| Dear reader,
If there is ever a time when we could all do with a bit more “wellness” it’s now. In the face of a seemingly ever-bleaker news cycle, the Guardian US is launching a new section, Well Actually, which aims to bring some healthy scepticism to an industry prone to consumerism, misinformation and goals that can feel unattainable.
Estelle Tang, the lifestyle and wellness editor running the section, says it has been set up to “interrogate and challenge” the sometimes dubious claims made by brands £1.5 trillion wellness market.
“As our lives remain crammed with stress, responsibilities and needs, it comes to the rescue with promises, offering countless products and ideas to people in need of something – anything – that will improve their lives. Sometimes, it can be helpful. Often, it’s quackery,”
Estelle says.
“We’ll interrogate and challenge those health and self-care trends and identify the findings that matter. We’ll cut through the noise with thoughtful, actionable journalism, thorough reporting and moving personal perspectives about how to lead meaningful lives.”
New stories in the section include a surprising study on how the synthetic fabrics used in gym clothes could be leaching toxic chemicals into our skin; a closer examination of why we’re so susceptible to the easy fixes promised by self-care trends; and in the inaugural edition of our new beauty column, Ask Ugly, Jessica DeFino tackles Botox and the false hope of “anti-ageing”.
Well Actually will be grounded in the progressive values that guide all of the Guardian’s journalism, including a commitment to social justice, our impact on the climate and rigorous, science-backed reporting.
“We’re hoping to bring a realistic lens to this type of coverage, while also bringing some joy and levity,”
Estelle said.
“Wellness shouldn’t be these impossible standards that you’re never going to achieve in your life.”
Well Actually launches with a story indicative of what readers can expect from the section. Katherine Rowland writes about her search for relief from a mysterious, chronic illness defying all forms of diagnosis – and the wellness industry’s myriad would-be solutions.
“Where conventional medicine shrugs its shoulders, the wellness industry brims with answers,”
Katherine writes.
“We don’t believe that one product or idea will magically make you feel happy or healthy,”
Estelle wrote in her editor’s letter announcing the section. But that doesn’t mean Well Actually won’t seek solutions: Madeleine Aggeler spoke with a wide range of experts for her guide to responsibly responding to the world’s tragedies, be they war, disease or climate catastrophe, while maintaining your own mental health.
“Life can be terrible – but it can also be really good,”
Estelle said.
“And we’ll be here for you no matter which side of the equation life has you on.”
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Some View on the World 