When we hit the gym or fitness studio, we often picture ourselves in head-to-toe spandex, sweating it out to get the perfect beach body. But that’s not the only way to stay healthy and fit.
Well, if the wellness trends in 2023 are anything to go by, people are now looking for more holistic and often fun ways to keep in trim. Here’s a roundup of some top wellness trends you might want to try this year:
1. Micro Workouts
Who said you have to spend hours at the gym to stay in shape? Why not try out micro workouts instead? Yes, you can squeeze in a quick 5-minute workout during your lunch break or on the bus ride home – but be prepared for weird stares from fellow commuters.
Mostly, we claim time is the barrier to getting fit. Well, micro workouts let you overcome this obstacle, meaning you can still get your daily dose of physical activity.
This could mean a low-intensity yoga session before bed, a 5-minute HIIT circuit in the office, a quick dance routine to get your creative juices flowing, a jump-rope routine during your lunch break, or a set of squats in between meetings – whatever ruffles your truffles. The idea is to make workouts fun so you don’t skip leg day while adding more movement to your daily routine.
2. Sleep Synching
Forget about counting sheep to fall asleep. This year, people are discovering the power of sleep synching: a practice that entails reworking your slumber pattern to coincide with the natural cycle of your biological clock.
Ideally, having a regular sleep schedule makes it easier to fall asleep as your body gets used to a specific bedtime routine. Thus, the more regular your pattern, the easier it’ll be to catch those Zs.
If you’ve been sleeping in on weekends hoping to catch up on lost sleep, it’s time to rethink your approach. Consider ditching the snooze button to establish a regular bedtime and wake-up routine. This way, you’ll get the restful sleep your body needs.
3. Being Sober Curious
It’s no secret that alcohol consumption is linked to many health issues, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and liver damage. The sober curious trend has become quite popular for many people exploring ways to get a grip on their drinking habits. It’s all about being mindful of our relationship with alcohol and understanding when to say “no” or “not right now.”
For instance, you might explore other non-alcoholic alternatives, such as mocktails. Or, you can use the power of self-reflection to become more emotionally aware of the reasons driving your drinking behavior.
By so doing, you’ll be more equipped to make healthier decisions about alcohol and get more control over it. Do away with the hangover, and cheers to a healthier lifestyle.
4. Facial Yoga
For some people, doing yoga can be unappealing as it typically involves weird and uncomfortable body contortions. Many have difficulty pushing themselves to try new positions, especially if they are more advanced in their practice.
Enter facial yoga – a trend that involves facial massage and exercises to reduce wrinkles and improve muscle tone. The idea is to use your fingers or knuckles to help you relax your facial muscles and promote circulation. Likewise, simple facial movements like raising your eyebrows, frowning, opening your mouth wide, or smiling can help boost collagen production, which helps keep your skin looking nice and smooth.
If you’re a yoga newbie, facial yoga lets you experiment with the practice. And don’t worry – no special equipment or clothing is necessary. Simply relax and contract your facial muscles and feel the burn…in a good way.
5. Mouth Taping
This might sound a bit like a hostage situation, but trust us, it can do wonders for your breathing. Mouth taping is a therapeutic approach requiring specialized adhesive tape to secure the mouth shut before hitting the sack.
The goal is to train yourself to breathe through your nose, which keeps your nasal passages open and humid and encourages deep sleep. Plus, nasal filters help reduce respiratory irritation caused by air pollutants and allergens. Besides, your nose is better configured for breathing than the mouth, implying this approach can improve the quality of your sleep.
Granted, this approach might work for everyone. But if you’re interested in giving it a whirl, consult with your doctor first to discuss the potential benefits and potential risks.
These wellness practices are all the rage, and for a good reason – they can help you maximize your sleep and well-being. Give them a try to see which approach offers the results you have in mind.
