These Are The Top Wellness Trends To Keep Your Eye On In 2019
Whether it’s the food we eat to the products we use, there’s no question that, as a society, we are more health-conscious than ever before. Deborah Weinswig, a global retail analyst, may have hit the nail on the head when she told Forbes that “consumers are placing more value than ever before on wellness.” Certainly they are. And that’s in large part thanks to the millions of Americans who are eager to eat, sleep, sweat and live better.
But as with any industry, the sheer number of fads that come and go in the spirit of living well can feel pretty overwhelming, especially at the start of a new year. So to simplify the process, we dove into all things wellness and created our very own list of top trend predictions for 2019.
First up: digital fitness.
While it’s no secret that gyms and studios tend to see an influx in post holiday attendance, this year may reveal a change in the way consumers are enjoying their workout experience. Merging our communal affinity for fitness with the ever evolving functions of technology, a number of companies are thinking outside of the box for the future.
In 2018 industry heavyweight Peloton expanded its offering beyond an indoor spin bike and cycling program to include a state-of-the-art treadmill known as Peloton Tread. Through these systems users can access live workouts with top instructors right from the comfort of their homes.
However, that’s not all. In an effort to satisfy the needs of those who may not have the space or budget for large workout equipment, Peloton launched a virtual sweat app that provides users with access to more than 10,000 classes, many of which can be done without any gym equipment at all.
While Peloton may be leading the charge, they are certainly not the only name making waves in the world of wellness. In fact, Mirror, a New York based start up, recently launched an at home device that functions as both a sleek mirror and an interactive workout screen. Through the mirror users can stream classes directly from the company’s Manhattan studio with 50+ live workouts added weekly.
So what does this mean for the future of fitness? Well if these two examples are any indication of what’s to come, the wait for a treadmill at your local gym may be a bit shorter by 2020.
Next on our list: CBD oil.
If you haven’t had a chance to dive into the buzz surrounding this increasingly popular, natural remedy, let us break things down.
A concentrated version of the cannabidiol compound, CBD is one of over 60 natural chemicals found in the cannabis sativa plant. While CBD can be derived from either marijuana or hemp, it is important to note that it interacts with the body in entirely different ways than THC and is considered by experts to be totally non-intoxicating. AKA, it won’t get you high.
Though the cannabis plant has fallen victim to decades of misunderstanding, it seems that CBD may finally be changing some minds. In fact, according to Medical News Today studies are beginning to indicate that cannabinoids have a wide range of health benefits and are incredibly anti-inflammatory by nature. While much of this research is still in its preliminary stages, Gretchen Lidicker, who is an editor at Mindbodygreen and the author of Everyday Secrets of CBD Oil, notes that this is a positive step toward providing people with alternative remedies to a range of health issues.
In September of 2018, the cannabis research firm Brightfield Group projected that the CBD industry could reach up to $22 billion in market size by 2022. It’s no wonder that even big business brands like Coca Cola are hoping to get on board.
While CBD is becoming increasingly available as a supplement in the form of topicals, tinctures, edible items and beauty products, it isn’t the only remedy taking center stage this year. In fact, our next predicted trend is one that you can score online and as of recently, even at your local Sephora.
Enter: adaptogenic mushrooms.
Not to be confused with the mushrooms you throw in a salad or the ones that cause hallucinations, ancient medicinal mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps have been used for centuries to aid in immune health, stress reduction and concentration. And while the jury is still out on whether or not these little remedies will change your life, major brands like Four Sigmatic are helping the masses to try some for themselves.
So, how do you get your hands on a daily dose of adaptogens? Well, you can start with your morning cup of Joe. That’s right, mushroom coffee is the latest craze to hit the world of wellness. However if java isn’t your thing, you can also score medicinal mushrooms in the form of superfood blends, elixirs and matcha mixes- just be sure to consult with a medical doctor if you have any questions.
Another trend we’re thrilled to see gaining some steam? The social media cleanse.
Whether for a day or a week, regularly stepping away from your feed is becoming a celebrated self-care practice. It is so popular, in fact, that even well-known influencers are jumping on board. In a piece written for Well + Good, entrepreneur and celebrity healer Kelsey Patel described her 40 day detox from social media as a surprisingly difficult experience. However, once she moved beyond her fears of losing work or becoming irrelevant in her field, she was able to reconnect with her value as a human being, and that sounds pretty powerful to us.
Rounding out our list for 2019 is a theme that just about everyone can get behind: sleep.
While the benefits of quality rest are well documented, further research is beginning to link poor sleep with troublesome health issues including weight gain, anxiety, depression, inflammation and heart disease. These ongoing findings have led us to believe that sleep hygiene is going to be a major topic of discussion this year. From essential oils and meditation to products that effectively block blue light, dialogue, research and innovation are set to bring us one step closer to achieving better sleep, and as a result, better health.
In all, it’s important remember that no matter what the year or the trend, feeling your best is an entirely personal experience. And while the world of wellness is a fun and exciting one to explore, it is not designed to provide a one size fits all approach to health. If you are interested in testing out any of the products on this list be sure to consult a medical doctor to ensure that it is the right decision for you.
By: Sam Maracic
