Wellness Trends You Couldn’t Escape on Social Media This Year

This year, wellness trends dominated social media, and everyone was eager to join in on the buzz. Sleepmaxxing has become a go-to solution for improving sleep quality, while celebrities have embraced treatments like cryotherapy and red light therapy for their rejuvenating benefits. From self-care routines to cutting-edge therapies, here are the top trends that have everyone talking.

Monk’s Fast

From optimizing sleep to celebrity-approved treatments, here’s a look at some wellness trends that have been making waves on social media.

Inspired by ancient practices, this 36-hour water-only fast is said to help with weight management. It became a hot topic in January after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed he was undertaking a 36-hour fast at the start of each week. Those who practice it believe it improves insulin sensitivity and gut health, but experts warn it may not be safe for pregnant women and people with certain conditions like diabetes.

Ozempic to lose weight?

Traditionally used as a diabetes medication, Ozempic has become a hot topic due to its use for weight loss. Public figures like American talk show host Oprah Winfrey and filmmaker Karan Johar have drawn attention to its use. Although it has appetite suppressant properties, concerns have been raised about its side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain.

Red light therapy

What if a little red light could illuminate your skin and promote its recovery? Once limited to luxury spas, red light therapy has become mainstream in 2024, thanks to celebrities like actress Samantha. It uses low-intensity red light to improve skin tone and reduce inflammation. Several studies have shown that it also improves sleep, sports performance and faster muscle recovery after exercise training.

Mouth recording

Although this viral trend took off this year, a 2020 study published in a journal found that mouth breathing during sleep increases snoring. Championed by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, it involves using a special breathable strip to promote nasal breathing, reduce snoring, improve oral health and improve sleep quality. Experts also suggest that it helps lower blood pressure and filter allergens during sleep.

Sleepmaxxing

Sleepmaxxing refers to the practice of optimizing one’s sleep by focusing on quantity and quality in quiet environments and reducing screen time. This trend, which took off after influencers started talking about it, involves the use of sleep-enhancing tools like mouth tape, sleep trackers, jaw straps, and supplements like coconut oil. magnesium, melatonin and Ashwagandha.

Cryotherapy

Relaxing has taken on a whole new meaning in 2024. Wellness enthusiasts such as internet personality Shalini Passi have opted for cryotherapy, a technique that uses extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue to refresh the skin, reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation. From cold facial rollers to full-body cryogenic chambers, he’s racked up over two million views on Instagram.