I’ve been hearing a lot recently about the end of optimisation.
It started with the backlash to Steven Bartlett saying that three days of his life were ruined by two glasses of wine.
(Side note: I was already wondering how authentic that outrage was when I listened to a fascinating deep dive into how movies, TV shows, bands and, yes, podcasts use clipping agencies and bots to create artificially viral moments. Sample quote: “90% of what we see online is advertising.” Depressing, right?)
Anyway, it appears to have reached a head with every wellness brand now attempting to distance itself from the concept.
I even got a press release announcing “an end to optimisation” from Healf. Yes, the wellness platform that sells a £400 headband for “sleep optimisation”, a £1300 hydrogen water generator by a brand called Optimal Health, and a supplement called Male Optimization Formula.
You might think: here she is, also attempting to distance herself from optimisation now that it’s uncool. To which I would say, please read the first thing I ever posted on Substack back in May 2022 (when, apparently, I didn’t even know how to add a picture at the top of the page).
“An all-or-nothing approach works for some,” I wrote, “but I don’t think perfection is sustainable for most people in the long term.”
This Substack is, and has always been, about realistic, relatable and fun ways to feel better and live well for longer.
You won’t see me downing BuzzBallz or taking up smoking again. Not only because that would be slightly tragic for a 45-year-old mother of two, but also because, having been through cancer treatment, I know what it is to feel properly unwell and scared of death - and I don’t ever want to be back there.
On the outside, I probably do look like the perfect candidate for optimisation. I buy kimchi, I eat seeds, I do Pilates, I occasionally meditate - hell, I’ve even got an Oura ring. The difference is the attitude with which I do all of this. I wouldn’t eat anything that I don’t genuinely find delicious. I’d never turn down a night out with friends because of my sleep score. In fact, I had a right old lol at how pathetic my sleep score was after Glastonbury last year. To me, it’s fun. If you’re finding any of this stressful or overwhelming, you should probably take a step back.
As I always say, it’s not good for you if you don’t enjoy it.
I’ve always been anti-perfection (it’s sunny in London at the moment, so I’ve certainly eaten more ice-cream this week than is optimal), but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to look, feel and be well for as many healthy years as I possibly can. To me, that doesn’t mean endless protocols or joyless rules.
It’s in the spirit of this that I’m delighted to announce an IRL iteration of Well Well Well.
Starting next month, and then bimonthly for the next year, I’m hosting a series of events at the beautiful new Sir Devonshire Square Hotel, near Liverpool Street in London.
The first one is 6.30 for 7pm on Wednesday 15 July, and it’s with the extraordinary Liz Earle MBE.
Rising to prominence as founder of the brand that changed the way we cleanse our faces, her own journey has evolved far beyond beauty. Today she’s one of our leading voices on wellbeing and healthy ageing, helping people navigate the often-confusing world of wellness with warmth, common sense and curiosity.
Liz’s message is all about small, sustainable changes that have a remarkable impact on how we feel. Which makes her a perfect guest for a community that believes wellbeing should enhance life, not take it over.
In her new book, How to Age, she writes that she wants “later years brimming with fun, friendship and vitality – not slipping into frailty and decline.” If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting wellness advice, this conversation is for you.
There will be honesty, laughs, good tips, the chance to ask questions, and goodies from our partners Sweet Bee Organics and Ancient + Brave.
If you’re in London, please do come and join us!
Free subscribers of Well Well Well can come along for just £5 with the code LONGLIFE
Paid subscribers can come for free! Just message me directly for guest list.
This week I’m…
Wondering if I can persuade my friends and neighbours to start practising avondvierdaagse; a ritual that boosts the health and happiness of Dutch children
Saying sayonara to stress with Grounded, a new hawthorn, lavender and lemon balm drink from Diome
Feeling good about shopping at the first summer pop-up shop from Choose Love at Borough Yards, on until 28 June
The backlash against perfectionism in wellness is overdue. A lot of people are exhausted not from doing too little, but from treating every healthy choice like a performance metric. This feels like a useful correction.
Hello, live events! This is exciting! Xx