Cut Through the Noise: Finding Wellness in an Age of Information Overload
Clifford Stoll once said, “Data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom.” That quote feels more relevant than ever.
We live in a time when information is everywhere—literally at our fingertips. Scroll through Instagram, click on a blog, or open a magazine, and you’ll find countless opinions on wellness. Everyone’s an expert: trainers, doctors, influencers, gurus. Each one has the secret to hard abs, bouncy buns, and eternal youth.
I’ve been in the fitness industry for nearly 15 years, and even I get overwhelmed. So how do you figure out what actually works for you?
Let’s simplify. I believe wellness comes down to three main pillars. Simple doesn’t mean easy—but focusing here will give you clarity, consistency, and results that keep you motivated.
1. What You Eat
First, a disclaimer: I’m not a registered dietitian. I do have a nutrition certification, but for personalized guidance, always consult a licensed professional. That said, there’s one rule I stand by: prioritize whole foods.
Whole foods are those that are unprocessed or minimally processed. They retain their nutrients and fiber—and your body thrives on them. It’s safe to say that the more ingredients you see on a package and the longer the shelf life it has, the less nutritious it is. A good run of thumb when grocery shopping is to buy the bulk of your food from the outer walls of the grocery store. If a product has a long shelf life and a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, it’s probably not helping you feel your best.
Remember: not all calories are equal. 500 calories of chips isn’t the same as 500 calories of kale. Our bodies are magical creations and they respond better when we fill them with nutrient-dense fuel!
2. How You Move
Here’s where things get heated in the fitness world—everyone wants to claim their workout is the best. I love boxing, others love heavy weights, others yoga. In my opinion, the best workout is the one you enjoy and do consistently.
We’ll dig deeper into specific workout styles in future posts, but for now, just find what makes your body and your soul happy. Longevity experts and many medical doctors are on record saying that consistent exercise is THE most important thing you can do for your entire well being. It supports nearly every system in your body—even down to the cellular level. So find something you love, and do it often.
3. How You Handle Stress
The last of my big three is candidly the one I struggle with most. Over the years I have had to learn to manage my anxiety because it had at one point almost become crippling. Stress, unlike exercise, breaks you down—mentally, emotionally, and physically. It can even trigger illnesses/diseases that were lying dormant.
If you struggle with anxiety, it’s important to build daily habits to manage it. My own routine includes:
- Starting the day with prayer and gratitude
- Taking calming supplements like magnesium and ashwagandha
- Moving my body daily—even if it’s just a 15-minute walk
- Practicing breathwork when anxiety creeps in
- Sticking to a bedtime routine for quality sleep
Some days I am more successful managing stress than others, but having a daily plan keeps me grounded when life gets chaotic.
I’d love to hear from you. What wellness questions do you have? What topics should we explore next?
Let’s make this space collaborative. Drop me a note at hnorton@stlouisboxingclub.