WELLNESS TRENDS FOR 2024
If you're feeling stressed and at the point of burnout at the moment you are not alone. As a generation, we are working longer, playing harder and three in four of us have felt so stressed in the last year we've felt 'overwhelmed' or 'unable to cope' according to the Mental Health Foundation.
It's no wonder that we are constantly searching for new ways to improve our mental and physical wellbeing. Luckily, there's a lot more to the wellness industry than yoga and scented candles (though we'd recommend both for some quick and effective relaxation time). In fact, there are a thousand different ways to add a sense of wellbeing into your life, but these are the activities and products that the experts say are set to be the biggest trends for 2024...
Family Fittness
One of the ironies of parenthood is that the spaces you long to head to for some relaxation aren't family-inclusive. New family members clubs are changing that, such as Cloud Twelve in London's Notting Hill which offers an array of wellness treatments for adults and the likes of kindness classes for kids. Expect more to pop-up in 2024.
Corporate Wellness
Once upon a time your wellbeing was an individual matter, but companies are now realising that they have a responsibility to look after their employees mental and physical health. MotivatePT founder Kira Mahal reports a significant rise in corporate fitness class bookings, while wellness rooms and treatments are no longer just to be found at the most modern of headquarters.
Clean Eating
Veganism was one of this year's biggest food trends, according to the Vegan Society, and you'd be hard-pressed not to notice the growth in gluten and dairy-free lifestyles too. With this in mind, it's no surprise that bespoke nutrition plans that make eating this way easy and enjoyable are becoming more popular. We'd recommend allplants, Mock (for fans of tofu) and Mindful Chef.
Breathing Classes
We don't often think about it but focusing on your breathing could be the most significant act of self-care; our breath does keep us alive after all. Shallow breathing (breath that comes from your chest not your diaphragm) can really elevate your stress levels too, so head to a class to learn stress-tackling techniques in 2024.
Crystal Healing
2017 may have been the original year of the crystal resurgence, but 2024 is set to be when crystal healing finally becomes mainstream. That's in no small part due to the popularity of the Duchess of Sussex's black onyx and diamond necklace that she wears for protection and love, according to the crystal healer and hypnotherapist Kim Alexis.
Silent Self-Care
Yang Sheng, or 'to nurture life' is an act of Chinese self-care that focuses on taking a moment to slow down and rebalance your life. The practice is really easy to fit into a hectic lifestyle as it can be comprised of one-minute rituals rather than long meditations, says Kay Pennington, the group spa manager at Aqua Sana. To try it, find a quiet place, then take a few deep breaths and smile, using the time to focus on and push away negative thoughts.