The Challenge of Constant Doing

In a world that often celebrates productivity and the hustle, it's easy to get swept up in the constant chase for more. There’s always something to strive for: get the promotion, run the marathon, finish the book, complete the barre challenge, stick it out through the cleanse, and fill the calendar with appointments, calls, meet-ups, classes, trips, happy hours—because that’s what success looks like, right?

Many of us take the same approach with holistic wellness and find ourselves in a vicious cycle of fatigue and burnout. With the latest apps, weekly pilates classes, TikTok self-care routines, and prepped meals, every day is packed with productive goals—but something isn’t quite working.

Despite ticking all the boxes, we still feel drained—mentally, emotionally, and physically, our nervous systems always on edge. We can’t help but wonder: I’m doing everything right. Why am I not feeling better?

The harder we push, the clearer it becomes: wellness has become just another item on our never-ending to-do list.

But well-being is not about doing more—it’s about being more.

The To-Be List: 7 Holistic Practices to Achieve Well-Being

While goals often drive us to do more, practices invite us to be more. If you've ever found yourself feeling drained by your to-do lists, it might be time to consider creating a 'To-Be' list instead—one that nurtures your nervous system, respects your natural rhythms, and supports your overall well-being.

By shifting the focus away from relentless achievement and toward intentional well-being, you can change how you approach health, happiness, and personal growth.

Here are 7 practices to help you transform your To-Do List into a To-Be List:

1. To-Do List: Be Perfect | To-Be List: Be Calm

Perfectionism is often a trauma response and can be a sign our nervous systems are stuck in fight-or-flight mode. If we are perfect, we think we can keep ourselves safe and prevent future trauma from occurring. But what if, instead of chasing perfection and external validation, we could cultivate a feeling of safety in ourselves by calming our nervous system and working to resolve our past traumas?

A few deep breaths or a quick mindfulness practice in the moment can shift you out of stress mode. And when your nervous system is relaxed, the little things start to feel less like a threat. Bodywork to help with vagus nerve decompression or working with a nutritionist on a diet focused on balancing your blood sugar are also good ways to bring your body into balance, creating the space for calm.

2. To-Do List: Look Good | To-Be List: Feel Good

We all know how easy it is to get caught up in appearances—whether it’s chasing the perfect selfie for the Gram or keeping up with 8-step skincare routines that require more and more products - leaving you feeling like you are completing a chore every night before bed. But what if we flipped the script and started focusing on how we feel instead of just how we look?

What if you gave your skin a break, swapped a Botox session for holistic microneedling, ditched the pressure to look flawless, and skipped the spray tan for some real sunshine? Those small shifts can actually make you feel good and lead to other choices that naturally help you look good, too. The best glo-ups usually come from the inside out.

3. To-Do List: Diet | To-Be List: Eat Well

We’ve all tried restrictive diets, fasting, or juice cleanses, only to feel depleted rather than energized. The constant cycle of cutting out foods, followed by cravings and exhaustion, takes its toll.

What if instead of restricting, you focused on nourishing your body? Think of food as fuel—opt for a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that supports your energy and gut health. Working with a dietitian on a plan full of whole foods, seasonal produce, and clean ingredients can make eating well a sustainable habit that supports your long-term well-being.

4. To-Do List: Work Out | To-Be List: Move

Exercise can often feel like another obligation—dragging yourself out of bed at 5:30 a.m. for a HIIT class you dread or rushing through traffic just to make it to yoga. It can quickly turn into one more task to check off your list. But movement doesn’t have to feel like a punishment.

What if you listened to your body and chose activities that bring you joy? Maybe it's dancing in your living room, taking a walk to clear your mind, or doing a gentle yoga flow. When movement feels good, it becomes something you look forward to. Instead of another box to check, it transforms into an everyday ritual that leaves you feeling energized and strong in both body and mind.

5. To-Do List: Treat | To-Be List: Heal

It’s easy to get caught up in symptom management—quick fixes, temporary relief, and constantly treating the surface-level issues. But real healing means going deeper.

Holistic practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and energy work can help you address the root cause of imbalances, guiding you toward long-term health. It might take more time and patience, but investing in true healing means you won’t have to keep treating the same problems over and over and you can get back to living your best life.

6. To-Do List: Push + Hustle | To-Be List: Play + Rest

Let’s face it—adulting often makes us forget how to play. With all the focus on getting ahead, play and rest easily fall by the wayside. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re told to power through stress, no matter how drained we feel. But what if, instead of pushing harder, you paused to rest or rediscovered your creative spark through play?

Whether it’s picking up a hobby, doing something spontaneous, or simply enjoying time outside, play can spark creativity and increase problem solving skills. And don’t underestimate the power of rest—it’s not a luxury, but essential for healing and growth. A good night’s sleep, a sound bath, or quiet moments to recharge can prevent burnout and create space for true progress.

7. To-Do List: Me Time | To-Be List: Time for Connection

We’ve all been there—thinking that binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through Instagram is the perfect way to unwind. It feels like "me time," and that’s important, right? But too much screen time can leave us feeling more disconnected and drained. While we all need alone time, we’re biologically wired for connection, and true fulfillment often comes from real-life interactions.

Whether it’s catching up with a friend over coffee, attending a wellness event, or having a meaningful conversation, those connections nurture your emotional well-being in ways that screen time simply can’t. Instead of isolating, make time for real-life connections that fill you up. Because hearing about a friend’s Europe trip over a latte beats scrolling through their highlight reel any day.

Nurturing Your Holistic Journey

As you shift from focusing on what you want to accomplish to how you want to feel, you may find that your goals become not only easier to achieve but also more meaningful. Your 'To-Be' list invites you to embrace practices that nurture your mind, body, and spirit—without adding more to your plate.

Yes, there’s always room for achievement, but there’s also space for stillness. Taking care of yourself in a way that honors your well-being feels empowering. It’s about being present, celebrating the small wins, and giving yourself permission to just be.

So, take a deep breath. By being fully present, you’re setting your future self up for a deeper sense of well-being, balance, and fulfillment.

And isn't that the goal anyway?

7 Wellness Practices to Help You Shift from Hustling to Healing: A Holistic Guide to Wellness