BREAKING
MYTHS: DEBUNKING COMMON WELLBEING MISCONCEPTIONS FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE
In an
age where information is at our fingertips, one might assume that we are more
enlightened than ever about health and wellbeing. Yet, the digital deluge has a
downside—an overwhelming mix of facts, half-truths, and persistent myths that
blur the line between what nurtures us and what misleads us. To truly thrive,
it’s time to separate science from hearsay and bust some of the most common
wellbeing myths that continue to hold many of us back.
MYTH 1: "YOU NEED 8 GLASSES OF WATER
A DAY—NO MATTER WHAT"
The
reality is, hydration needs vary a great deal from person to person. While
"8 glasses a day" is a catchy motto, your actual need is based on
many factors such as climate, level of physical activity, diet, and body size.
Rather than counting glasses rigidly, pay attention to your body. Thirst is a
good indicator, and foods such as fruits and vegetables also help with
hydration.
MYTH 2: "EATING FAT MAKES YOU
FAT"
This
myth has persisted since the low-fat hysteria of the 1980s and 90s. However,
not all fats are equal. Healthy fats in nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados, and
fatty fish are needed for brain function, hormone production, and cell health.
The real weight-gain culprits are actually refined carbohydrates and added
sugars. Well-balanced nutrition—including healthy fats—is the key to long-term
health.
MYTH 3: "YOU NEED TO EXERCISE EVERY
DAY IN ORDER TO BE HEALTHY"
Consistency,
not intensity. While high-intensity exercise does have its application, regular
activity—such as walking, stretching, swimming, or yoga—is just as valuable
when done routinely. Over-exercising creates burnout or injury. Your best
routine is one that's compatible with your lifestyle and occupies your body and
mind without straining constantly.
MYTH 4: "A DETOX DIET WILL FLUSH
TOXINS OUT OF YOUR BODY"
The
idea of “detoxing” with juices or cleanses may feel virtuous, but your body
already has an efficient detoxification system: your liver, kidneys, lungs, and
skin. Instead of drastic diets, support your body's natural detox with plenty
of water, fibre-rich foods, sufficient sleep, and regular physical activity.
Beware of commercial detoxes that promise quick fixes—they often lack
scientific backing and may do more harm than good.
MYTH 5: "MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE A
SIGN OF WEAKNESS"
One of
the most harmful myths is the stigma of mental health. Anxiety, depression,
burnout, and other mental challenges are not indicators of personal
weakness—they are human experiences, frequently determined by genetics,
environment, and life events. Admitting mental health issues and seeking help
is not only courageous but necessary for overall wellbeing.
MYTH 6: "NATURAL MEANS SAFE"
The
term "natural" tends to be used to create the impression of safety
and purity, yet it does not suggest harmlessness. Numerous natural
products—such as some herbs, essential oils, or nutritional supplements—may
cause side effects or interact with medications in a dangerous manner. Always
treat natural remedies with the same vigilance and study that you would use
with traditional medicine, and seek advice from medical practitioners when
uncertain.
MYTH 7: "YOU CAN CATCH UP ON SLEEP
OVER THE WEEK”
Sleep
debt is a real thing—and sorry, it doesn't just disappear with a sleep-in on
Saturday morning. Unpredictable sleep habits can mess with your circadian
rhythm, affect cognitive function, and impair mood and immunity. The secret to
restorative rest is a regular sleep schedule, quality sleep, and the right
length—hopefully 7 to 9 hours a night.
MYTH 8: "A HEALTHIER LIFE STARTS WITH
SMARTER CHOICES"
When it
comes to wellbeing, information is power—only if based on evidence. By
debunking popular myths and adopting subtle, educated points of view, we can
establish more healthy habits that respect both body and mind. Wellness is not
about extremes or fads; it's about developing a well-balanced, sustainable
lifestyle built on awareness, kindness, and reality.
CONCLUSION: MOVING TOWARDS A MORE INFORMED
AND BALANCED LIFE
The
believing in myths about well-being may be more dangerous than mere ignorance,
as this usually results in frustration, unwise lifestyle, and disregard of
other essential health aspects. Stepping back from the commonly believed
assumptions and examining them opens up the possibility for a more
evidence-based and well-balanced definition of wellness. This enables us to
improve our physical, mental, emotional, and social health significantly.
Real
wellbeing is not the product of radical trends or passing fads—it's the result
of consistency, self-knowledge, optimism, and wise decision-making. To be
healthier, we need to let go of inaccurate myths and adopt conscious,
corrective habits that favour our overall wellbeing in the long term. So the
next time you hear a one-size-fits-all health statement, stop for a second,
research, and think it over. Your path to better wellbeing is worth no less.
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Tejesvi Rao Veerapalli
The author is the Chief
Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad (https://www.apollohospitals.com/), India’s leading multinational healthcare group with a network of 71
owned and managed hospitals.
