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From natural energy to hydration hacking, let’s dive into some of the wellness trends we expect to shape up in 2024.

Increasing your energy IQ

If 2023 was the year that blood sugar mania took over, then move over continuous glucose monitors aside to make room for the spotlight on natural sustained energy. Sometimes it feels like we are all pretty much exhausted all the time. This wellness shift underscores a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between diet, energy levels, and overall vitality. Natural sustained energy' is about using natural rituals and ingredients to manage our energy levels without being reliant on spikes of caffeine or blood sugar. More and more we will see a shift away from emergy quick-fixes and the use of things like nootropics which offer a sustained and balanced energy boost.

Digital detoxing

In the fast-paced digital age, the rising phenomenon of digital detoxing as a tool to buffer burnout is poised to take centre stage. As our lives become more intertwined with technology, the impact of screens and constant connectivity is gaining recognition for its collective impact on mental health. The trend of regular digital detoxing signifies a collective desire for mindful disconnection, allowing individuals to recharge and foster a healthier relationship with technology. Embracing a digital detox involves purposeful breaks, encouraging activities that promote mental well-being, and a conscious effort to establish boundaries between the virtual and real worlds. With burnout becoming a pervasive concern, this wellness trend underscores the importance of buffering against the incessant demands of the digital realm for a more balanced and sustainable approach to modern living.

Hydration hacking

Over 90% of the UK say they experience symptoms of dehydration. Hydration is no longer just water. Beyond the conventional realm of sports and fitness, electrolytes are gaining recognition for their pivotal role in supporting optimal hydration for improved energy, mental clarity, and physical resilience. As people increasingly appreciate the multifaceted benefits of electrolytes, this trend is set to redefine hydration as a holistic and personalized approach to achieving and maintaining peak well-being.

Sustainability goes beyond packaging

The focus is shifting from packaging to the ingredients themselves. Wellness is about a holistic approach that includes planetary health and in the coming year, we will likely see the notable trend in sustainability transcend the conventional emphasis on eco-friendly packaging, shifting towards a more profound consideration of the ingredients themselves. This shift reflects a broader movement by consumers to mitigate their on the planet through their consumer choices on the planet. We will likely see a focus on ingredient sustainability gaining prominence, with brands aligning with initiatives like the CITES list, which highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.

Soothing sounds and silent walking

Noise pollution is having a growing impact on our health. The World Health Organization suggests that at least 1m healthy life-years are lost every year in Western European countries because of environmental noise. It’s no surprise then that sound therapy is growing in popularity, especially in urban areas or those who find more traditional forms of meditation challenging. Google Analytics, show that searches for sound baths have increased by 153%. Sound baths are a form of sound therapy where sound is harnessed to create a sense of calm, using frequencies to bring the body and mind back into harmony. From calming sounds to seeking silence. For many of us walking with headphones has become the norm but a novel trend called silent walking is gaining traction. The concept involves taking a walk while intentionally disconnecting from technology. This allows you to fully engage with your surroundings and foster a deeper connection with your physical environment.

Sauna culture hits the UK

Sauna has been gaining traction in recent years within wellness communities for its health benefits. But beyond inducing a healthy sweat, 2024 is set to see a rediscovery of traditional sauna culture serving as a focal point for a holistic approach to wellbeing. Saunas are increasingly popping up in unique settings across the UK offering traditional sauna rituals led by a sauna master, called Aufgussmeister. These immersive communal experiences move beyond the physical to encompass mental and spiritual dimensions of health along with a deep grounding embodiment and social connection. Often entwined with cold water communities, look out for local sauna culture popping up near you.

Gut health gets some definition

In recent years, the term "gut health" has become a ubiquitous buzzword in the wellness realm. While it is widely acknowledged that the gut plays a crucial role in many aspects of our overall well-being, the term itself often proves to be elusive and vaguely defined. The ambiguity surrounding "gut health" arises from the myriad factors that contribute to digestive well-being, including the complex interplay of microbes, diet, and lifestyle. Scientists in this area have recognised the need for a more precise and standardized definition of "gut health." Much like the terms "probiotic" and "prebiotic," which recently got an expert consensus definition, discussions are underway to establish a clearer and more universally accepted understanding of what constitutes optimal gut health. In addition, there will be a move towards a ‘recommended intake’ of microbes, akin to what we have from vitamins and minerals This will hopefully help us navigate through the evolving landscape of gut science.

Fasting goes mainstream

Fasting has been part of religious and spiritual practice around the world for millennia and has been part of contemporary scientific discussions for decades but it started to gain traction in the wellness sphere around 5 years ago. Fasting is set to transcend its niche wellness status and is now taking centre stage as a mainstream health trend. From intermittent fasting to time-restricted eating, this age-old concept is set to become a lifestyle choice embraced by a diverse range of individuals, from fitness enthusiasts, longevity hunters, healthy agers, busy professionals and those seeking sustainable ways to keep their weight in check. The era of fasting has dawned, and it's here to stay.

New Hero Botanicals

Industry insights suggest that the herbal and botanical supplement space will see increased demands in 2024 as people look for solutions to support them with the big challenges of modern life, stress, cognition, sleep and mood support. Adaptogenic Ashwagandha with its demonstrated ability to reduce stress and anxiety is only likely to become more popular. Botanicals for women’s health across the lifespan will also likely be big in 2024.

Supplements that Blur Traditional categories

Traditional supplements are breaking free from their conventional associations. This trend signifies a paradigm shift as we understand more about the interconnectedness of the human body and understand more about the potential applications of certain compounds beyond their initial niches. We will likely see a marketing of old supplements like creatine previously renowned for its benefits in the sports and fitness arena now being marketed in new categories like menopause, brain health and cognition support.

Mushroom Mania

Functional mushrooms have had a bit of a moment this year and are set to continue to surge as they capture mainstream attention. Packed with adaptogenic and immune-boosting properties, functional mushrooms like reishi and lion's mane are fast becoming essential ingredients in everything from coffee to snack bars. We are really just scratching the surface of their multifaceted benefits. As the wellness trend shifts towards a more comprehensive and nature-centric approach, the versatility and holistic benefits of functional mushrooms are set to make them a staple in the daily routines of those seeking to optimize both mind and body.

Functional food bars

In 2024 we are likely to see ingredients traditionally the reserve of supplements, popping up in functional foods like snack bars. With energy-boosting ingredients, nootropics or adaptogens, functional food bars are a snack with benefits, supporting a range of health needs from cognition and focus, to sleep and even ‘edible beauty’ to skin, hair and joints with ingredients such as collagen. Not only a health trend, we will start to see functional foods that support lifestyle choices like keto or even to prevent a hangover. Watch this space.

Sleep syncing

As our scientific understanding of the intricate relationship between sleep and well-being deepens, aligning sleep patterns with natural circadian rhythms is set to be here to stay. Sleep syncing involves tuning into your body's natural circadian rhythm and thinking about and adapting, your daily routine to line up with what your body naturally wants to do. Most of us will have to have some kind of sleep routine that is dictated in part by things beyond our control (work, kids etc), but that doesn’t mean sleep synching won’t work for you. Setting yourself a calming Rest Ritual and waking up to natural light are great ways to get in tune with our circadian rhythms.

Minimalist mindset

Minimalism, defined as the intentional lifestyle choice to clear clutter from your home, has grown in popularity in recent years and for good reasons. The same principles are now being applied to our minds. The concept of a minimalist mindset is the pursuit of intentional simplicity in your everyday choices. This can look like timeboxing, ‘to-don’t’ lists and saying no with grace, instead of guilt. Embracing these simple strategies will help you create a lifestyle that supports your health both physically and mentally.

Fem Tech

Female technology or FemTech offer a wide range of digital solutions to advance women's health, safety, and empowerment. These technological tools range from menstrual tracking apps and fertility monitors to artificial intelligence (AI), wearables and gynaecological cancer detection tools. Femtech is set to empower women to take charge of their health with personalized insights and data-driven approaches. This burgeoning trend not only fosters a more nuanced understanding of women's bodies which has traditionally been neglected in clinical data but will also break down stigma and facilitate improved healthcare outcomes across the female lifespan.

Of course, wellness is much more than trends, but I hope you enjoyed this playful reading as a bit of fun to round off the year.