The Top Health and Wellness Trends in 2022
New year, new you. Aspiring to walk down a healthier path in 2022? We’re letting you in on all the health and wellness trends of the new year. Try them out for yourself!
All You Need to Know About the Top Health Trends in 2022:
- 83% increase in searches on Google for ‘gut health’
- 60% increase in searches on Google for ‘gut brain axis’
Dubbed as the second brain of the body, a healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart health, brain health and many more. Encompasses the digestive system also known as gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and the balance of bacteria in your gut. The gut is home to more than 100 trillion bacteria that plays a pivotal role in metabolism and health. Your diet is one of the biggest influences on gut health, which is why it’s vital to consume a balanced, nutritious meal including whole foods, fruit and vegetables. The big no-nos are processed foods that have high levels of additives and preservatives, which disrupts the healthy bacteria in your gut. It is said that mental health can also influence gut health, known as the ‘gut-brain axis’. When adopting a healthier eating pattern, be patient with yourself and allow time for your body to. You can also boost overall gut health by consuming natural supplements such as Prebiotic and Probiotics.
Adopt an eco-friendlier lifestyle:
- 418% increase in searches on Google for ‘climate anxiety’
- 238% increase in searches on Google for ‘eco anxiety’
Climate change is a reality and threatens the future of the Earth, and eco and climate anxiety is the fear response to this phenomenon. Know that you are not alone and that you can make a difference by just changing some of your habits to an eco-friendlier one. To ensure you keep to your eco-friendly habits, start small by making one or two greener changes and eventually build them up over time. For example, bring your own eco-bags when you buy groceries, bring your own coffee tumbler to the coffee shop and reduce food waste by planning meals in advance.
- 84% increase in searches on Google for ‘boost immune system’
- 60% increase in searches on Google for ‘low immune system’
- 50% increase in searches on Google for ‘strengthen immune system’
As we continue to navigate through the global coronavirus pandemic and with new variants emerging, taking care of your health has never been more important. While a strong immune system isn’t something you accomplish overnight, upping the ante on health and fitness especially in preparation for a much-anticipated event can make a huge difference. After having a whale of a time during the festive season, start the new year on a healthy note by eating a more varied diet, sleeping well, getting your daily dose of vitamin D and practicing regular hand washing to boost your immunity.
Mindful exercising:
- 80% increase in searches on Google for ‘mindful moving’
- 53% increase in searches on Google for ‘mindful exercise’
- 23% increase in searches on Google for ‘mindful running’
Moving your body through exercise is not only great for your physical health, but is a celebration of your body’s strength and can boost self-esteem. Research shows positive benefits when combining mindfulness with exercise, including lowering the risk of depression and giving your endurance a boost. Not to mention, it has been affirmed that regular exercise can boost your mood, relieve stress and reduce anxiety thanks to the ‘feel good’ chemicals like serotonin that are released into the body whilst exercising. A wonderful example of combining mindfulness and exercise is through mindful running, where you’re mentally focus on your breathing and stride without paying heed to external distractions. Yoga is good way to start. Pay attention to how your body moves and transitions into each stance as well as the different smells and noises around you.
Be mindful of your stress levels:
- 83% increase in searches on Google for ‘fitness tracker’
- 80% increase in searches on Google for ‘stress tracker’
- 50% increase in searches on Google for ‘cortisol level
Stress is ever prevalent and due to its surge last year, a new trend has surfaced — tracking your stress levels. Some fitness and stress trackers that you wear on your wrist are equipped with cortisol level tracking functions. Besides that, you can go old school and listen to your body for any physical or mental stress symptoms, including pain or tension in your body, digestive problems such as nausea or constipation and increased heart rate. Emotional markers to keep an eye out for are irritability, anger, feeling overwhelmed and racing thoughts. Upon identifying that your stress levels are high, employ relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or mindfulness to ease your symptoms. There’s no particular solution to fit all so find out what technique works best when you’re relaxed. Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is exercise when you’re stressed, but it actually releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. Take your exercise outdoors to breathe in the fresh air, boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Remember, when you’re feeling down, know that help and support is always available.
Mindful drinking
- 127% increase in searches on Google for ‘mindful drinking’ in 2021
Many turned to alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism during the lockdown, evident in a study that found that more than one in three adults (36%) increased their alcohol consumption during the first lockdown. Of late, a new concept called ‘mindful drinking’ has entered the scene with the aim of fostering a healthier relationship with alcohol. It is essentially being mindful or aware of the reason you’re drinking (a leisure activity to wind down or fun with friends) and how much alcohol you’re consuming. After a whopping 127% increase in Google search, the new year would most likely see more. This practice is quite simple to adopt, just take a moment to pause before each new drink to reflect and ask yourself why you’re drinking.
Keep a mood journal
- 88% increase in searches on Google for ‘mood tracker journal’
- 50% increase in searches on Google for ‘mood journal’ in 2021
After a tempestuous two years that did a number on our mental health, mood journaling has risen in popularity and use. Keeping a mood journal, or emotion journal is a healthy means to address any negative feelings we may foster and get to the root of. This encourages recognising the negative emotions and looking for solutions to address these feelings like to a friend, loved one or mental health professional. It has been touted that releasing your emotions on paper reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.