Natasha Rothwell, the acclaimed actor from HBO's The White Lotus, is spearheading a powerful movement for a more inclusive and accessible vision of health and wellness. The 45-year-old, who proudly identifies as plus-sized, is challenging the pervasive industry narrative that often wrongly equates wellbeing with being thin.
Challenging the Stereotypes in Wellness
Rothwell directly confronts the misconception that health is solely defined by body size. "As someone is plus-sized – and very proudly so – oftentimes, health and wellness are conflated with being thin and skin, which is just not true," she states. She emphasises that true wellness must include mental health and should be a priority for everyone, regardless of their appearance.
Her collaboration with ASICS for their new Everyday Escape campaign is a deliberate step towards fostering greater diversity and representation in the wellness space. Rothwell points out a significant disparity, noting that endorsement opportunities are frequently "fronted by people who don't look like me." She argues this does a disservice to vast populations who are actively participating in wellness but rarely see themselves reflected in its marketing.
The Power of Accessible, Daily Movement
The ASICS initiative promotes a counter-narrative to expensive wellness retreats, focusing instead on the benefits of just 15 minutes of daily movement. This message deeply resonates with Rothwell, who recalls that "for a very very long time, I couldn't afford to travel to wellness resorts."
She champions the profound impact of small, consistent actions on mental health. "I talk very openly about my mental health and the impact of just 15 minutes of movement a day can boost your mood and mental health," Rothwell explains. She references the modern adage, "Go touch grass," highlighting the importance of disconnecting from screens and engaging with the world right outside our doors for an "everyday escape."
Prioritising Rest in a Demanding World
Rothwell speaks candidly about her experiences with burnout, particularly within the demanding entertainment industry where 18-hour days are common. She had to unlearn a childhood lesson that you must "earn your rest." "The truth of the matter is, you need those moments of rest in order to function at a high level," she asserts.
Her strategy for managing overwhelm involves recognising the signals her body sends. "When I feel my anxiety level is getting higher and I feel overwhelmed, that is a signal for me to pause and to reset," she says. These resets are often simple, 15-minute acts like stepping away, breathing, walking, or feeling the sun on her face instead of a computer screen's glow.
As a self-professed introvert, Rothwell finds solo time essential for recharging. She incorporates meditative walks, where she is deeply tuned into her body's movements, to stay present. Beyond walking, she enjoys dancing, crosswords, and has recently taken up Lego to exercise her brain and find joy.
She offers a final piece of simple, powerful advice, reflecting on her younger self wishing for a fancy gym membership: "Just walk." She encourages everyone to put their wallet away and let their "left foot follow your right foot and repeat," proving that profound wellness is often found in the most accessible places.
