Wellness Stacking.
The Best Self -Care Hack..?
September 15, 2024
Hey there, wonderful community!
If you’re a Gen Z or spend a lot of time on TikTok, you’ve probably heard of “wellness stacking”—or maybe you’re already doing it!
But if you’re like me and this is your first time hearing about it, let me break it down for you. Wellness stacking is TikTok’s spin on habit stacking, a term coined by James Clear in his book Atomic Habits. The idea is that it’s easier to add new habits to routines you already have than to start fresh. For example, if you already walk every day, why not listen to an educational podcast while you are at it? Now you’re doing two things that are good for you at once!
The trend, often called the “wellness stacking series,” suggests that instead of overwhelming yourself with endless self-care practices, you can spend just 20 minutes a day cramming in as many healthy habits as you can. Then, each day, you add a little more to your routine.
TikTok claims it’s the ultimate self-care hack, but I’d recommend thinking it through before jumping on the bandwagon. Here’s why:
Overwhelm: Trying to stack too many wellness activities can lead to feeling stressed instead of relaxed, making it harder to stick with any of them.
Reduced Focus: Juggling multiple activities might dilute the benefits. If you’re multitasking during meditation, for example, you might not achieve that blissful state of mindfulness.
Time Constraints: While stacking can save time, it can also create a false sense of urgency, pushing you to do too much and risking burnout.
Individual Variability: What works for one person might not work for another. Some folks thrive with a single focus on one wellness practice rather than trying to mix and match.
Risk of Neglecting Needs: Focusing too much on stacking can lead you to ignore specific needs. If you prioritize working out over rest, for example, you might miss your body’s signals for recovery.
Conclusion
Wellness stacking can be a great way to boost your well-being and has lots of perks when done right. However, it’s important to remember to keep it balanced—pursuing wellness shouldn’t feel like a chore! The trick is to find what works for you and fits your lifestyle, so you can enjoy the benefits without the stress. Keep it fun and sustainable!
Lots of Love,
Safaa.