Wellness Trends for 2024: 8 Trends Embracing Holistic Well-Being

Welcome to the forefront of holistic wellness, where the landscape of well-being is evolving, and new trends are shaping the way we approach health in 2024. As we navigate the intricacies of physical, mental, and spiritual health, these trends promise a comprehensive and transformative journey towards a healthier, more balanced life.

At ATLAS, we specialise in natural and holistic chiropractic care to improve your well-being. Chiropractic care treats the body as a whole, not just individual parts. Therefore, we believe that delving into the root causes of your health issues and upgrading your lifestyle and daily habits are key to good health. Our philosophy goes beyond providing immediate symptom relief, instead helping you live your best life.

In this article, we delve into some emerging wellness trends, unveiling their definitions and providing insightful examples that showcase their impact on our well-being.

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1. Nervous System Wellness

The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating our body's interactions with the outside world. In addition to the two main systems, the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). A powerful perspective in neuroscience, the Polyvagal Theory, explains how our nervous system responds to safety and danger. This theory provides a framework for understanding the body's autonomic nervous system and its stress reaction. As our understanding of the mind-body connection deepens, more individuals are actively seeking practices that can help regulate and optimize their nervous system, ultimately improving overall well-being.

Examples:

• Chiropractic care: Chiropractic care can benefit the nervous system by reducing interference to nerve impulses travelling between the brain and body.
• Breathwork: Proper breathing can be a major component to effectively managing stress and anxiety, and allows us to self-soothe by activating the part of our nervous system that allows us to calm our mind and bodies down.

2. Longevity Supplements

Longevity enthusiasts and researchers are investigating the potential of NAD supplements to enhance cellular health, and energy production, and ultimately extend the human lifespan. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is present in all living cells and acts as a crucial cofactor, supporting the activity of enzymes involved in fundamental biological processes. This trend reflects a holistic approach to ageing, emphasizing the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive the ageing process.

Examples:

• NAD Supplements: Supporting cellular rejuvenation, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation, eg Tru Niagen

3. Data-Driven Personalized Wellness

Wearable technology is advancing rapidly, providing real-time data on physical activity, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels. By leveraging health data from wearables, electronic health records, and personalised insights, individuals can be empowered to proactively manage their health.  This promotes a proactive approach to maintaining good health.

Examples:

• Wearables: Providing real-time data on physical activity, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels - e.g. Fitbit, Apple Watch
• Personalized Health Recommendations: Using data analytics and AI for tailored nutrition and fitness insights e.g. smart supplements and Data-Driven Fasting

4. Eco-Fitness

Trend Definition:Consumers are actively seeking out brands and products that align with their values, particularly sustainability. Integrating sustainable practices into fitness routines, such as using eco-friendly exercise equipment, energy-efficient facilities, and implementing waste reduction initiatives, is beneficial for both the environment and individuals. To illustrate the positive impact of going green, consider that a mere 1-hour workout can generate more than 200 watts of electricity, and a spin class with 20 participants can produce enough energy to recharge multiple mobile phones for an entire year.

Examples:

• Energy-Efficient Equipment: Harnessing human-generated power during workouts with green machinery. e.g. SportsArt
• Biophilic Design: Incorporating elements like green walls for a harmonious connection with nature.

5. Replacing Coffee for Sustainable Vitality

Caffeine, a widely consumed stimulant, can have various negative effects on the body. These effects may include feelings of anxiety, restlessness, difficulty falling asleep, and an increased heart rate. To reduce dependence on caffeine and promote overall well-being, individuals are exploring alternative sources of energy. One way to achieve sustained vitality is by incorporating natural energy sources such as adaptogenic herbs and superfoods in your diet, as they are known for their ability to provide lasting energy without the crash that often comes with caffeine consumption.

Examples:

• Adaptogenic Elixirs: Offering sustained energy without the drawbacks of traditional stimulants. e.g. Eve Bliss and Wylde One
• Healthy Caffeine Replacements: For those opting for a coffee alternative, there are liquid superfoods that provide a milder, caffeine-free, or less acidic experience. e.g. Matcha, Green Tea and Yerba mate tea

6. Tracking Blood Sugar

This trend promotes stable blood sugar levels for sustained energy, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Research suggests that there are possible applications of tracking blood sugar in health care, wellness and sports. This trend is not just about restrictive diets but rather a holistic approach to nourishing the body and preventing energy crashes, mood swings, and long-term health issues. The importance of blood sugar balance extends beyond diabetes and resonates with a wider audience.

Examples:

• Low-Glycemic Foods: Supporting blood sugar balance for improved function. E.g. green vegetables, most fruits, raw carrots, kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils.
• Innovative Monitoring Devices: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems were initially developed for diabetes patients but are now used by non-diabetic individuals as well. E.g. Nutrisense

7. Strength Training

Moving beyond traditional cardiovascular exercises, the trend emphasizes strength training for improved physical and holistic health. Research shows that strength training can increase metabolism, helping with weight management and fat loss. In addition to its physical benefits, it also contributes to higher bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, which is especially important as our global population ages.  Strength training also serves as a powerful antidote to the sedentary lifestyle that has become increasingly common. As we spend more time hunched over screens, this trend provides a rejuvenating counterbalance by promoting better posture, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues, and enhancing overall flexibility.

Examples:

• Resistance-Based Workouts: Challenge your muscles for increased strength and flexibility at home e.g. Decathlon Resistance Bands
• Personal Training at Gyms: Countering sedentary lifestyles is better overall well-being and it is helpful to work with an expert as you are starting. e.g. Hybrid Gym

8. Comprehensive Sleep Hygiene for Optimal Rest

Sleep is being increasingly recognised as a crucial element of overall well-being. Individuals are now prioritising health-conscious choices, including their sleep routines. To enhance the sleep environment, sleep hygiene is evolving into a holistic approach that incorporates smart sleep technology, personalised routines, and mindfulness practices. It is no longer seen as solely a response to sleep issues, but as a proactive measure to prevent sleep-related problems and promote long-term health.

Examples:

• Smart Sleep Trackers: Providing insights and adapting the sleep environment for enhanced quality. E.g. Oura Ring
• Circadian Rhythm Optimization: Emphasizing consistent sleep schedules for synchronized sleep-wake cycles. E.g. My Circadian Rhythm App
• Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments aim to realign the spine, promote relaxation,  reduce physical tension and target nervous system functions, improving sleep quality.

Conclusion

In 2024, these holistic wellness trends offer a diverse and comprehensive approach to health, reflecting the interconnected nature of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The integration of chiropractic care into these trends further enhances the holistic approach, recognising the body's innate ability to heal and promoting overall wellness. At ATLAS, we are constantly evolving our practice to care for your holistic well-being. Through a mix of physical, mental, and social wellness, we care for your overall health.