IIN is fortunate to have a collection of the world’s leading health and wellness experts at its fingertips, and we’re always tapping them for their expertise and insights. There’s so much information out there, and it can be overwhelming and exhausting. What should we make of all of it? What’s noise, and what’s important? What does the future hold? That’s what inspired us to create the 10 Most Critical Health Questions series, featuring a who’s who of health and wellness visionaries.
Below is our interview with Kristin McGee, who launched yoga classes on Peloton. Kristin is a nationally recognized celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor and an author, as well as a featured speaker at our upcoming virtual summit, WellBeing 2024: Charting Your Path to Enhanced Health and Vitality. On the final day of the three-day session, she’ll lead a session called Connecting to Self, Transforming the World.
IIN: What is the single biggest health threat we face as a society, and how can we combat it?
Kristin McGee: I think there are two things: One is poor mental health and the other is physical inactivity. The two go hand in hand. As we spend more time on screens and less time moving, it affects our mental and physical health. We also tend to spend less quality time with people and our mental health suffers. We need to get outside and enjoy being alive! A walk with a good friend is good for the brain and the body. If we all took care of our own health and felt mentally at ease, I think we'd see a lot more peacefulness in our world. It all starts with us and our own connection to ourselves.
IIN: What is the single biggest advancement you’ve seen to support mental health?
Kristin McGee: For me, personally, it's meditating twice daily. It doesn't take any fancy apps or medical technology to find a quiet space and clear your head. Twenty minutes twice a day is ideal.
Read More: 10 Critical Health Questions With SheLaunch Co-Founder Melissa Ambrosini
IIN: How do you think AI and emerging technology will affect our collective health in the next decade?
Kristin McGee: I think it will make it worse, to be honest. I find it just keeps everyone glued to technology. The best thing we can do is go back to basics and limit screen time as much as possible. Move your body, eat well, be with your community, and practice mindfulness. I am afraid that technology keeps pulling us away from real-life interactions.
IIN: If you had $1 billion to invest in health and wellness today, where would you put your money and why?
Kristin McGee: I'd start with young kids and help them learn good coping skills. I’d help them feel amazing in their minds, bodies, and spirits, and teach them the importance of self-love. When you learn to love yourself, you take better care of yourself.
IIN: Which three health and wellness trends do you think will explode in popularity and relevance in the coming years?
Kristin McGee: Once again, I think less is more. I hope the trends are really basic, like moving your body, eating nourishing foods, and practicing meditation.
IIN: Why do you think coaching is booming right now?
Kristin McGee: Many people feel lost and disconnected. There are a lot of comparisons going on, and constant talk of the next quick fix. Coaching helps people come back to themselves and figure out what's right for them. A good coach can listen and help a person where they are, and give them tools to choose from that work for them. It's great to have someone to be accountable to as you're figuring it out.
Read More: How to Know If Your Health Coach Is Legit: 10 Questions to Ask a Health Coach
IIN: Screen time continues to be a major societal issue. Is there anything we can do to curb it?
Kristin McGee: It's really hard, and so much of what we need to do today requires being on a screen. I think all we can do is set screen time limits and be really disciplined about it. Schedule in times that you are not on your screen, and make a point to leave your phone at home if and when you can. Get used to just being, without having to do something all the time.
IIN: Let’s talk Ozempic. Do you think the medication — and others like it — will continue to be used at such a high rate?
Kristin McGee: I don't know. The past has shown us that everyone wants a quick fix or the next best thing. Simple things like eating well and moving your body seem boring and slow. But slow is the fastest way to go, and movement and good food actually can be really exciting and enriching to your life. Taking a drug isn't the answer, in my opinion, unless it's used in conjunction with these other things.
IIN: Do you think virtual events (immersive mindfulness sessions, interactive cooking classes, virtual workouts) will make in-person activities relatively obsolete in the future? Can they make a comeback?
Kristin McGee: I think people want in-person activities and are craving them now. I think there is a space for virtual events, and it's great when people can't travel or meet up, but I don't think they will ever take the place of a real human experience in person.
IIN: What do you think is the future of nutrition and metabolic health?
Kristin McGee: I think it’s going back to basics. Eat real food. Cut out the processed stuff as much as possible. Don't get so caught up in every new thing that comes your way. Listen to your body. Move your body. Eat well, but also try not to fixate on it so much ... just enjoy life! Metabolic health will take care of itself when you really listen to your body and discover what it needs. If anything, maybe the future will include more open-mindedness about treating each individual as opposed to making general statements for everyone. I think healthy food should always be cool, and the more we make eating well more of a natural lifestyle choice, the better off we'll be.
And don’t forget to register for WellBeing 2024, which will be held from Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th. Learn more about the event and register for free here!