The holiday season is traditionally a time to unwind, connect with loved ones, and indulge in the comforts of festive cheer. Yet, for many, this time of respite has transformed into another round in the never-ending pursuit of self-optimization. The pressure to perfect every moment—even downtime—has turned what should be a period of rejuvenation into a checklist of goals to achieve, from flawless holiday meals to achieving a wellness routine before the New Year.
At a recent Alt Ctrl Health panel hosted by RICE Media, experts delved into the psychology of self-improvement and how our obsession with optimization extends into the holiday season. Dr. Shravan Verma and Dr. Arun Jayaraj discussed the neuroscience behind habit formation, while fitness influencer Tyen Rasif examined the impact of social media on our health aspirations.
The Neuroscience of Self-Optimisation
The drive for self-improvement taps into the brain’s reward system. Every small victory—whether it’s an extra 1,000 steps or a few extra minutes of meditation—releases a rush of dopamine. Wearables and habit-tracking apps amplify this, turning our daily lives into a series of measurable metrics. While these tools are intended to help us live better, they can quickly become a source of stress. Dr. Arun Jayaraj notes that the constant influx of data from fitness trackers, sleep monitors, and wellness apps can feel less like empowerment and more like surveillance.
Ironically, this push for self-optimization intensifies during the holidays. Rather than resting, many are focused on “hacking” the perfect holiday experience, including preemptive fitness challenges designed to offset any potential holiday indulgence. In cities like Singapore, the pressure to always be improving—whether at work or during downtime—can feel especially intense. Dr. Arun suggests that the ubiquity of self-optimization is compounded by the way technology has become intertwined with our daily lives, conditioning us to seek validation through data rather than genuine contentment.
The Growing Market for Wellness
As wellness consumerism rises, the holiday season has become a prime time for biohacking gadgets, mindfulness subscriptions, and organic foods that promise peak health performance. However, this growing trend also highlights significant socioeconomic divides. The luxury of prioritizing health often hinges on financial resources, something that Tyen Rasif highlighted during the panel discussion. Dr. Arun, however, argues that fitness does not always require expensive gym memberships, and simple, accessible practices can achieve similar benefits.
Further complicating the wellness conversation is the lack of accessible, regulated alternatives for health and well-being. Dr. Verma, an expert in smoking cessation, pointed out that Singapore’s black market for unregulated health products—such as illicit vaping devices—poses a significant public health risk. While countries like the UK and New Zealand have successfully regulated alternative health products, Singapore still lacks such frameworks. This results in dangerous choices, with unapproved wellness supplements and devices potentially harming individuals seeking healthier lifestyles.
Wellness for All?
The growing gap in wellness access is most visible during the holiday season, a time when the disparities in what people can afford become more pronounced. While some indulge in luxurious spa days and organic meals, others are unable to access even basic wellness services due to systemic barriers. In this context, wellness can inadvertently alienate those it aims to help, turning what should be an inclusive movement into a form of elitism.
The Downside of Perpetual Improvement
There is a darker side to the drive for self-optimization. Studies show that constantly striving for improvement can lead to mental exhaustion, anxiety, and even physical health issues. The holiday season, which is supposed to offer a break from these pressures, has become yet another arena for overachievement. Instead of relaxing, many feel compelled to meet impossible standards for family gatherings or vacations, comparing their experiences to the curated lives they see on social media.
The relentless pursuit of perfection during the holidays often undermines the very rest and relaxation people seek. The cultural narrative that leisure must be optimized, measured, and compared to others creates a paradox: the season that’s meant to offer rest ends up increasing stress and self-doubt.
Embracing Imperfection
How can we reclaim the holiday season as a genuine break from the pressures of self-improvement? The first step may be to embrace the idea that “good enough” is often more than sufficient, especially during the holidays. Instead of perfecting every moment, we can find joy in the simple pleasures—whether it’s indulging in food, celebrating imperfect traditions, or just resting without guilt.
By stepping away from the constant tracking of steps, calories, or hours spent in meditation, we can allow ourselves to truly unwind. After all, the end-of-year season should be about indulging in life’s small imperfections and giving ourselves permission to simply be.
As the year draws to a close, perhaps the ultimate form of self-optimisation is choosing not to optimize at all. The holiday season should be a time for reflection and relaxation, not a race to achieve perfection. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the pressures of self-improvement and instead embrace the unquantifiable joy of being present in the moment.
Ultimately, being our best selves doesn’t have to come at the cost of forgetting how to rest.
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