Embracing a New Era of Wellness in South Africa

Before the pandemic, wellness often felt like a luxury or, worse, an afterthought. Burnout was glorified as a sign of ambition, therapy was whispered about in secrecy, and doing it all was the unspoken standard. For many South Africans, wellness was something to turn to only in a crisis.



Five years after Covid-19 upended the world, a significant shift has occurred. While challenges such as rising living costs, load-shedding fatigue, and escalating mental health issues persist, younger generations are leading a quiet rebellion against survival mode. A 2023 survey revealed that 55% of Millennials and Gen Z have sought therapy, with 40% actively pursuing it in 2024. In contrast, only 11% of Baby Boomers have done so since the pandemic began. This shift reflects a growing cultural movement prioritizing wholeness over wealth and connection over competition.



Wellness is no longer confined to spa days or luxury retreats; it has become proactive, personal, and deeply relevant to daily life. In 2020, wellness was largely reactive, but today it focuses on prevention and intentional choices. South Africans are discovering wellness in everyday moments, such as sunset walks with friends and meaningful conversations, while prioritizing their mental and physical health.



A Global Nature Survey indicated that South Africans spend more time outdoors than any other nation, with over 92% of respondents prioritizing time in nature. These connections with the natural world serve as a lifeline in an increasingly demanding environment. Wellness now encompasses basics like sleep routines, step counts, healthy relationships, and open discussions about mental health.



In group chats, individuals are exchanging therapy tips instead of pretending everything is fine, reflecting a collective shift toward normalizing mental health struggles. However, the reality remains that one in six South Africans lives with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, and public access to mental health care is limited, with only one psychologist per 100,000 people in the state system.



This gap has led many to seek help through technology. A personalized approach allows individuals to prioritize their mental and physical health while benefiting businesses. Jaco Oosthuizen, managing director and co-founder of YuLife South Africa, emphasizes that South Africans do not need more apps pushing extreme fitness goals; instead, they should embrace wellness at their own pace. Given the prominence of social media, many individuals are eager to share their wellness journeys, although this can sometimes lead to a need to perform wellness, overshadowing the original goals of their practices.



Oosthuizen notes that prioritizing well-being is not just a humane choice; it is also a smart, sustainable business strategy. Rising healthcare costs and drops in productivity underscore the necessity of supporting employee wellness.



This new era of wellness signifies a critical cultural reset, a collective exhale after years of chronic stress. The message is clear: wellness is within reach and can begin with small, intentional changes.



To embrace this new era of self-care, consider these steps:



1. Spend time in nature to lower stress and boost your mood.
2. Prioritize a consistent sleep routine, as rest is foundational to well-being.
3. Share your mental health journey with trusted friends or family to help break the stigma.



Health is often found in the choices we make, the boundaries we set, and the moments we create for ourselves.