Three New Wellness Trends You Need to Try in 2017
So we’re nearly three weeks into 2017…how are those resolutions coming along? If you’re already feeling defeated, perhaps it’s time to try a different approach? This year, we’ve decided to forgo the abstract goals to get in shape/eat healthier/step up our workouts/etc. and instead we’re looking to the hottest new wellness trends for inspo. Predictions forecasting the most buzzworthy trends of 2017 are everywhere right now, but we looked beyond the hype and identified three top wellness trends that you’ll want to turn into New Year’s resolutions right this minute!
STAYING IN IS THE NEW GOING OUT
When it comes to the topic of well-being, right now it seems like everybody is talking about the Danish cultural tradition of hygge. While there is no literal translation for the word, hygge essentially refers to a feeling of being warm, cozy and content. And who doesn’t love that?
With an emphasis on relaxing – either solo or with your favourite peeps – in the comfort of your home, hygge is about embracing that comforting feeling you get from nesting. You can try this wellness trend on for size in any of a number of different ways: add a touch of hygge to your home, incorporate a few hygge elements into your wardrobe or whip up a hygge-inspired feast. From lit candles and fireplaces to fuzzy blankets and mulled wine, hygge a form of self-care that we can definitely get behind!
LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE
When we think of exercise, most of us tend to focus on the part that involves sweating and hard work – you know, the part that yields results. While blocking off several hours in your busy schedule each week to work on your fitness is indeed important, when do you carve out time for recovery? Probably not as often as you should, which is why we’re loving the recent rise in exercise classes focused solely on recovery and the growing popularity of foam rolling.
Unfortunately, far too many people spend only a few minutes at the end of their workout routine stretching their tired muscles – or worse, they skip the whole cooldown entirely. But after a gruelling barre class or power lifting session, your body actually needs help to rebound. Not only does recovery through dynamic stretching or muscle rolling ensure that you release muscle tightness, but it can aid in circulation, flexibility and preventing muscle imbalances as well.
Still think you don’t have time for stretching or rolling? Remember that what you do after your workout is arguably just as important as what you do during it. Think of it like this: you won’t be able to peddle to the max in your next spin class if your body hasn’t properly recovered from your previous sweat session, so a bit of time spent on recovery now will ensure you can go even harder in the gym next time!
SAY FAREWELL TO STRESS
In the world of wellness trends, adaptogens are the new black. These stress-busting ingredients are found in a small number of herb species, including Siberian ginseng, holy basil and reishi mushrooms. Adaptogens can help boost our adrenal glands, which are constantly under siege from cortisol (AKA the stress hormone), and also aid in strengthening our immune system. While each adaptogen offers different health benefits, they all share one thing in common: they are jam-packed with compounds that bolster your body against the many stressors of our environment.
Some of the most notable adaptogens that have been discovered include ashwagandha, which has been shown in scientific studies to have anti-anxiety effects and reduce cortisol levels, and guduchi, a medicinal shrub native to India that can help combat allergies and has anti-cancer properties. We won’t go into describing all 13 of them in detail (you can find the full rundown on each one here), but know that you can find adaptogens in every shape and form, from teas and tinctures to powders and pills. Definitely consider adding a couple of them to your morning shake or afternoon tea to reap the benefits of these powerful plants!
