When ‘Normal’ Isn’t Healthy: The Truth About Common Wellness Struggles

When ‘Normal’ Isn’t Healthy: The Truth About Common Wellness Struggles

When it comes to health and wellness, terms like "common" and "normal" are often thrown around interchangeably. While they may sound similar, they carry distinctly different meanings—especially when it comes to understanding your body, mind, and overall well-being.

What’s common isn’t always normal, and what’s normal isn’t necessarily common. Recognizing this difference can make a huge impact on your health journey and lead to more informed choices. 

"Common" in the context of health and wellness, refers to conditions, behaviors, and practices that a large number of people frequently experience or encounter. For example, stress, aches and pains, fatigue, and digestive issues like bloating or heartburn are common problems many of us may face at some point, right?

The more we hear of others experiencing the same, we may consider it normal and something we have no control over—something we have to accept. However, since 80% of the time that is not the case, let’s take a closer look.

Many lifestyle habits in modern times are so prevalent that they feel almost universal. Take sleep deprivation, for example. Studies show that roughly one-third of adults don’t get enough sleep, leading to a society where fatigue and chronic tiredness have become the norm and accepted as such.

Similarly, millions of people struggle with weight management, chronic stress, and even mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These issues are common, but they shouldn’t be confused with being normal.

“Normal” is about what’s typical, balanced, and healthy for your body and mind. It refers to how things should ideally function when everything is working as it’s supposed to. A body that’s functioning normally has energy, balance, and well-being at its core. For instance, it’s normal to feel energized after a full night’s sleep, to have regular digestion without discomfort, and to experience a calm mind most of the time. 

The challenge comes in recognizing that what’s common in society may not reflect the natural, healthy state we should aim for. Our modern lifestyle often normalizes unhealthy behaviors simply because they’re widespread. But that doesn’t make them optimal.

Here are some examples where common is often mistaken for normal.

1. Low Energy and Fatigue: It’s extremely common to feel tired throughout the day. People often joke about needing endless cups of coffee to get through their daily routine. So is constant fatigue normal? No. While everyone experiences tiredness after a long day, consistent low energy levels could indicate a deeper issue, such as poor sleep quality, poor diet, stress, or an underlying health condition. 
2. Stress: Chronic stress has become so common that many of us accept it as a part of daily life. High levels of stress are often worn as a badge of honor in professional and personal circles. It’s not normal! Normal stress is short-term and situational, but long-term stress is harmful and leads to burnout and health problems. 
3. Digestive Challenges: Issues like bloating, gas, or irregularity are common enough that many people assume they’re just a normal part of life. However, a healthy digestive system should function without causing discomfort. Digestive issues can often be a sign of poor dietary habits, food intolerances, or other underlying conditions. Addressing these issues is important.
4. Mental Health: Depression and anxiety are more prevalent than ever, and while it’s good that society is more open to talking about mental health, it’s important to remember that these conditions, though common, are not a normal part of life. Seeking treatment for mental health conditions is crucial because emotional well-being is just as important as physical health.

Understanding the difference between common and normal can be an  eye opener that empowers you to make decisions that support your personal health and wellness goals. Take note of these suggestions that can encourage that shift:

1. Listen to Your Body: Really pay attention to how your body feels and if something doesn’t feel right. Whether it's constant tiredness, digestive discomfort, or chronic pain, don’t dismiss it just because the buzz at the office break room confirms it's a common experience for many. Take it as a cue that your body needs attention and care.
2. Don’t Normalize Discomfort: Just because others are experiencing the same challenges doesn’t mean you have to accept them as part of life. Discomfort, whether physical or mental, is often a sign that something in your health routine needs adjustment.
3. Prioritize Prevention: Yes, illness and chronic conditions are common, so it’s important to prioritize prevention through proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental wellness practices. Making adjustments that will help you achieve a state of balance and well-being can help you avoid the common pitfalls that often lead to chronic issues.
4. Seek Guidance: If you’re unsure about whether something you’re experiencing is common or normal, seek guidance from a health professional. A doctor, nutritionist, or therapist can help you better understand your symptoms and set you on the right  path.

So, while many health challenges and lifestyle habits are common, they do not represent the normal state of health and wellness we should strive for. It is very possible to strive for more than what is common. 

By making frequent mindful choices and listening to your body’s needs, you can shift from what’s common  to what’s truly normal and optimal for your personal well-being. As more and more of us make that shift, over time we might just be able to tip the scale for what’s normal to also be what’s common. We can do that through tiny changes consistently over time. Thriving, not merely surviving—should be the standard we set for ourselves! 

About the Author:
JoAnn Begley is a Holistic Wellness Practitioner, and Certified Nutrition, Health & Lifestyle Coach, with 25 years experience in holistic wellness services. She believes simple ways of achieving and maintaining wellness are often overlooked and has a passion  for empowering others to achieve their health and wellness goals. As a former family caregiver and former  caregiver consultant, she knows how difficult it is to take the first step towards self care and how important it is to do so.