It is not necessary to have a perfect morning routine, follow ultra-strict nutritional goals, or train to the extreme to be part of the fitness community and take care of your health.

noli's read

Analysis of the impact of social media shows that constant exposure to idealized lifestyle routines alters general well-being. A major meta-analysis published in 2023 in *Taylor & Francis* (covering 48 studies) confirms that upward social comparison in the face of this ultra-curated content has systematic negative effects on self-esteem and psychological well-being. Regarding nutrition, a classic observational study published in the journal *Appetite* demonstrated that a rigid dietary approach is strongly associated with body dissatisfaction and a stressful relationship with food, as opposed to mindful flexibility. Cross-sectional work conducted by Linardon in 2017 also highlights that the obsession with aiming for millimetric macro targets can generate a significant mental load. Finally, while behavioral science shows that maintaining a simple, regular routine reduces decision fatigue, the quest for artificial perfection proves counterproductive. This demystification of extreme rituals is therefore fully validated by research on the psychology of well-being.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.