New year, new wellness trends alert!
As the end of 2023 approaches (welp, where has the time gone!), many of us may find ourselves thinking about the year to come — what will 2024 have in store for us?
The New Year is, of course, a great opportunity to think about making positive changes in our lives. Whether you’re already thinking about your New Year’s resolutions or you’re simply looking for a little inspiration about how to live a little better in 2024, looking at the most popular wellness trends can be a great place to start.
This year, we’ve seen wellness trends like sleep syncing, lymphatic drainage and grounding take off in a big way. Next year promises to bring a few new trends into our wellness radars.
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Specscart’s Health Practitioner, Danielle Pates, analysed Google Trend Data to pinpoint the trends that are most likely to dominate in 2024. So, without further ado, here’s what we can expect to see…
Sustainable gyms
According to Pates, searches for “sustainable gyms” have already gone up by 195.22%. We already know that young people are increasingly concerned about protecting the climate. Studies have shown that Gen Z are more eco-conscious than older generations. And it looks as though the number of young people concerned about the climate is only going to keep rising. In fact, the ONS reports that more than 80% of children aged 8 to 15 are “eager to take action to help the environment.”
It’s inevitable that as more and more of us are actively trying to protect the planet, we will all be trying to make more sustainable choices — and that includes where we workout.
“A sustainable gym works to use energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy, nontoxic cleaning products, whilst reducing its water usage,” Pates says, adding, “The UK is seeking ways to adopt eco-friendly practices in every aspect of their lives, including the gym.’
CBD health
It’s official — CBD is in! CBD, or Cannabidiol, is derived from the cannabis plant, but does not contain THC — the element that makes you feel high and that is illegal in the UK.
For the past few years, CBD products have been slowing rising in popularity thanks to anecdotal evidence that it may help with a range of mental and physical issues including stress, pain, anxiety and insomnia.
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According to Pates, more people than ever are intrigued by CBD, with a 380.08% increase in searches. In 2024, it seems like a lot of people will experiment with CBD, especially now that more studies about potential benefits are being released.
“The idea of incorporating CBD into a wellness routine has been rising in recent years, with celebrity endorsements and mainstream beauty brands integrating it into their products,” she says.
“Recent studies have shown that CBD may reduce chronic pain as it targets the endocannabinoid system in the brain that influences biological functions such as eating, memory, anxiety, and growth,” she adds. “Although the research behind CBD may be limited, its growth in the mainstream market makes it no surprise that it’s set to be one of the biggest wellness trends of 2024.”
Sound baths
Sound baths are exactly what they sound like — bathing in sound. Most sound bath sessions involve a dim, warm, scented room where you can lie down and get cosy and enjoy the sounds of a professional gong player. Sound baths are thought to improve relaxation and decrease stress. They can also be a form of meditation. In a world that is increasingly filled with stimulation from our screens, it’s no wonder more and more people are interested in escaping to a soothing sound bath.
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Pates notes that searches for sound baths have increased by 153.33%. She explains that by using “instruments that are tuned in to specific frequencies,” sounds baths stimulate “the alpha brainwaves that stimulates creativity and the theta brainwave, that works with our learning and memory.”
She adds, “The practice of sound bathing is gaining traction, with studios opening all over the UK, making it set to become a surefire wellness trend of 2024.”
Strength training
Next year, our exercise regimes will be all about building strength. Although the wellness industry has often focused on gentler forms of exercise like yoga or even cosy cardio, it seems that we’ll be taking things up a notch in 2024.
Pates found that searches increased by 315.54%. Next year, we can expect to see strength training treated not as simply a workout, but also as part of a healthy wellness routine. “Much of the UK is partaking in fitness routines to take advantage of its health benefits, not just the physical changes they may bring,” says Pates. “Strength training works to increase bone density as well as cardiovascular health. It can improve sleep, support mental wellbeing and of course, enhance muscle.”
Going alcohol and caffeine-free
The sober-curious movement is still going strong. Studies have shown that young people in the UK are increasingly turning away from alcohol. In fact, one in five young adults don’t drink at all.
Pates predicts that this trend will continue, with searches for “alcohol-free” up by 260.06%. “Many [will] swap afterwork drinks for gym sessions,” she suggests.
A lot of people will also be exploring the benefits of going caffeine-free next year, with searches by by 236.79%. “Eliminating caffeine from your diet can help the body better absorb micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and B vitamins,” she says. “Consuming caffeine up to 6 hours before bed can heavily impact your sleep cycle.”
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Virtual workouts
Finally, you can expect to see a rise of people swapping the gym for a virtual studio. During lockdown, many of us experimented with working out at home, and it seems next year, a lot of people will be going back to their home gyms with the help of virtual workouts.
Searches are up by a staggering 396%. “Virtual workouts allow participants to integrate their wellness routine into their everyday lives, providing constant flexibility,” she says.
As the quality and even interactivity of virtual workout classes continues to improve, it’s easy to see why so many people are opting to exercise in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
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