The Well Festival, hosted by The New York Times, aimed to sift through the overwhelming landscape of health information by gathering distinguished experts to discuss well-being and happiness. Among the notable speakers were celebrities, athletes, and health professionals who engaged in conversations with Times reporters.

Embracing Imperfection in Wellness

Suleika Jaouad, author of “The Book of Alchemy,” shared her journey through adversity due to a leukemia diagnosis. She highlighted the challenges in maintaining motivation and creativity during tough times, stating, “No part of me felt inspired or creatively motivated.” To cope, she undertook a challenge to engage in daily creative acts, which helped her articulate thoughts she struggled to express verbally.

Dr. Lisa Damour emphasized that achieving healthy habits doesn’t require perfection. “If you do what you planned to do seven out of 10 days, you’re going to have a better experience,” she noted, reinforcing that consistency is more valuable than flawlessness. Couples therapist Terry Real echoed this sentiment, suggesting the importance of accepting each other’s imperfections in relationships.

Individualizing Exercise

Exercise means different things to different people, as illustrated by a range of panelists. Robin Arzón, a prominent Peloton instructor, has completed five marathons in five days, showcasing one extreme of fitness. In contrast, Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist, recounts her initial struggles with traditional sports, ultimately finding joy in dance, proving that enjoying movement is key.

Tracee Ellis Ross discussed how she has adapted her exercise routine to respect her body’s changes over time. Meanwhile, Jameela Jamil stressed the importance of simple activities like walking, encouraging a focus on mental health benefits rather than weight loss. “Move just for the neurological and mental health benefits,” she urged.

Finding Mental Clarity

Participants emphasized the significance of detaching from daily stressors. For Samin Nosrat, cooking provides a temporary escape. “I marvel for a second about those shapes and the geometry” of the food, she said, underscoring the mindfulness that can accompany meal preparation.

Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, reiterated the value of meaningful relationships for overall wellness, indicating that social connections help reduce stress and promote health.

Charlamagne Tha God shared a personal ritual involving meditation and connecting with nature, emphasizing the emotional rejuvenation gained from such practices. He provocatively encouraged, “Go touch grass! And watch what happens.”

The Power of Vulnerability

A theme of vulnerability emerged throughout the discussions, particularly regarding mental health. Sara Bareilles recounted her experience with anxiety, noting that openness brought unexpected support from friends and health professionals. Similarly, Charlamagne Tha God reflected on his transformation after revealing his struggles with mental health, which prompted a candid acknowledgment from his father about his own experiences.

Dwyane Wade shared insights from a wellness retreat he led for men, emphasizing that vulnerability can foster connection. He found that once one individual opened up, others were encouraged to follow suit, illustrating a collective sense of shared experiences among participants.