We see new health fads pop up each year – some are seemingly ridiculous and only hang around for a short amount of time – but others prove to really make a positive impact, and they end up becoming a new standard within the booming health industry. This industry is extremely lucrative, and with the help of the internet and the increasing knowledge surrounding health and wellness, it is only going to continue to grow. Most of us probably never thought we would end up experiencing a global pandemic in our lifetime, but if anything, it has certainly made the importance of supporting our health a major priority and something to never take for granted. It can be overwhelming to fully grasp and keep up with what the latest and best health trends are, which is precisely why we have compiled this comprehensive guide to break it down for you a bit.
- Increased Focus on Mental Health
It is an unfortunate fact that stigmas surrounding mental health have been perpetuated for way too many years, but it seems like we are finally turning a corner now. Within the last few years, discussions surrounding mental health and the importance of taking care of this vital component of our lives have really amplified in a highly beneficial way. The common belief used to be that mental health struggles and attending therapy was only for “crazy” individuals, which we now know could not be further from the truth. As time goes on, it is becoming more widely accepted to openly discuss concerns with mental health and to attend regular therapy sessions. Mental health is something that every single person on the planet must take care of and nurture, so it is fantastic that an increased focus on a healthy mind is a huge trend that is here to stay.
- Virtual Wellness Services
With the circumstances that we have all been put through in the last year with the pandemic, virtual wellness services have absolutely skyrocketed. Telehealth already existed and was used to some extent before COVID made its mark, but it has truly become the standard in the last year or so. Virtual wellness is extremely helpful when it comes to the health and safety of everyone, because it limits the number of interactions and amount of exposure immensely. Regardless of this fact, the utilization of telehealth services is so useful to those that do not have easy access to quality healthcare. Now that so many health professionals around the world have had to accommodate and get used to providing care through a webcam, it is likely that this trend is here to stay. Of course, there is only so much that a healthcare provider can do through the internet, but for quick concerns, check-ins, or consultations, telehealth is an amazing advancement and use of resources.
- Plant-Based Living
Evidence shows that the number of individuals switching over to a more plant-based way of life is growing by the day. As science advances and the understanding of how different foods affect us increases, more and more people are making the choice to change up their diet to be more plant focused. Studies have shown that red meat consumption may be directly linked to heart disease and cancer, and that dairy could be connected to digestive illnesses and diabetes. The market for plant-based alternatives has escalated tremendously in the last few years, especially when it comes to products like almond milk, oat milk, and meat substitutes. It is even becoming more common for people to grow their own produce in their yards, which helps avoid the use of undesirable pesticides. Regardless of whether plant-based diets are indeed the best for our health, it is no question that eating more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can do us good. Since 2014, there has been a 500% increase of individuals that eat plant-based, and this number is likely only going to rise as time progresses.
- Incorporation of CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a component that is found in hemp plants that has absolutely taken off in terms of recent popularity. The reason for this is because many studies have shown that CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and reducer of anxiety. CBD has also proven to be an effective and natural treatment when it comes to managing seizure disorders in children, which is simply incredible. CBD can be incorporated into one’s life in a few different ways, but the most widely used form is generally by consuming full-spectrum oil. The great thing about CBD is that it does not have any psychoactive effects, but across the board it has shown to induce a steady calm and relaxation that so many have benefited from. There is still so much to be learned about CBD and the impacts it can have on humans, and as the acceptance and understanding of it continues to elevate, so will the demand – making this a huge factor in the future of health and wellness.
- Preventative Health
As our knowledge of health and what it means grows, it is becoming way more standard to put a primary focus on various ways to boost immunity and prevent illness before its onset. The spread of COVID-19 really motivated people to take their health and immunity more seriously by taking different preventative measures. Some of these measures include taking a variety of daily supplements, getting outside to get fresh air and sunshine, eating a well-balanced diet, going to the doctor for preventative check-ups, and taking part in more consistent exercise. These are all simple practices that can play a major role in supporting our immune systems and warding off illnesses. People all over are realizing that health truly is wealth – so this movement of incorporating preventative health measures is surely here to stay.
- Mindfulness Practices
While mindfulness practices such as meditation are nowhere near new, the increase of individuals that now grasp these concepts and are working them into their lives is substantial. There are phone apps and services that are coming out left and right that help promote the integration of practices like meditation, yoga, and breathwork. The benefits that these exercises can have on our bodies and minds is astounding. Mindfulness practices are linked to an exponential decrease in stress, anxiety, depression, as well as an increase in focus, quality of sleep, and overall contentment. As more individuals work these practices into their lives and experience firsthand the peace and comfort they can bring, they quickly become a necessity. Once these benefits are felt, it is almost impossible to not share this wealth of knowledge with others. There aren’t really any downsides that come from incorporating mindfulness practices into our lives, which is precisely why this is a trend that is only going to grow and is here to stay.
For the rest of time, there will continue to be new health trends that appear and become the new normal. As technology advances, so does our comprehension of how certain foods, lifestyles, and habits affect us. It is no wonder that the health industry is one that is worth over a trillion dollars, because we are always looking for ways to improve ourselves and those around us where it matters most. It is vital to support our health as much as we can, and there is no better time to start doing so than the present moment.
References:
- https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/01/10240169/top-health-trends-2021
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/red-meat-and-colon-cancer
- https://www.plantproteins.co/vegan-plant-based-diet-statistics/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476