6 Wellness Trends Worth Sticking To

If the day ends in Y, there’s a new wellness trend to learn about. Whether it’s a diet fad, fat loss hack, morning ritual, or magical accessories, wellness should not be thought of as a commodity. Think of wellness as a long ride and consistency with small, healthy choices will get you where you want to go. These are a few wellness trends worth sticking to.

1. Sober-Curious Trend

The sober-curious wellness trend is coming in hot and, ironically, those who are coming of [drinking] age are leading the movement. While there is no shortage of marketing promoting the “benefits” of consuming red wine for resveratrol (an antioxidant), or the social perks of casual drinking, there are far more cons associated with drinking even the smallest amounts of alcohol.

Cons of Alcohol consumption

Not only does regular alcohol consumption [often] lead to weight gain, gastrointestinal complications, hormone imbalances, and insulin resistance, but it also increases your risks of addiction and chronic illness such as liver disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, alcohol first affects the part of the brain that is responsible for judgment and reasoning; this means you’re more likely to make detrimental decisions while under the influence (i.e. unprotected sex, drug use, damaging social behavior, and driving under the influence).

“But I’m not a big drinker. Having one every once in a while isn’t a big deal.” For most, this is true. Having celebratory champagne at a wedding, a glass of wine during the holidays, or a margarita on vacation isn’t likely to lead to any long-term issues. However, the short-term risks could be life-threatening.

According to the US Department of Transportation, “Your ability to safely operate a motorcycle — or any vehicle — is reduced anytime you drink. Even a small amount of alcohol reduces brain function and impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination.”

2. Shopping Farmers Markets

Instead of creating anxiety around your food choices, try jumping on the Farmers Market wellness trend. Instagrammers have been making this weekend activity stylish for years, but it’s so much bigger than flowers and fashion. Shopping for groceries at your local farmers market is a great way to be more intentional and impactful with your food choices.

1. Get some fresh air.
2. Support small businesses [often families].
3. Minimize carbon emissions.
4. Influence your local economy.
5. Increase nutritional density.

At local farmers markets, you should find in-season fruits and vegetables. HEADS UP: Check for bugs (they like to hide in leafy greens) and don’t forget to wash your produce. You’re also more likely to find ethically produced animal products such as beef, eggs, or cheese at your local farmers market. When you source your animal products from small, local, independent farms, your meat and dairy are more likely to have been raised humanely on a natural/organic diet, and have greater nutritional integrity.

Why does this matter? Because, in order to meet the Standard American Diet’s unhealthy demand for meat and dairy, big-name companies are prioritizing quantity over quality; by doing so, this compromises the well-being of livestock, instigates deforestation, and increases long-term health risks for consumers.

3. Daily Affirmations

Negative self-talk is something we should all work to eliminate and the daily affirmations wellness trend can help. Whether you’re struggling with people pleasing, fears, accepting compliments, or overcoming perfectionism, positive affirmations can help us rewire self-deprecating pathways in the brain.

Daily affirmations can be general or specific, but when you’re practicing positive affirmations, it’s important to say them out loud. Saying positive affirmations aloud engages multiple senses and conditions the mind to behave in kind. While it may feel awkward at first, get in the habit of thinking and saying positive things about yourself, especially when you don’t feel like it.

1. I am valuable. I am skilled. I am brave.
2. I am capable. I am strong. I have potential.
3. I am uniquely and wonderfully made.
4. I am gracious. I am honorable. I am kind.
5. I can be the change I want to see in the world.
6. I am an overcomer. I am courageous. I have hope.
7. I am focused. I am organized. I am in control of my thoughts.
8. I have peace. I am joyful. I am patient.
9. Today, I will do my best with what I have.
10. This challenge is just for now, not forever.

4. Healthy Coffee Alternatives

Coffee is a religion for some and a source of heartburn for others. Caffeine affects everyone differently, but one thing is for certain, swapping a daily coffee for a beverage with other health benefits is a wellness trend worth trying. In particular, I have been intrigued by superfood teas and adaptogenic morning brews.

• MUD\WTR : A mixture of spicy masala chai and, “Lion’s mane for focus, chaga and reishi to support a healthy immune system, cordyceps to promote natural energy, turmeric and cinnamon for their antioxidants, and cacao for mood and energy.” 
• Four Sigmatic : Makes a variety of coffee blends with superfoods and supplements including chaga, lion’s mane, L-Theanine, ashwagandha, probiotics, and more.
• Matcha Tea : Ceremonial grade matcha contains fiber, chlorophyll, l-theanine, vitamin c, selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium. Its ingredients help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar, boost metabolism, and enhance mood and focus.
• Masala Chai : A combination of black tea, invigorating spices, and antioxidant-rich herbs.
• Kombucha : A fermented tea with probiotic benefits.

5. Natural Beauty Wellness Trends

Let’s all say a collective, “Amen!” for this wellness trend. Much like the positive affirmations trend, embracing natural beauty is an incredible social achievement. Rather than running to invasive – and expensive – fillers and procedures, men and women are choosing preventative treatments and skincare, and aging with grace.

Having spent a few years marketing for aesthetic medicine, I’ve seen everything from injectible addictions and botched procedures to appearance dysmorphia and mounting debt to maintain. On the flip side, I’ve also watched patients take their provider’s advice and reverse or prevent signs of damage or aging through lifestyle changes, powerful products, and non-invasive treatments.

• Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking, drink more water, reduce stress, take supplements, eat whole foods.
• Preventative Skincare: Quality cleanser, quality eye serum, retinol/resurfacing serum, vitamin c, SPF.
• Preventative treatments: Laser resurfacing, microneedling, professional facials.

6. Faith/Spirituality

Investing in my relationship with God and applying wisdom from The Word to everyday life has influenced everything. My faith helps me eliminate anxiety and feel more joyful, it helps me overcome down seasons and improve my relationships. Still, sometimes it takes individuals more influential than myself to make faith trendy. Justin and Hailey Bieber, Chris Pratt, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Curry, Carrie Underwood, and Chance the Rapper are just a few mainstream celebrities who have chosen NOT to hide their faith. These actors, musicians, and athletes have shared how their faith helped them during highs and lows including depression and illness, success and healing.

practical Benefits of Spirituality

There are practical benefits of spirituality. For some, a “higher power” is part of a sobriety program, and for others, believing in something greater than oneself offers relief from the pressure to be perfect. Following the teachings of Christ encourages us to be more forgiving and loving of one another, and to let tomorrow worry about itself. Faith gives us a moral compass to let go of selfish habits and the conviction to live with purpose. Belief in miracles and heaven gives us hope.

This wellness trend collides with another, offering countless affirmations:

• This is the day the LORD has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:64
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
• Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
• And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
• My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
• “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
• For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12
• Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16