On the cutting edge of success
Explore what it takes to excel in today’s fast-paced world with Dr. Joel Strehl, a surgeon, entrepreneur, educator and leader in innovation. Each episode explores strategies, compelling stories, and practical tools to help you refine your skills and strengthen your mindset.
Whether you’re striving for personal growth, professional excellence, better health, or simply seeking inspiration, this podcast will keep you on the cutting edge of success.
Join us as we talk to trailblazers, industry experts, and those redefining success. It’s time to cut through the noise and carve your path to greatness.
On the cutting edge of success
Health, Wellness, and Aesthetics: A Holistic Approach
What if aesthetics could be more than just a pursuit of vanity? Discover how embracing beauty can be a powerful act of empowerment that uplifts both body and spirit. Join me, a surgeon and owner of Eternal Wellness, as I share my personal journey of merging surgical expertise with a holistic approach to health and confidence. Together, we'll navigate through the three essential aspects of wellness—physical, emotional, and social—while unearthing the importance of managing daily stressors that might be hindering your well-being. Hear Jason’s story, a testament to how an improved smile can transform self-esteem and alter social interactions, as we challenge the stereotypes surrounding aesthetic treatments.
At Eternal Wellness, we prioritize a unique blend of wellness and aesthetics, ensuring that every client feels seen and heard. Let's talk about how enhancing appearance, supported by scientific evidence, can significantly boost your self-esteem and overall well-being. I invite you to reflect on your self-care habits, respecting personal choices as acts of transformation. As we explore the fundamental connection between appearance and confidence, prepare to be inspired and empowered.
Hello everyone and welcome back to the podcast. I am so glad you're here with me for this episode. We're diving into a topic that's not only central to my professional life, but also something that I'm deeply passionate about how health, wellness and aesthetics intersect for a holistic approach to wellbeing. As a surgeon and owner of Eternal Wellness, a med spa, I've had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life who are striving to look and feel their best. What I've had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life who are striving to look and feel their best, what I've learned over the years is that true confidence and happiness come not just from addressing physical appearance, but from aligning that with your overall health and emotional wellness. This approach combining health, wellness and aesthetics is vital because it's about treating the whole person. It's about understanding that how we feel inside affects how we present ourselves outwardly, and vice versa. It's also about acknowledging that small changes in any one of these areas can have a rippling effect into every other aspect of our lives. For example, improving your physical health can enhance your mental clarity, boost your mood and even make you more receptive to positive changes in your aesthetic goals. I've seen this play out time and time again, both in the operating room and in my med spa. Whether it's a patient recovering from surgery or a client who's undergone a simple facial treatment, the transformation is often much deeper than skin level. It's about confidence, energy and a renewed sense of self. So in this episode, we're going to explore why this holistic approach is so important, how it works in practice and how you can integrate it into your own life. Whether you're looking to improve your overall health, feel more balanced or explore aesthetic treatments that align with your goals, this conversation is for you.
Speaker 1:First, my experience as a surgeon sparked a desire to make a broader impact on people's lives beyond the operating room. Second, I was seeking a new challenge. After completing my residency and fellowship, I wanted to expand my professional horizons. Third, my entrepreneurial ambition played a significant role, driving me to create something unique and personally meaningful. Lastly, I was inspired by the vision of building an incredible team and providing valuable, rewarding employment opportunities for others. I'd like to expand upon that first point.
Speaker 1:I've always been drawn to the complexity of my work, the problem solving, the precision and, most importantly, the ability to help people heal and regain their quality of life. However, over the years, I began to notice something interesting. While the physical outcomes of surgery were critical, the transformations that truly stuck with me were the ones where patients walked away not just healthier, but also more confident, energized and renewed in their sense of self. I realized that healing wasn't just about fixing something physical. It was also about addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of wellness, and that's the realization that planted a seed. I started to think about how I could create a space that combined the technical expertise and high standards I hold as a surgeon, with a focus on overall well-being and confidence. That's what led me to aesthetics and, ultimately, to opening my med spa.
Speaker 1:I wanted to build a place where people could feel cared for inside and out, where treatments didn't just change how they looked but also help them discover how they felt about themselves. This foundation led to our motto at Eternal Wellness, where beauty starts within. When you like the way you look, you naturally feel better about yourself, and when you feel better, you're more likely to take greater pride in your appearance. Ladies, you know that feeling when you're having a good hair day. Guys, you know that feeling when you leave the gym and your arms are looking swole, or after a fresh haircut that you love. A holistic approach has been at the core of both fields for me. As a surgeon, I understand the importance of health and functionality, and, as a med spa owner, I've seen firsthand how even small aesthetic improvements can have a profound impact on someone's confidence and their overall wellness. Whether it's a patient recovering from a major surgery or a client walking out of the med spa with glowing skin, the goal is the same helping people feel like the best version of themselves, both inside and out.
Speaker 1:I'd like to take a second to define health and wellness, both inside and out. I'd like to take a second to define health and wellness. Health is the absence of illness, while wellness is the active pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life. Wellness can be broken into three core areas physical, emotional and social wellness. Let's dive a little deeper into each one. Physical wellness is achieved by balancing nutrition, exercise, sleep. Nutrition is providing your body with essential nutrients. Exercise staying active to maintain strength and vitality. And sleep just really prioritizing quality rest for recovery and energy. Emotional wellness is built through stress management, mental health and supportive relationships. Stress management we're talking about developing strategies to cope with life's challenges. Mental health and supportive relationships. Stress management. We're talking about developing strategies to cope with life's challenges Mental health, fostering a positive and resilient mindset. Social wellness is strengthened by supportive relationships, meaning building confident connections with others.
Speaker 1:Now let's take a moment to revisit emotional wellness, specifically focusing on stress management. Most of us know how to handle large stressors in our lives, though we'll dive deeper into those in a later episode. Right now, I want to shift the spotlight to something just as important the small stressors and daily frustrations that creep into our lives. These are the little things a delay in traffic, the kids leaving a wrapper on the floor, your computer freezing up or even a spilled coffee. Individually, they don't seem like a big deal and most of the times we shrug them off. But when they start piling up 5, 10, 50, 100 of these small annoyances in a day, they can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and, at times, ready to lose our cool, especially when this is a repeat offender like a colleague or a child. I know this is true for me. These little moments have a way of building throughout the day or week until they feel just as heavy as a major stressor. Understanding how to recognize and address these smaller stressors is essential for maintaining emotional wellness I'd like to give you two quick tips I found especially helpful for managing small stressors.
Speaker 1:Number one pause and breathe. Take a moment to pause and breathe deeply. This helps you reset your mind and gives you a chance to remind yourself of the scale of these issues. Most of the time, they're not as big as they feel in the moment. Number two let go of perfection. Nothing needs to be perfect at the time. Remind yourself that you can relax and put small disturbances into perspective. It's okay if things aren't flawless. They rarely are, and that's completely normal. These two simple shifts in mindset can make a big difference when the small annoyances of life start to build up. By addressing these three key principles of physical, emotional and social health, wellness becomes a proactive journey towards a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Speaker 1:We'll dive much deeper into this topic in later episodes, but here are a few quick, simple strategies for maintaining physical health. Number one stay hydrated. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, shoot for 75 ounces of water each day. Number two eat balanced meals. Focus on nutrition by including a variety of whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Exercise consistently. Maintain a regular routine that includes both cardiovascular exercise and resistance training to support health and build muscle. Manage stress I've already shared a few stress management techniques, such as pausing and breathing or letting go of perfection. Lastly, prioritize social connection. Set aside at least one hour a week to connect with someone meaningful in your life. Building supportive relationships is vital for overall wellness. These small, consistent habits are the foundation of long-term for overall wellness. These small, consistent habits are the foundation of long-term health and wellness.
Speaker 1:Okay, now we're going to dive into the aesthetics part of wellness. When most people think of aesthetics, they focus on outward appearance smooth skin, fuller lips, brighter complexion. But today I want to redefine aesthetics and show how it's about so much more than just the way you look. Aesthetics is more than skin deep. Aesthetics isn't just about appearances. It's about how looking better can help you feel better. It's about the connection between how you present yourself to the world and how that impacts your confidence, mental health and overall wellness.
Speaker 1:Let me share a quick story about a friend of mine that perfectly illustrates the connection between appearance and confidence. I had a friend who rarely smiled. Let's call him Jason. His natural expression was always neutral or serious and people often assumed he wasn't happy or friendly. In reality, he's one of the kindest, most positive people I knew. He didn't smile much because he was self-conscious about his teeth. They weren't that terrible, but they were a little bit crooked and discolored and it made him hold back from showing his true self because he was insecure about them. One day he decided to invest in himself. He had his teeth straightened and whitened. The transformation wasn't just physical, it was emotional. Once he was happy with his smile, everything changed. He smiled all the time. It was like he was finally free to show the world who he really was. The most interesting part People around him started to notice the difference, not just in his appearance, but in their perception of him. Suddenly he was seen as an approachable, warm and even happier person. But the truth was he had always been a happy person. He just didn't feel comfortable expressing it until he felt confident about his teeth.
Speaker 1:This story is such a powerful reminder that aesthetics is not vanity. It's empowerment. When you feel good about how you look, you can confidently show the world who you truly are, and that can completely transform not only how you see yourself but also how others see you Think about it. When you feel good about how you look, you naturally carry yourself differently. Aesthetics is not vanity. It's empowerment, and it's been part of the human story since the beginning of time, and this relationship between appearance and mental well-being is backed by science. Studies show that improving one's appearance can boost self-esteem, helping people feel more positive and confident about themselves. Number two can reduce anxiety, especially in social or professional settings. And number three can enhance overall well-being, leading to a greater sense of satisfaction in day-to-day life. This connection is why aesthetics is more than just an external transformation. It's a holistic process that supports emotional and psychological health.
Speaker 1:At Eternal Wellness and in many other med spas and doctor's offices around the world, we believe that aesthetics and wellness go hand in hand. Many of our treatments are designed not only to improve how you look, but also how you feel. Here are some examples of how we combine the two Skincare treatments. Skincare isn't just about a glowing complexion. It's also about improving your skin's health by addressing concerns like acne, dryness or sun damage. While anti-aging regimens can restore confidence by helping you look as youthful as you feel inside, we have minimally invasive procedures. Injectables like Botox or dermal fillers are popular for smoothing wrinkles or restoring volume, but their impact goes beyond physical results. They give people confidence to face life milestones. Chemical peels not only improve the skin's appearance, but also boost its health, giving clients a fresh start. Treatments like the Amsela chair, which targets your pelvic floor, is a game changer when it comes to restoring confidence, especially for those dealing with pelvic floor issues. For women, this often means improving bladder control, which can significantly reduce the anxiety or embarrassment of unexpected leaks.
Speaker 1:I'd like to tell you about our approach at Eternal Wellness, and I want to preface it with the fact that I'm not trying to promote my business. This is meant to be more of an overarching conversation about the stereotyping that gets placed on the industry. At my MedSpa, eternal Wellness, we've made it our mission to integrate wellness into every aspect of our services. When clients walk through our doors, they're not just getting a treatment. They're entering a space where their emotional and physical needs are prioritized. We offer comprehensive consultations because every client is unique. We make it a priority to understand their goals beyond just aesthetics. Whether they're preparing for a life event, looking for a confidence boost or simply seeking self-care, we tailor our approach to align with their deeper needs.
Speaker 1:We offer a holistic wellness philosophy. Our treatments are designed to go beyond temporary fixes. We aim to provide results that make our clients feel empowered, confident and beautiful inside and out. At the heart of this approach is the understanding that aesthetics isn't about chasing perfection. It's about embracing what makes each person feel like the best version of themselves. This shift in perspective transforms aesthetics from a superficial practice to a powerful tool for improving well-being. Redefining aesthetics is about recognizing the deeper value it offers. It's not just about how we look in the mirror, but how that reflection makes us feel. When approached thoughtfully, aesthetics can be a pathway to greater confidence, improve self-esteem and a better quality of life and a better quality of life.
Speaker 1:So whether you're considering a skincare treatment, an injectable or simply investing in self-care, remember it's not just about appearances. It's about feeling good in your own skin. At Eternal Wellness, that's the journey we're here to support, and if you're not interested in these types of treatments, that's completely okay. They're not for everyone. My ask is that the stereotyping or judgment placed on those that do receive these treatments stop. We hear frequent things like why do you waste your money on that? Or men don't need those treatments, or they're so vain, or they must be materialistic, or all they care about is impressing other people or they must be an insecure person. These negative comments often stem from misunderstanding or bias. Aesthetic treatments are deeply personal and for many, they provide a way to align their outward appearance with their inner confidence and address insecurities or simple practices of self-care. It's essential to not only respect individual choices, but also recognize that what brings one person confidence might look different for someone else.
Speaker 1:Okay, it's time for some self-reflection and your action steps for the week. Number one evaluate your habits this week. Set aside 20 minutes to evaluate your daily habits, specifically around nutrition, exercise and self-care. Ask yourself is there one small change I can make to improve my health or wellness? Maybe it's as simple as taking a water bottle to work to stay hydrated. Perhaps it's committing to a 20 or 30 minute walk a few times a week to boost your activity level. Maybe it's wearing sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, or it could be working through small daily frustrations in a healthier, more thoughtful way. I'd ask you, pick one small, actionable step that you can maintain and commit to it for the next 60 days. Remember, small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful long-term results. All right. Number two reflect on your mindset towards others.
Speaker 1:Take a moment to look inward. Have you ever been judgmental whether out loud or in your own thoughts, about someone who's receiving a treatment to better themselves? If so, challenge yourself to shift your perspective. Remember, everyone's journey is personal. Aesthetics treatments often help people feel happier, more confident and more aligned with their inner selves. Instead of passing judgment, consider celebrating their decision to do something that brings them joy and confidence. By practicing self-awareness and kindness both toward yourself and others, you'll be taking steps towards greater personal growth and understanding. All right, let's recap.
Speaker 1:In this episode, we explored the powerful intersection of health, wellness and aesthetics. We emphasized a holistic approach to well-being. We discussed what's the difference between health and wellness. Health is the absence of illness, while wellness involves actively pursuing balance and fulfillment in life through physical, emotional and social health. The impact of small changes Addressing daily habits like hydration, exercise and stress management can lead to meaningful improvements in overall wellness.
Speaker 1:Redefined aesthetics Aesthetics isn't just about appearances. It's about empowerment. Treatments can boost confidence, enhance self-esteem and positively affect mental and emotional well-beings. And lastly, we talked about breaking stereotypes. We encourage listeners to rethink biases and judgments about aesthetics treatments. We recognize that personal choices and self-care are valid and transformative.
Speaker 1:All right. I'd love to hear from you guys. What small changes are you making to improve your health or wellness? Do you have questions about how aesthetics can align with your goals? Share your thoughts and let's continue the conversation. Please reach out to me on Instagram at drstrell. That's D-R-D-S-T-R-E-H-L. So my challenge to you is twofold. Number one, take a small step towards a more holistic, healthier version of yourself. And number two, be kind to yourself and to others.
Speaker 1:Thank you for joining me on the fourth episode of On the Cutting Edge of Success. Together, we're striving for personal growth, professional success and optimal health. In our next episode, we'll be tackling a challenge that so many of us face but rarely talk about openly how to balance it all, from the demands of work and family to finding time for your health, friendships and your own personal goals. It's a constant juggling act. I'll be joined by a very special guest my wife. Juggling act. I'll be joined by a very special guest my wife as we have an open, honest conversation about the struggles, sacrifices and strategies that come with trying to keep everything afloat. If you've ever felt stretched too thin or wondered how to create a better balance in your life, this is the episode you don't want to miss. Until then, remember your vision starts within. Only you can make it a reality.