Nowadays, people place greater importance on the saying “Health is Wealth” than ever before. This phrase has evolved to signify more than just the absence of illness; it now encompasses a holistic state of well-being, where mental, physical, and emotional health are all in harmony.

Filipinos are now shifting their focus from material possessions to experiences that enhance their overall health and well. These have become  the new luxuries worth investing in. 

The National Institute of Wellness defines wellness as a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of realizing one’s full potential. It is a positive and affirming journey that contributes to a long, healthy life.

According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Wellness is not just about physical health; it also involves your lifestyle, spiritual, and mental well-being. 

Why Wellness is the New Flex 

What does it really mean when people say, “Wellness is the new flex”? Beyond material possessions, good health is now seen as a mark of success that many people flaunt. 

Filipinos now prioritize extending their health span to maintain holistic physical and mental condition. Gym memberships, and smart rings that track heart rate, sleep, and activity levels, are seen as essential investments.

Kurt Matthew Huang, a 22-year-old college student and an avid gym-goer, shared that his motivation for consistently working out is to elevate his physique. But over time, he expressed that he genuinely enjoys exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, focusing more on the process than the outcome. . 

“I do think people have prioritized their health over the aesthetic aspect of the gym. Most of my gym friends mentioned how they work out for functionality rather than improving their overall physique, as that will pay off in the long run. They usually tell me what the point of a great physique is when you can’t live long enough to show it,” Huang shared. 

Another fitness enthusiast, Uzziel Ragual, a 21-year-old nursing student, shared that going to the gym helped him manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Focusing on wellness helps maintain good physical and mental health, which improves daily functioning and quality of life. As a nursing student, I believe that taking care of our [health and] wellness prevents future health problems and helps us cope better with life’s challenges,” he shared.

The new luxury today has changed. It’s about looking and feeling good inside and out, and that is the ultimate flex.

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