Wellness: What does it mean to you?
While the term itself is oversaturated, the exploration of how we define ‘being well’ for ourselves is more important than ever. It’s personal, but it doesn’t need to be preachy or complicated. Health and wellness can be nurtured in any aspect of our lives, from the physical to the mental, emotional, spiritual and financial. Any of these pillars, when examined and cared for, can contribute to a richer and more enjoyable existence.
In this series, we share the stories, challenges and discoveries of a diverse range of people who each have a unique perspective on health and wellbeing, and how these pillars manifest in their lives.
“Right now, “wellness” means looking after myself in a way that allows me to show up as the healthiest, happiest and kindest version of myself for my friends, family and the people I work with.”
When it comes to health and wellness, Madeleine Walker is acutely aware of how the trickle-down effect of taking care of ourselves can influence everything from our relationships to how successful we are in our careers. The founder and director of The Twenties Club, an online platform catering to modern women, has built a dedicated community of readers who hang on her every word as she explores myriad topics from global politics to beauty, fashion, pop culture, business and, of course, health.
Covering everything from hormonal wellbeing to exercise, burn-out, cosmetic surgery and mental health, Madeleine’s passion for investigating how we define wellness is by no means a recent development — including for herself.
“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have an interest, in some capacity, in my health and wellbeing,” she says. “In recent years, I’ve just become more acutely aware of what a privilege it is to have the means to take care of ourselves, so I try not to take it for granted.”
While the term ‘wellness’ has meant different things to her at different points in her life, Madeleine says her current interpretation of wellness includes both herself and those around her.
“Right now, ‘wellness’ means looking after myself in a way that allows me to show up as the healthiest, happiest and kindest version of myself for my friends, family and the people I work with.”
As too many women will have experienced, Madeleine’s own health journey and challenges revolve predominantly around issues with hormones and birth control, and the less-than-favourable side effects they can have.
After years spent switching between different contraceptives, including a Mirena IUD which required surgery after it became lodged in the wall of her uterus, Madeleine decided it was time to restore her reproductive health, reinstating her ‘natural’ cycle and addressing any underlying issues at the same time.
This prompted her to begin working with naturopath Selina Singh.
“One of the first things we did was an OATs (Organic Acids Test), and that gave us a good snapshot of my overall health and how various pathways were working efficiently/inefficiently,” explains Madeleine. “We found that “phase two” of my liver detox pathways was incredibly sluggish – it was basically at a standstill – which meant I wasn’t detoxing things like excess adrenaline, estrogen or environmental toxins, as efficiently as I could be.”
In addition to targeted supplements, Selina requested that Madeline aim for an ‘intense sweat’ for at least 10-15 minutes each day to support her phase-two pathway — something Hana’s infrared saunas are more than capable of providing.
“No one knows your body better than you do: if something feels wrong, then it probably is.”
Studies have shown that infrared saunas can be a very effective aid for detoxification, thanks to the fact that an infrared sauna uses invisible infrared wavelengths that mimic the way the sun produces heat, to heat the body’s core.
By penetrating deep into the body, these wavelengths encourage the core temperature to slowly rise, allowing the body to gently remove the build up of unwanted toxins in its system.
Plus, it’s an all-round relaxing experience.
“I feel so calm when I’m in the sauna,” enthuses Madeleine. “I can actually feel my parasympathetic nervous system kicking in, my heart rate slowing down and my mind quietening. It’s truly one of the best feelings, and sits in such stark contrast with how I usually feel moving through my busy life.”
As for one of the key pieces of advice she’d like to share, the multi-talented writer and creative says it’s all about trusting your instincts. “No one knows your body better than you do: if something feels wrong, then it probably is.”
And one lesson she’s learned for herself?
“That we shouldn’t settle for feeling mediocre, mentally or physically — we all deserve to feel fucking amazing.”