Every year, projected trends are outlined in almost every category, and the topic of health and wellness is no exception. Some seem to fizzle out before they get started, others become more ingrained in our culture than anticipated, and a few come full circle, having been a trend several years ago.

Over the last decade, wellness, in its entirety, has been at the top of the leaderboard when looking at all trend categories. As a health professional, it’s important to me to stay informed about what’s happening in the world of health and wellness, which is why I am excited to outline five trends from 2023 that I hope continue to be at the forefront in the wellness space in 2024. 

1.Sleep Syncing. In 2023, sleep hygiene, specifically using the strategy of sleep syncing, became a popular wellness topic. Sleep syncing is the process of aligning your body’s circadian rhythm with your daily routine. Your body’s circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal clock, influenced by dark and light, that controls various functions in the body. 

• Matching up your sleep cycle with your body’s natural clock has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels. If you are looking for where to start, here are a few suggestions: 
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Done consistently, this will signal to your body when it is time for bed and when it is time to be awake. 
• Limit screen time within one hour of going to bed. Research has shown that exposure to screens and light before bed can lower natural melatonin levels. 
• Avoid exercising within two hours of bedtime. Exercising is stimulating. When it is done too close to bedtime, it can impact the body’s ability to fall asleep. 
• Make sure your bedroom environment supports healthy sleep habits. Keeping the bedroom cool, quiet, and dark are a few strategies for creating an optimal sleeping environment. 

2.Mushrooms. Named the ingredient of the year for dishes in 2022, mushrooms have continued to gain popularity through 2023. Mushrooms have several health benefits including supporting your immune system, preventing cell damage, and improving gut health. Just make sure you stick to the mushrooms found in the grocery store or at a local produce market.

One of my favorite ways to incorporate mushrooms into my meals is to make a mushroom and Swiss egg scramble for breakfast. Mushrooms can also be incorporated into lunch or dinner meals. This garlic pasta with sausage and arugula is always a hit. 

3.Exercising for longevity, not weight loss. We are starting to see a shift in how people approach exercise. It’s not just about weight loss anymore; people want to live longer, healthier lives. 

Functional fitness, which is a type of exercise training that helps support day-to-day activities that require movements like squatting, pushing, pulling, bending, is also a type of training people are prioritizing. Therefore, when considering the kind of exercise you want to build into a routine, research, and consumers, are stressing the importance of functional fitness, restorative exercise, and general movement. 

4.Mocktails. Limiting alcohol consumption is becoming less stigmatized and more popularized. Some of the benefits of ordering or making a mocktail, specifically one with healthier ingredients, and skipping the cocktail, are improved sleep, recovery, and improved mood. 

Good news is, if you aren’t a mocktail connoisseur, or are wanting to be more conscious about alcohol consumption when out, restaurants are beginning to offer delicious alcohol-free cocktails more widely.

If you would like to explore creating a mocktail at home, this immune boost mocktail is a blend of deliciousness while also serving a purpose during this time of year when there’s a higher chance of catching a cold or the flu. I like to use Yogi’s Immune and stress support tea when making this mocktail. 

5.Wellness Collective. Over the last three years, opportunities for social connection and in-person events were far and few between. There was also a significant increase in the percentage of the workforce that works remotely. It makes sense that people are now craving connection with others. After all, we are social beings. 

There is value in being around like-minded people as you invest in your health, and it is something that people are desiring in communities. 

If you are looking for ways to build or become part of a wellness collective in your community, here are a few suggestions: 

• Research local exercise studios in the area. Research has shown that the more active you are, the more socially connected you feel. 
• Explore what events are happening in your community. You might be surprised at the variety of options available that provide an opportunity for connecting with others.

My hope is that these wellness trends are here to stay, along with others that will come along with the new year ahead. As we navigate 2024, make sure you prioritize what feels good, spaces that support you and opportunities to continue to grow. 

Sincerely,

Your Wellness