossy images they see.

The Importance of Feeling Good

Reflecting on my personal health journey, I feel more energetic and capable now in my 50s than I ever did in my 20s. For instance, my energy levels have improved significantly, my muscle strength has increased, and even my digestion has gotten better—a tremendous change from my younger years, when I often neglected my body.

Recently, I embarked on a road trip across Canada where I hiked mountains, ran trails, and even kayaked along the Pacific Ocean. The only thing on my mind was how alive I felt—it wasn’t about how I looked while doing it. That sense of freedom and joy is what true health resilience offers—being able to embrace life’s experiences without worrying if your body can keep up.

Henry’s Story

Take the example of my client, Henry. He struggled with chasing an ideal look through various diets and exercise programs—always trying to slim down, build a six-pack, or fit into a smaller size. While he might have seen short-term results, he often felt worse—tired and demotivated.

When we started working together, I encouraged Henry to redefine health by focusing on how he felt. We explored enjoyable forms of movement rather than sticking to a rigid routine. Over time, he began to notice shifts—not just in his body, but in his entire mindset.

The Shift in Perspective

As Henry started to prioritise how he felt, he felt more motivated to be active. His workouts became enjoyable, and the pressure of achieving a specific appearance faded away. Instead of obsessing over the scale, he shifted his focus to his energy levels and mood, which improved dramatically.

This change was life-altering. Henry became stronger and more self-assured, realising true health isn't about fitting into someone else’s idea but about feeling good about himself.

The Role of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is essential for understanding how we truly feel in our bodies. By practising mindfulness, we can heighten our awareness of physical sensations and emotions, enabling us to make healthier choices.

Incorporating mindfulness into your routine can be as simple as focusing on your breath during workouts or taking a moment to check in with your body. This can foster a deeper connection and appreciation for your body’s capabilities rather than just its appearance.

Building Resilience Through Movement

Resilience is a cornerstone of true health. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks and adjusting to life's changes. Building resilience through movement can take many enjoyable forms, like strength training, yoga, or hiking.

Participating in physical activities you love fosters a positive relationship with your body. When your focus is on what your body can achieve rather than how it looks, you establish a strong foundation for long-term health.

The Power of Community

Another vital aspect of feeling good is surrounding yourself with a supportive community. Being among individuals who prioritise health and well-being can significantly impact your journey.

Consider joining a fitness class, participating in group hikes, or connecting with friends who share similar wellness values. A supportive community reinforces the idea that you’re not alone in your journey and emphasises feeling good over merely looking a certain way.

Practical Tips for Focusing on How You Feel

• Set Intentions: Before your workouts, think about how you want to feel instead of what you wish to achieve. For example, aim to feel energised or relaxed after your workout.

  
  

• Track Your Feelings: Keep a journal to document how you feel following various activities. Reflect on your energy levels, mood shifts, and any physical sensations to identify what works for you.

  
  

• Explore Different Activities: Experiment with various forms of movement, such as dancing, hiking, swimming, or yoga. The aim is to discover activities that genuinely make you feel good.

  
  

• Practice Mindfulness: Integrate simple mindfulness practices into your routine. You might find value in focusing on your breath during exercises or sharing gratitude for your body’s capabilities.

  
  

• Connect with Others: Surround yourself with a community that values holistic health. Join groups or classes that promote well-being and positive vibes over appearance-focused ideals.

  
  

Embracing the True Health Journey

In a world quick to equate health with looks, we must remind ourselves that true health stems from how we feel in our bodies. Shifting the focus from appearance to well-being allows for a more fulfilling and resilient life.

Embrace your journey to discovering what genuinely makes you feel good. Prioritise health in ways that resonate with your values. Remember, it's less about fitting a particular mould and more about feeling vibrant, strong, and capable in your skin.

By concentrating on how you feel instead of how you look, you can escape the trap of comparison and self-doubt. True health is a journey that begins with respecting and nurturing your body and the unique experiences it offers.