By Charlotta Martinus
There’s a word that’s been making a quiet resurgence among young people: wholesome. On social media, in conversations, and within communities, young people are increasingly drawn to this concept. At first glance, it might seem like a quaint, almost old-fashioned word – something our grandparents might have used to describe a hearty meal or a simple, virtuous life.
But look closer, and you’ll see that young people are reclaiming “wholesome” as something deeply meaningful, as a counterpoint to the fragmented, fast-paced world they navigate daily.
Wholesome: Feeling Whole in a Fragmented World
The word “wholesome” finds its roots in Old English, from hal meaning “whole” or “healthy.” It denotes completeness, well-being, and a sense of being grounded. Historically, it’s linked to physical and moral health, to being sound in both body and spirit.
Now, consider the landscape young people are growing up in: a digital reality that often leaves them feeling disconnected, scattered, and lonely. Social media, while promising connection, frequently delivers curated snippets of life that make us feel less than whole. The constant comparison, the striving for perfection, and the unending digital noise create an environment where wholeness seems almost unattainable.
Yet, it’s exactly in this context that “wholesome” has found a new resonance. For many young people, being wholesome means seeking out moments of authenticity and simple joy. It’s the comfort of baking bread, tending a garden, or sharing unfiltered moments with friends. It’s about moving away from the flashy and the contrived toward something more grounded and real.
Why Do Young People Crave Wholesomeness?
There’s a reason why young people are drawn to wholesome content and experiences. It’s not just about aesthetic pleasure or nostalgia; it’s about a deep craving for balance and connection.
When you feel pulled in multiple directions – academically, socially, emotionally – the idea of being whole feels like an antidote. Wholesomeness represents calm in a chaotic world, presence amid distraction. It’s no wonder that videos of people baking, tending plants, or simply talking about their feelings without pretense have become viral. They’re more than just content; they’re glimpses of a life that feels less fragmented and more genuinely human.
Finding Wholesomeness Through Yoga
In my work with young people through yoga, I see firsthand how the practice helps bridge this gap between the fractured and the whole. Yoga brings you back to the body – the one place where you can reconnect with yourself without judgment or distraction.
When we practice yoga, we are invited to pause, breathe, and feel what is real. There’s no pressure to be anything other than present. In a world that constantly demands more, yoga says, “Just be.”
This groundedness – this return to the body and the breath – creates a feeling of wholeness. It’s not about achieving perfect poses or pushing yourself to extremes. It’s about remembering that your body, your breath, and your mind are interconnected. You are more than the sum of your achievements or your social media presence. You are whole, just as you are.
Reconnecting to What Is Real
Wholesome content online often mimics this experience. It’s slow-paced, real, and unpretentious. It mirrors what we inherently know: that when we are grounded, when we connect to simple, nurturing practices, we feel more complete.
But watching wholesome content isn’t enough. To truly feel whole, we must practice what we see – engaging in real-life, grounding activities that make us feel rooted in the present. Yoga is one way, but so are walks in nature, cooking simple meals, or just sitting quietly with your thoughts.
A Movement Toward Wholeness
Politicians and educators often talk about mental resilience and grit, but what if the real solution is helping young people feel whole again? What if we created spaces – both physical and digital – that foster grounded-ness and connection?
Imagine communities where young people gather not just to consume content but to practice mindfulness, to move their bodies with intention, and to speak openly without fear of judgment. Creating these spaces could help bridge the gap between the digital and the real, the fragmented and the whole.
In a world that often feels disconnected and overwhelming, pursuing wholesomeness is a quiet rebellion. It’s choosing to value simplicity over speed, presence over performance. And through practices like yoga, we can cultivate this state of being not just as an aesthetic, but as a lived experience.
Let’s embrace the true meaning of wholesome: to be whole, grounded, and connected to what is real. In doing so, we empower young people to reclaim their sense of self and navigate the world with authenticity and balance.