Working in the fields of health and fitness I’m constantly reminded of how as a nation and individuals we often demonstrate the “all or nothing” culture. You can see it in our politics, food choices, exercise habits, social skills and technology devices.
In my work, here are some real-life examples witnessed.
- I eat healthy for a week then go on a total binge of junk food for the next month.
- I have a wedding to attend and exercise like crazy prior to it and then do nothing afterwards for several weeks.
- I work late most evenings and keep saying I’ll relax after this project, then I go on holiday and get sick ruining the vacation.
- A colleague who is a runner convinces me (a non-exerciser) to run a marathon with her, I think great, finally I’ll get myself in shape. I end up with plantar fasciitis and can’t even walk without pain for several weeks.
Maybe some individuals thrive on this all or nothing lifestyle philosophy. My experience tells me the negative consequences far outweigh the positive. How can one change this? What could worksite wellness, fitness organizations, personal trainers and other health practitioners do to reduce this type of mentality?
Let’s explore!
Whether you believe in the nudge theory or not, it’s an interesting phenomenon to apply here.
Nudge is a concept in behavioral science, political theory and economics which proposes positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions as ways to influence the behavior and decision making of groups or individuals.
From an exercise perspective if we would like to nudge individuals towards regular exercise instead of crash courses in movement better choices must be available and lessen the prevalence of negative ones. The same applies to food, if we want people to choose eating regular meals over snacking and crash course dieting the promotion and or availability of meals needs to be an option not just vending machines with snacks.
From a mental health perspective if stress is of a major concern providing a more human working environment is very different than a stress reduction course that lasts only one day. Or what about encouraging taking breaks and offering more job autonomy?
Simply said we need to nudge, offer and promote concepts that are sustainable and regular in activity. We also need to reward consistency at all levels. For example, on our ride to work every day, there is a group of 3 men from an industrial site who walk together day in day out, rain or shine. Sometimes they’ll sit down on a bench and chat and then move on. Now that’s something to reward.
That’s very different that giving a prize to an individual who participated in a one-off race or competition. The three gentlemen mentioned above have committed themselves for a much longer period of time and demonstrate comradery. Good for them and a bigger bonus for the company.
Another less positive example often seen in worksite wellness are Biggest Loser competitions. It comes in many forms, group and individual competitions for who can lose the most weight. The epitome of the all or nothing theory.
There is plenty of research demonstrating the lack of efficacy in a majority of weight loss programs. Especially concerning competitions, look up The Biggest Loser contestant weight gain and see the struggle. These types of competitions encourage weight cycling or yo-yo dieting as well as binge eating and other unhealthy practices.
Or what about step counting contests? While these may at face value seem harmless, they also promote habits that often have minimal sustainability. For example, let’s say I do today 10,000 steps than can I indulge in any type of food I want? Or what happens if I don’t make 10,000 steps do I feel depressed, deprive myself of dinner and or other punishment?
I’ve spoken in an earlier post here on our obsession of tracking steps, calories, sleep and more. I call it Track Mania this constant asking, in some worksite wellness programs requiring, individuals to keep track of stuff. I dare say hardly anyone needs one more thing on their “to do” list.
So what can we do?
Maybe the honest and more prudent solution would be to get out of the way. Let individuals/employees and basically anyone concerned about their wellbeing have the space, time and energy to do what they enjoy best. That probably means remove all types of contests and competitions.
It means offering ongoing programs that require commitment over a period of time. It means also broadening the scope of offerings to creative arts, hobbies, community service, as well as job and life-skill enhancing activities.
All of this means nothing though when you don’t have a job, a roof over your head and access to real food. Health inequities are the elephant in the room. Let’s not force our own beliefs on others. A gentler “nudge” might be step back and give people space to do wellness on their own terms: lifestyle sanity.
Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.
Jochen Zeitz
