It’s 2024, and everyone has their own opinion on how to be the healthiest. With so many alternatives available, such as high-intensity workouts and fad diets, finding the best wellness practices has become a challenging task. While some people find comfort in the mindfulness exercises of yoga and meditation, others find more advantages in intermittent fasting. Not to mention the various social media influencers promoting the latest superfood, or the celebrity trainers advocating for extreme workout plans; it can be quite stressful to follow the "perfect" wellness routine.
With all these health trends and technologies, one thing remains clear: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. Each of us should experiment and craft our own strategies to achieve what ‘healthy’ means for us. That’s why we've analysed here some of the most popular health trends, so you can try them too and eventually understand what feels right for you!
Cold Therapy
Cryotherapy - cold therapy, for us mere mortals - has become very popular as a cutting-edge among the wellness trends in the last several years. The idea is simple: subjecting the body to low temperatures causes a variety of physiological reactions that aid in recovery and rejuvenation. Fans of relaxation swear by the many advantages of taking cold showers, submerging oneself in ice baths, or participating in cryotherapy sessions.
According to research (and LeBron James, who’s a fan of the practice), cold therapy can improve post-exercise recovery, lower inflammation, and increase circulation. The brave ones who indulge in this practice aim to stimulate the body's own healing processes by exposing the body to controlled cold exposure, which can boost immunity, increase energy, and even improve mental clarity. The benefits of cold therapy are indisputable, especially for athletes. And although the idea of diving into freezing water to get health benefits might sound counterintuitive, it's one of those wellness practices worth investigating.
Sound Healing
As it is often the case with many ancient techniques, sound healing became popular again almost overnight, with few interesting variations. To the extent that there are even academies specialising in this practice - you could argue that Tik Tok ASMR comes from the same idea. Sound healing essentially employs vibrational frequencies from various instruments such as singing bowls, tuning forks, and gongs to induce a state of deep relaxation and facilitate healing on a cellular level.
People who have integrated sound healing into their wellness routine have found that certain frequencies can resonate with various bodily areas, assisting in the internal restoration of harmony and balance. Sound therapy provides relief from the demands of contemporary life, whether it's through the calming vibrations of a crystal harp or the beautiful sounds of a Tibetan singing bowl. People who enjoy this wellness practice feeling more at ease, less stressed, and more in control of their lives.
Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is a Japanese wellness practice that involves surrounding yourself in nature and actively interacting with it. Forest bathing, in contrast to the usual treks or nature walks, focuses on slowing down in order to open up the senses, and develop a close relationship with the forest ecosystem. People who indulge in one of the most interesting wellness practices, forest bathing, turn from simple consumers to active participants of the natural world, reporting a feeling of relaxation and communion with the outside world after the experience.
We’ve all been told that spending time outside is good for our health, but why? Research has actually found that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, lead happier moods, and strengthen the immune system. By encouraging participants to practise mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and sensory awareness, forest bathing enhances these advantages even more, making it one of the top health trends right now.
Blue Zone Diet
The Blue Zones are those regions in the world where some people live longer and healthier lives than the global average. It’s not about luck, it’s actually all on diet: the inhabitants of these Zones eat more plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The main aspect of the Blue Zone diet is that focus is placed on whole, unprocessed foods rich in minerals and antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, the real wellbeing nutrition.
A diet modelled after the Blue Zones can provide many health advantages, such as less risk of chronic illnesses, strengthened heart health, and increased longevity. A high intake of fibre, vitamins, and minerals is ensured by the focus on plant-based foods, while important nutrients for general health are provided by the inclusion of lean proteins and healthy fats. You might not know it, but you might be already eating following this wellness routine, especially if we can find lots of plant-based, bean-heavy meals on your table.
Biohacking
Biohacking is a professional-sounding word that refers to one of the most popular health trends right now, which involves using science, technology, and self-experimentation to optimise physical and cognitive performance. The idea of self-quantification, that is, measuring different parts of one's physiology to uncover areas for improvement, is one of the core ideas of biohacking. By gathering information on parameters like blood glucose levels, heart rate variability, and quality of sleep, people can improve their performance and obtain essential insights into their health.
Biohacking includes a number of wellness practices, such as the infamous intermittent fasting, cold exposure, nootropic supplementation, and even gene editing. While some aspects of biohacking may seem extreme or controversial, many proponents argue that it offers a unique opportunity to take control of one's health and unlock untapped potential.
We might be a bit biased, but here at Simply Nootropics, we think that nootropic supplementation could be the key to a healthier version of you. Together with eating nutrient-rich foods, plenty of good sleep, and a good workout now and then, supplements such as NMN powder can improve the quality of your life. Cognitive enhancement, energy boost, age-related worries - NMN does it all. Come check Simply Nootropics’ NMN Powder and consider integrating it into your wellness routine. And why not give cold plunges and forest bathing a try as well?
