I’m Dani Blum, a reporter on the Well desk, filling in for Jancee Dunn today. Part of my job is making sense of the endless array of wellness trends that take over the internet. Some days, that means chasing down the answers to age-old questions; other days, I’m investigating new products.
As we slip into summer, and the second half of the year, let’s look back at the health trends that have defined 2024 so far.
Water, water, everywhere
The water wars are here, and they are vicious — thanks, #Watertok. There’s a fierce online community extolling the benefits of hydration and igniting debates over just how much water people need to drink each day and whether plain old H2O is enough.
So how — and how often — should you refill your water bottle? There’s no one right answer for everyone, and most people can stay hydrated by just reaching for water when they feel thirsty. But watch out for the black gunk that can collect at the bottom of your water bottle — if you’re wondering if that’s mold, the answer (sorry) is yes.
Gut health gets a glow up
Products that claim to heal and hack your gut have become a staple of wellness culture. In 2024, the gut has gotten a glow up: Pastel cans of prebiotic sodas have popped up on store shelves; the microbiome has gone mainstream; and people are adding apple cider vinegar into their drinks, hoping to cure acid reflux.
Amid all the hype, gastroenterologists want to clarify a few things: namely, that there are ways to help the gut, but few are trendy. Eat plenty of fiber, limit processed foods and lower stress to keep your belly happy and healthy.
Gyms get fancy
This spring, Equinox announced a new program with a startling price tag: For $40,000 a year, clients could sign up for a longevity program complete with exercise, nutrition and sleep coaching. Some high-end exercise chains have also launched personalized programs for people taking medications like Ozempic, to stop them from losing too much muscle mass while on the drugs.
While gym programs may be getting fancier, there are plenty of ways to step up your workout that are fast and free of charge. We’ve reported on several exercise programs that you can do in 20 minutes or under, including a core workout, a HIIT routine that’s easy on your joints and, my personal favorite, an eight-and-a-half-minute workout to bring you joy.
Our year of rest and relaxation
“Hurkle-durkling” is more than a collection of vowels — the Scottish phrase became popular on social media this year, as people discovered a new term for lingering in bed.
People also embraced the joys of resting on the floor. For a “floor person,” as some branded themselves online, lying flat on the floor is a way to stay grounded.
Others have reached for something (only slightly) stronger to help them rest. I reported earlier this year on the so-called sleepy girl mocktail, a homemade blend of tart cherry juice, seltzer and magnesium that many influencers said was the secret to better sleep. The placebo effect is strong, and the drink may work for some. But many, including a sleep expert I spoke to, were left only with leftover jugs of cherry juice in their fridges.
There are, however, some time-tested tricks for better sleep. Sleep doctors encourage people to create a buffer between daily responsibilities and bedtime: Give yourself some time, ideally without a screen, to wind down with a podcast, a knitting project or a coloring book. Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can also help.
One sleep specialist I interviewed gave me a helpful tip to crush the afternoon slump without caffeine — one that’s especially summer-friendly. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, stick your head in the freezer to get a jolt of energy.
Here’s to an energizing rest of 2024.
Ghosting seems inevitable. Does it have to be?
It’s a cliché of modern dating: Everyone has a story of being ghosted, and everyone has a (perhaps regrettable) story about going dark on a date. Catherine Pearson provides a primer on how to handle ghosting, and offers better alternatives to vanishing on the person you are seeing.
Read the article: Ghosting Is an Inescapable Part of Dating. Is It Ever OK?
Just how healthy is watermelon?
Very! Caroline Hopkins explains how the fruit of the summer can keep you hydrated, among other juicy benefits.
Read the article: How Healthy Is Watermelon?
The Week in Well
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