Wellness Over Things: A New Way of Approaching the Holidays

By: Doug Hay

I never realized how much stuff was involved in a typical holiday until I had a daughter. 

During her first real Christmas (she was born about a week before Christmas, so that one doesn’t count), she received more presents than the rest of my family combined. 

Easily. 

Toys, books, dolls, blocks, clothes, bikes…

You name it, it was probably under my tree for her to open. 

There was even a Yoda doll about twice her size.

(She was more excited about him in real life.)

And my daughter? After the first few gifts, all she wanted was time to play (and nap). 

But while it might not have stood out as much until she was born, even as adults, the amount of money and energy we spend on things during the holidays is staggering. 

We live in a world of instant pleasure — notifications on your phone, same-day delivery, and streaming shows whenever you want — which bleeds into a culture of buying and giving gifts you don’t actually need. 

… A running watch to replace my 2-year-old running watch? Yeah, I probably don’t need that.

…. Mugs, dishes, and random kitchen gadgets? I probably don’t need those either. 

… A fifth way to make coffee? OK, I’m intrigued. I’ll take it. 😉

You get the point. 

Fast fashion and inexpensive throw-away products fill our houses and online shopping carts, only to then fill junkyards or clutter our closets.

So what if this year, we did something different … 

… What if instead of investing in yet another thing to fill a junk drawer or countertop, we invest in our — or our loved one’s — wellness.

Wellness over things. 

Now now, before you go roll your eyes on over to the next article, hear me out: 

Things are important. I often need new clothes, appreciate new tech, and am never disappointed when someone gives me a new way to make coffee. 

Plus receiving things is nice, and the joy of giving is unmatched. I love to see how excited people get giving my daughter gifts, and the smile it brings to her face when opening them. 

But far too often when I buy something new for myself or a loved one, their health never comes to mind. 

But what better gift could you give yourself or someone else than health and wellness?

Wellness Over Things… in Action

Reducing things is pretty trendy right now. Marie Kondo and her method of tidying up is not only mentioned by Matt and I often on NMA Radio (it really did change our lives), but it has also gone totally mainstream with a Netflix show everyone seemed to be talking about.

Most people these days are thinking about decluttering, minimalism, and downsizing more and more.

But in all those cases, it’s not just about reduction, it’s about being intentional and focusing on what’s important. 

And that’s exactly what we’re trying to do with Wellness Over Things. Encouraging ourselves (and you!) to focus on the most important thing: 

Wellness.  

Because when you’re healthy, you feel good. And when you feel good, you’re a better partner, parent, friend, and athlete. 

Here are just a few examples of what that could look like: 

• Subscription service to a health app like Headspace or Aaptive.
• Gym or yoga studio membership.
• Gift certificate to a plant-based food delivery service like Veestro or Purple Carrot. 
• Health books and cookbooks.
• Online wellness programs that focus on fitness, nutrition, or mindset. 

It wouldn’t be hard to create a list 5x as long, and that’s the point…

There are countless ways to invest in wellness this holiday season. To take your interests and the interests of your loved ones, and double down on wellness. 

And you know what? I’d appreciate any of those options more than something else that takes up space on my shelf. 

Wellness Over Things… a Movement

This holiday season, No Meat Athlete wants to start a movement. 

A movement away from throw-away things and towards our health and wellness. 

We’re undoubtedly going to keep purchasing gifts — for ourselves and our loved ones — only this year, we’re choosing wellness to come first. 

… Supporting our own health comes before another throw-away item. 

… Supporting the wellness of our loved ones comes before a gift they don’t want or need. 

… Supporting companies that promote our values comes before another Big Box purchase. 

And that feels pretty damn good. 

Now we want you to join us this year in choosing Wellness Over Things. 

We’re even starting a #WellnessOverThings hashtag to make it official (every movement needs a hashtag, right?)! 

So tell us, how can you choose Wellness Over Things this year?

Start by sharing your #WellnessOverThings plans to spread the word. Together we can start a movement.

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