One of the lasting legacies from the pandemic is the move towards virtual wellness. From fitness and nutrition to mental health support, many services have transferred online and opened up wellness to a much broader audience. Even “hands-on” wellness such as physiotherapy can be offered remotely through video consultations and supporting patients to rehab themselves.
Advances in technology have undoubtedly changed.
Does Virtual Wellness Work?
Virtual wellness often has exactly the same benefits as the face-to-face equivalent.
For therapy, there is very little difference between online and in-person sessions. You can gain the same tools and work through problems in the same way as you would face-to-face. For therapy that takes place via video chat, being able to see your therapist makes it feel even more like an in-person session.
The Benefits of Virtual Wellness
Not everything can be done virtually, of course. But you might be surprised at just how much of your wellbeing can potentially be worked on in this way.
Some of the benefits linked to virtual wellness include:
- Easy Access
If you’ve never tried a particular service, virtual wellness can make it much more accessible. You can often sign up in just a couple of clicks, which is great if you’re nervous about taking the first step.
You don’t even need to leave the house to access virtual wellness services. This is perfect if you’re moving out of your comfort zone and want to be in a familiar place. Accessing therapy or taking part in a fitness class can feel a lot less daunting when it takes place virtually in your own home - Flexibility
Lack of time is one of the biggest reasons for putting your wellbeing on the backburner but virtual wellness can be much easier to fit into even a busy schedule. You’ll often be able to choose appointments or sessions that work for you rather than having to wait for in-person ones to become available.If you’re super busy or trying to fit your wellness around small children, this flexibility can be the difference between prioritising your wellness (or otherwise!).Virtual fitness classes can often be accessed on-demand so you can do workouts whenever it’s convenient.And because you don’t need to factor travel times into the equation, virtual wellness can be even more convenient. If you would normally rely on public transport to get to in-person options or you’d have to drive a long way, virtual wellness solutions can be invaluable. - Kinder On Your Budget
Many fitness classes are free to access or only charge a low fee to get involved. Another bonus is you won’t usually need fancy equipment. As long as you have the space to work out without too much restriction, it can be a lot cheaper than signing up for a pricy gym membership. - Potential for Preventing Illness
Because there’s so much convenience and flexibility in virtual wellness., it can be a lot easier to keep on top of your health.Access to preventative support from a nutritionist or health coach can keep you on track with health goals that help prevent illness.Niggling symptoms can be addressed because they become a big concern, for example. You don’t have to wait until it’s convenient to travel somewhere.There’s also less potential for getting sick. Attending virtual wellness sessions means you’re not at risk of picking up viruses as you likely would on a face-to-face basis. If you have low immunity, this offers the best of both worlds. You can still prioritise your wellbeing without exposing yourself to illness.
The Downsides of Virtual Wellness
What about the not-so-great aspects of virtual wellness? If you have any doubts, it’s worth speaking to your doctor before you go ahead, especially if you plan to make big changes to your lifestyle.
Some of the potential downsides of virtual wellness can include:
- You’re Reliant On Technology
If you don’t have a strong and reliable Internet connection, virtual wellness can be a non-starter. The last thing you need is for your connection to freeze at a vital moment. - You’ll Need To Do Your Research
Do your research with virtual wellness options, just as you would with in-person. Qualifications are definitely something you’ll want to check out, along with past experience and reviews. - You’re Self-Correcting
The remote side of virtual wellness can be a problem for fitness in particular. There’s no instructor with you in the room and you’re largely responsible for your own technique. If your form is poor or you’re exercising in a way that puts you at risk of injury, you may not realise until something goes wrong. - It’s Not Always The Best Choice For You
Virtual wellness isn’t always the best option. Sometimes, there’s no substitute for face-to-face care and support. You may also prefer to be in a neutral environment rather than at home. A lot depends on your specific circumstances so you’ll need to weigh up what will work best for you.
