Health and wellness have always, and will always be, an important part of life. Whether you are an avid health junkie or more focused on functional health, you’ve probably followed some health and wellness trends in recent years.
Across Europe (and the world), people are adopting better habits and behaviours with improved health status and overall well-being as their end goal. Here are six of the latest health and wellness trends that can help you better care for yourself.
1. Functional Fitness
Many years ago, most people would consider doing housework, tending to the garden, herding animals, and chopping firewood as their daily exercise. Without machines and products that help with daily activities as we have now, every day labour was the substitute for going to the gym.
Lately, functional fitness or in other words, exercises that ready your body for daily activities, have returned as a new health and wellness trend.
Said exercises include squatting, bending, and lifting for when you are moving boxes, picking up a child, or doing the laundry.
Functional fitness helps to improve overall strength, flexibility, and balance to reduce the risk of injuries while completing your daily tasks. Regardless of your fitness level—walking, squats, lunges, and push-ups are all exercises you can add to your functional fitness routine and start doing today!
2. Mindfulness and Meditation
So many people across Europe are doing their best to improve their mental health and reduce stress. Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily life is another popular way to find your inner peace and stay present in every moment.
By engaging in mindfulness and meditation frequently, you may feel less anxious and stressed, become more positive, or experience an improvement in your overall health and wellness.
One of this trend's greatest benefits is that it will only take a few minutes out of your day to make a huge lifestyle change. It could be something as simple as eating your meal mindfully by switching off screens to avoid distractions from other activities. Another example is spending a few minutes to write down what you're grateful for and meditating by repeating positive affirmations in a peaceful setting.
For extra guidance, many companies have websites, apps, and games dedicated to mindfulness and meditation. Do your research and find the resources that appeal to you and best fits your daily routine.
3. Sleep Hygiene
Everyone knows the value of a good night’s sleep — more energy, better concentration, and a more positive mindset — no wonder it has become a health and wellness trend. Sleep hygiene, specifically., refers to habits and behaviours that promote good sleep. For example, avoiding caffeine before bedtime, going to bed at a reasonable time, and creating an environment conducive to better sleep.
Try to improve your sleep hygiene by focusing on one habit or practice at a time, and then adding more as necessary. You could start by going to bed at a certain time every night or swapping out scrolling on social media with a few minutes of meditation.
4. Digital Detox
Today, everyone is connected through technology and reliant on it for all kinds of daily activities like working on a computer, streaming movies, or series, and even for exercise by using fitness trackers.
But constant exposure to technology can be overwhelming and you may need to take a break from it occasionally. This health and wellness trend is called a digital detox. It requires unplugging from technology for some time, be it a few hours or several days.
The idea of a digital detox may induce anxiety for some people because they don’t want to miss out on what’s happening elsewhere, but most people experience a sense of calm and focus when separated from technology.
You could commit fully by embarking on a digital detox from all technology (TV, computers, phones, fitness trackers, and so on) or from only one type of technology. For example, switch off your phone for one hour a day during the week and unplug everything over the weekend. Replace the time spent using technology with activities like meditation, reading, spending time with friends, or exercise.
5. Natural Remedies
Another popular health and wellness trend that has taken Europe by storm is the move toward natural remedies for everyday ailments. In this case, choosing natural sources such as herbs to help improve your health.
Some trending natural remedies include superfoods like sea moss, spirulina, and matcha tea which all have health benefits like improving your heart health, providing an energy boost, and calming the nervous system. Apple cider vinegar may improve heart health, assist with weight loss, and impact glucose levels while Echinacea can strengthen your immune system and help fight off colds.
You may choose to use natural supplements, essential oils, or herbal teas as a first course of action when you aren’t feeling like yourself or to give yourself a general boost. Many products can work well for this, but always remember to consult your physician before taking new supplements and medication (whether natural or chemical).
6. Plant-Based Eating
Plant-based eating continues to increase in popularity, and with good reason! Recent studies indicate that plant-based diets have many benefits. It can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and plant-based eating usually includes foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which boost your overall health.
Some people adopt plants fully by choosing to be vegan or vegetarian. Another popular choice is a flexitarian diet, which focuses on plant-based eating but still allows for occasional meat consumption.
There are many ways to incorporate plant-based eating, even if it’s at a slower pace. For example, you could join the Meatless Monday trend where you focus on skipping meat on Mondays in favour of the more plant-based produce. You could also visit your local farmers market to find some exceptional produce or try out a plant-based restaurant in your neighbourhood.
What Are Your Favourite Health and Wellness Trends?
Health and wellness trends are constantly evolving across Europe. From plant-based eating to sleep hygiene and everything in between, there is no question that these trends can improve your overall well-being and allow you to live a happier, healthier life.
The main aim of any health and wellness trend is to highlight the importance of self-care and to encourage a commitment to living healthier lives. Try to incorporate some of these trends into your routine and see if your quality of life improves.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is for informational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. While these trends may work for some people, they may not be suitable for everyone. We always recommend consulting your primary physician before making changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.
