This year, wellness trends dominated social media and everyone wanted to join in. Sleepmaxxing emerged as a way to improve sleep quality, while celebrities have embraced treatments such as cryotherapy and red light therapy for their rejuvenating benefits. Here are the top trends that have everyone talking, from self-care to cutting-edge treatments.
Monk fasting
This 36-hour water-only fast, inspired by ancient practices, is said to help with weight control. It became a hot topic in January after then British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed that he had been fasting for 36 hours at the start of each week. Those who practice it believe it improves insulin sensitivity and gut health, but experts warn it can be dangerous for pregnant women and people with certain conditions, such as diabetes.
Ozempic for weight loss?
Ozempic, traditionally used as a diabetes medication, has become a hot topic because of its use for weight loss. Public figures such as American talk show host Oprah Winfrey and director Karan Johar drew attention to its use. Although it has appetite suppressant properties, there have been concerns about side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Red light therapy
What if a little red light could brighten your skin and speed up its recovery? Red light therapy was once limited to luxury spas, but in 2024, thanks to celebrities like actor Samantha, it’s become mainstream. It uses low level red light to improve skin tone, reduce inflammation. Several studies have shown that it also improves sleep, athletic performance, and faster muscle recovery after exercise.
Sealing the mouth
While this viral trend started this year, the 2020 study in Name magazine showed that mouth breathing during sleep increases snoring. Endorsed by actors such as Gwyneth Paltrow, it involves the use of a special breathable tape to promote nasal breathing, reduce snoring, improve oral health and improve sleep quality. Experts also believe it helps lower blood pressure and filters allergens while you sleep.
Sleepmaxxxing
Sleepmaxxing refers to the practice of optimizing sleep by focusing on quantity and quality through a quiet environment and reducing screen time. The trend, which started after influencers started talking about it, involves the use of sleep-enhancing tools like mouth tape, sleep trackers, jaw straps, and supplements like magnesium oil, melatonin, and ashwagandha.
Cryotherapy
Vacation took on a whole new meaning in 2024. Wellness enthusiasts like internet personality Shalini Passi have ventured into cryotherapy, a technique that uses extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue to rejuvenate skin, reduce inflammation and increase circulation. From cold facial rollers to full-body cryo cameras, he has amassed over two million views on Instagram.
