A primary focus in counselling work is supporting clients with their identity and self image which is often buried in layers of questioning self-worth. Some individuals are survivors of abusive childhoods, toxic relationships, or life long challenges with body image. The range of needs are diverse, however, the negative impact of low self esteem is far reaching in ways that may limit physical health, job prospects, financial security, healthy relationships and friendships. This particular impact may be seen as a ‘failure to thrive’ identity in life. On the other side of therapeutic intervention is often an empowering awakening for the client. This can be beautiful to witness as clients step forward with renewed energy as they engage in life with confidence resulting in increased happiness and overall wellbeing.
As a practitioner who works within the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, I encourage a holistic approach beyond the therapy session that includes healthy lifestyle practices. A balanced approach within all practices – the middle path – will often serve us well be it fitness, nutrition, meditation, or the current trend of wellness optimization.
Optimization in wellness culture refers to the growing trend of using data, technology, and self-improvement strategies to achieve peak physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s often associated with biohacking, productivity-enhancing habits, and performance-focused routines. Optimization in wellness culture goes beyond traditional ideas of “being healthy.” It focuses on maximizing personal well-being through constant self-monitoring, fine-tuning, and improvement.
Key Components
- Data-Driven Self-Tracking
- Wearables: Devices like WHOOP, Fitbit, and Oura Ring track sleep, heart rate variability (HRV), steps, and more.
- Apps: Nutrition tracking, mental health apps, and habit trackers help quantify progress.
- Biohacking
- Techniques like intermittent fasting, cold plunges, nootropics, and red light therapy are used to boost performance and longevity.
- Productivity & Mental Optimization
- Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral techniques are employed to sharpen focus and reduce stress.
- Personalized Wellness
- DNA testing, gut microbiome analysis, and functional medicine offer individualized diet and lifestyle plans.
- Performance Enhancement
- From hormone optimization (e.g., TRT) to supplements and sleep optimization, the goal is often to perform at your absolute best—physically, mentally, and even emotionally.
The impact of optimization in wellness culture on mental health is complex and can be both positive and negative. It largely depends on how individuals engage with optimization practices and the broader cultural messages surrounding them.
Positive Impacts on Mental Health
Greater Self-Awareness
Tools like mood trackers, meditation apps, and therapy platforms can help people identify emotional patterns and manage mental health more proactively.
Empowerment and Agency
Optimization culture often encourages self-experimentation and individualized solutions, which can make people feel more in control of their mental well-being.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Meditation, breathwork, and other biohacking tools (e.g., HRV training) are shown to lower anxiety and improve resilience.
Goal-Oriented Focus
For some, setting measurable goals (e.g., improving sleep quality or reducing screen time) provides structure and purpose, which can boost mood and motivation.
Negative Impacts
Perfectionism and Anxiety
The constant pursuit of “better” can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and a sense of never being good enough—fueling anxiety, burnout, and even depression.
Over reliance on Metrics
Tracking every habit or health indicator can create dependency and reduce trust in one’s own intuition or bodily cues. For example, letting a sleep tracker define whether you “should” feel rested.
Comparison Culture
Social media amplifies curated portrayals of optimized lives. Seeing others’ routines, diets, and productivity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of missing out).
Orthorexia & Control Issues
A rigid focus on “clean eating,” detoxes, or extreme routines can foster disordered thinking around food and body, blurring the line between health and obsession.
Commodification of Wellness
When wellness becomes a lifestyle brand, people may feel pressure to buy their way into mental health—prioritizing expensive tools or aesthetics over actual well-being.
A Balanced Perspective
To promote mental health within optimization culture, it’s essential to:
Approach wellness as a spectrum, not a checklist.
Practice self-compassion, not just self-discipline.
Prioritize function over perfection—what works for you, not what looks optimal online.
The middle path, a balanced perspective, will serve us all well as we pursue overall physical and mental wellness.
Oceanside Counselling Services 