Wellbeing is the buzzword of our time, but according to Lululemon’s latest Global Wellbeing Report, Australians might be pushing themselves too hard in the quest for balance. The report, released on September 24, 2024, paints a worrying picture: the relentless pursuit of wellbeing is leaving Aussies feeling more burnt out than ever before.

With 74% of Australians setting boundaries to maintain their health, it’s clear we’re trying – but it’s not enough. The national wellbeing score has stalled at 66, and the pressure to keep up with wellness trends is overwhelming. Nearly two-thirds of us are struggling to meet societal demands on how we should “do” wellbeing, with 55% of Aussies feeling the heat from rising stress and burnout levels.

“This year’s report highlights the irony – the harder Aussies push for a perfect state of wellbeing, the more it backfires,” says Paul Tinkler, Vice President of Lululemon Australia and New Zealand. “Burnout and isolation are increasing, and it’s clear traditional approaches aren’t cutting it. We need strategies that promote genuine connection and balanced movement.”

To tackle these challenges, Lululemon has launched the ‘Together We Grow’ initiative, helping Aussies reconnect through movement ahead of World Mental Health Day. This report reveals that younger generations, especially Gen Z, are feeling the brunt of these pressures more than any other group.

The Struggles of Gen Z

The report shows Gen Z Aussies are experiencing significantly higher levels of loneliness, burnout, and a lack of purpose than the general population. A whopping 85% of Gen Z are reporting burnout, compared to 55% of Australians overall, with 61% feeling lonely at least sometimes – a staggering contrast to the 40% national average.

How Can We Combat Wellbeing Burnout?

Lululemon’s report offers some simple strategies to break the cycle:

1. Exercise the Right to Disconnect – Taking time away from social media and practicing mindfulness can significantly improve mental health. Australians who practice mindfulness report a 13% boost in their mental wellbeing.
2. Invite Others to Join Your Journey – Group activities and social exercise can make a world of difference. Those who see physical activity as a chance to socialise report 24% higher wellbeing.
3. Move at Your Own Pace – Incorporating consistent, manageable movement into your routine can build mental resilience and boost overall wellbeing by 17%.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Musgrove also weighs in, saying, “The constant push to achieve perfect wellbeing can paradoxically cause more stress and feelings of inadequacy. We need to set realistic goals, create boundaries, and find joy in movement and community.”

The Power of Moving Together

The report highlights the undeniable impact of community-based movement, especially for men. Aussies who engage in group workouts report 24% higher overall wellbeing, with men experiencing a 46% higher sense of belonging compared to 36% in the UK.

As part of Lululemon’s commitment to community, they’ve kicked off their ‘Together We Grow’ Challenge, offering free movement-based events across Australia in the lead-up to World Mental Health Day on October 10th. So, if you’re ready to improve your wellbeing, grab a mate and get moving!

To learn more about the initiative or join in, visit Lululemon’s website.

Lululemon continues to make strides in supporting mental and physical health, recently pledging $3.1 million USD to mental health organisations like United for Global Mental Health and UNICEF’s Global Mental Health Fund.

So, Bundy, if you’re feeling the burnout, it might be time to slow down, disconnect, and lean into the power of community – it could be the boost you need!